Fisheries is a strategic sector for Tunisia and has great social and economic potential, with average production expected to reach 137,470 tonnes by 2020. With 32% of national landings, small-scale pelagic fisheries occupy a privileged position. These species are caught in the waters of Northeastern Tunisia (GFCM GSA 12 and 13) and account for 18% (8,673 tonnes) of the national production, 80% of which is landed at the port of Kelibia. This study reviewed the small pelagic fisheries’ status in the Northeast of Tunisia (GFCM-GSA 12 & 13) before and after implementing the National Strategy for the Development of Small Pelagic Fisheries (NSDSPF). This process helped to identify, and ultimately recommend corrective measures to ensure long-term exploitation, both the benefits and the obstacles associated with this activity. The results showed that the production of small pelagic fish in Tunisia has experienced several fluctuations over the last 28 years (1991–2019) after the NSDSPF was set up. The successful establishment of small pelagic fisheries in the Northeast of Tunisia (Kelibia region) depends on several factors, such as the number of trips, spatial delimitation of fishing areas, characteristics of the purse seiners, and number of processing and conservation factories. In addition, we drew attention to the overexploitation of the traditional small-scale pelagic fishing areas in the Northeast of Tunisia and the orientation towards new offshore marine fishing areas. To optimise the exploitation of small pelagic fish in Northeastern Tunisian waters, we strongly recommend the implementation of a coherent development plan.