Outlook on the fisheries policy reform in Egypt and the draft of the new fisheries law. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samy-Kamal, Mohamed
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 120(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Fisheries management -- Fisheries governance -- Fisheries policy -- Egyptian fisheries -- Sustainable fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: Egyptian fisheries are in decline, which is usually a sign of overfishing. Even though some fishing regulations in Egypt exist on paper, compliance and enforcement are often lacking. Recently, the Egyptian government undertook reforms of the main fisheries legal framework. This paper examines these reforms by presenting key modifications and the articles added into this new fisheries law. The new law seeks to unify all legislation regulating fishing as well as the existing management bodies. This law will define the Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), which allows Egypt to manage fishing within a distance of up to the equidistant median line with Cyprus in the Mediterranean and with Saudi Arabia and Israel in the Red Sea. In addition the new law implements the creation of a Marine Communication Center (MCC) to trace the activities of fishing vessels. The reinforcement of sanctions in the new law and the establishment of the MCC could help to reduce IUU activities and violations of regulations. However, the law lacks clear long-term objectives to ensure fisheries sustainability and to guide the decision-making process. The last section includes some reflections on how the implementation of the new fisheries law could improve the situation towards more sustainable fisheries. Highlights: Egyptian fisheries are in decline both in the Mediterranean and the Red Seas. Regulations in Egypt exist, but compliance and enforcement are often lacking. This paper examines the legal reform in the Egyptian fisheries law. A new Marine Communication Center will be established to trace fishing vessels. Tougher sanctions in the new law would help to reduce the IUU and violations.