Amel Mzoughi Aldeek: the voice of sustainable Aquaculture
Marine biotechnologist, fisheries and environmental engineer, and sustainable aquaculture specialist Amel Mzoughi Aldeek has spent fifteen years learning, researching, and working to make marine aquaculture more sustainable and environmentally responsible. From an early stage, she believed that human activities must respect ecosystems to ensure a true win-win balance. Guided by this conviction, she has continuously sought to bridge scientific knowledge with practical solutions to support the sustainability of marine aquaculture.
Her strongest inspiration came from Ireland, where her first salmon conservation training shaped her vision and motivated her to contribute actively to national marine planning initiatives in Tunisia. Over the years, Amel has built a career driven by science, passion, and purpose.
In this interview, she reflects on her motivations, the challenges she has faced, and her hopes for the next generation of women in marine science.
“Her inspiration came during an early training experience in Ireland, where I witnessed how salmon farming and river conservation could coexist. That moment showed me the importance of balancing production with ecosystem protection. It became the foundation of my professional philosophy developing aquaculture that nourishes people while safeguarding marine biodiversity.”
That philosophy led her into marine spatial planning, where science and environmental ethics meet.
“Her role involves planning and assessing marine aquaculture zones, analyzing environmental and technical data, and supporting national strategies for sustainable aquaculture development.”
Her work connects research, mapping, and on-the-ground collaboration, a blend that defines her impact in Tunisia and across the Mediterranean region.
Overcoming Waves and Barriers
For Amel, the sea hasn’t always been calm. She speaks openly about the gender barriers she faced early in her career:
“Yes, especially at the start of my career when working offshore or leading technical operations in male-dominated environments. There were moments when I had to prove my technical credibility twice as hard. Over time, through persistence and results, I gained recognition for my expertise. Those experiences taught me resilience and the importance of mentoring other women entering the field.”
She also points to a broader challenge in the sector:
“One major concern is the limited visibility of women in technical and decision-making positions. Although more women are entering the field, leadership representation remains low. Promoting inclusive training, mentorship networks, and equitable recognition is essential for creating balanced and innovative teams in the marine sector.”
Achievements that Leave a Mark
Among her proudest accomplishments is her contribution to establishing Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZAs) in Tunisia.
“This work combined field data, GIS models, and environmental assessment to support evidence-based decision-making, a key step toward sustainable blue growth nationally.”
She also published with a team of Tunisian researchers the first spatial suitability analysis for offshore finfish aquaculture in Tunisia, published in Regional Studies in Marine Science (2025).
Mzoughi, A., Romdhane, N., Azaza, M.S. (2025). Spatial suitability analysis for finfish aquaculture: A case study from the center-east coast of Tunisia. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 87, 104225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104225
“ The study delivers a major breakthrough for Mediterranean aquaculture by using a rigorous multi-criteria spatial model to pinpoint the most suitable and sustainable zones for marine fish farming in high-pressure coastal areas. This adaptable, participatory, and ecosystem-based approach provides a strategic tool for Tunisia and a transferable model for other Mediterranean countries seeking to balance aquaculture growth with marine conservation and local acceptance.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Women
Amel’s words to young women in marine sciences are both empowering and grounded in experience:
“Believe in your technical competence and let your work speak for itself. Build interdisciplinary skills, from GIS and environmental analysis to communication and project management. Seek mentors, engage in regional networks, and stay curious. Most importantly, never let stereotypes define your limits; the ocean needs diverse perspectives to ensure its sustainable future.”
“Start by gaining solid scientific and technical foundations, but don’t overlook soft skills like teamwork, communication, and adaptability. The marine world is interdisciplinary engineers, biologists, and data scientists all play a part. Stay connected to international platforms, and remember that every contribution, no matter how small, helps protect our oceans and shape sustainable futures.”
Amel Mzoughi Aldeek’s journey is a reminder that the sea rewards those who approach it with both science and sincerity. Her career stands as proof that sustainability isn’t just a technical goal, it’s a philosophy of respect, balance, and shared responsibility.
Amel Mzoughi Aldeek: the voice of sustainable Aquaculture
