When a traditional mutual aid system transforms a creek into a fishing shelter

In Algeria, fishermen have transformed a simple landing site into a fishing shelter capable of accommodating over 300 boats. A project born from a “touiza,” this tradition of collective assistance that mobilizes residents, volunteers, and donors around a common goal. Spokesperson for the El Koss cooperative*, Hocine Saïdi explains how this initiative has profoundly changed fishing activities and allowed hundreds of families to make a living from it.

AI Index: Mediterranean Knowledge Library
When a traditional fund transforms a cove into a fishing shelter
22-med – June 2026
• In Dellys, a touiza enables the construction of a fishing shelter capable of accommodating over 300 boats.
• From traditional mutual aid to social and solidarity economy, the El Koss cooperative sustainably transforms local fishing activities.
#algeria #fishing #touiza #solidarity #socialeconomy #cooperative #coastline

Dellys is famous for its kasbah built by the Andalusians and for the quality of the olive oil from its hinterland. Located 90 kilometers east of Algiers, this seaside town is also known for the rich fishery resources of its coast, an asset that has enabled the development of fishing.

A protection that has become essential

In 2013, fishermen from El Koss, a small cove near Dellys, decided to build a breakwater to protect their boats from storms. At the time, this landing site could barely accommodate about fifteen boats. “With the enthusiasm for traditional fishing, the space became cramped. And since it was very exposed, the boats regularly suffered damage during bad weather. We made several attempts to build protections, but they were destroyed,” explains Hocine Saïdi, spokesperson and treasurer of the El Koss cooperative.

The fishermen do not give up. They understand that a simple breakwater will have no effect against natural elements and that only a solid infrastructure consisting of a platform and reinforced by rockfill can protect their boats. They think big and decide to launch the construction of a fishing shelter capable of accommodating over three hundred small trades.

Solidarity as the driving force of the project