Suspension of Fishing Activities in the Mediterranean

• Complete suspension of all fishing activities for all crafts without exception, including juvenile fish fishing, in the Mediterranean during May, with a review of the period based on achieved results.
• Establishment of a lending system for fishermen during suspension periods.

Formation of the Review Committee

The committee for reviewing fishing regulations and publications in the Mediterranean was formed as follows:
Chair: Dr. Ahmed Abdel Wahab Branah
Rapporteur: Engineer Magd El-Bawab
Secretary: Mohamed Salah Sharaf
Members: Ahmed Awad Hawalah, Ahmed Abu El-Ghareeb, Hassan El-Qashawy, Hassan Massad Abdel Aal, Abdel Fattah Mohamed Ragab, Ibrahim Gomaa, Ragab Ibrahim, Mohamed Abdel Rabah Shahin, Ahmed Yous Els Heitami, Ahmed Elsayed Khamis, Mohamed Abdel Salam Mekky, Ibrahim Abdel Salam Oweinat, Sami Mohamed Bahiry, Mohamed Ahmed Ghazy.

The committee held a preparatory meeting to discuss its working method and agreed on the following:

• Each member receives a copy of the Chairman’s decisions regarding the Mediterranean.
• All previous decisions issued by the General Authority for Fish Resources regarding the Mediterranean are reviewed and opinions are gathered after consulting fishermen in different locations.
• Decisions and publications were cataloged and distributed to committee members for review before proposing amendments and recommendations.

Decisions and Publications Reviewed

Decisions:

1. Chairman Decision No. 144/1988
2. Chairman Decision No. 16/1989
3. Chairman Decision No. 174/1989
4. Chairman Decision No. 193/1991
5. Chairman Decision No. 146/1992
6. Chairman Decision No. 342/1992
7. Chairman Decision No. 432/1992
8. Chairman Decision No. 82/1996
9. Chairman Decision No. 175/2000
10. Minister of Agriculture Decision No. 376/2000

Publications:

1. Publication No. 19/1996
2. Publication No. 11/1996

Several meetings were held where each article of previous decisions was read, discussed, and amended if necessary.

Observations

1. Variation in fishing ban months due to insufficient studies—scientific bodies should integrate these studies into programs.
2. Diverse perspectives among fishermen groups, especially regarding bans—decisions should rely on scientific recommendations discussed with cooperative unions and authorities.
3. No assessment of ban periods on next-year production—field surveys are suggested.
4. Concerns about published production data—need for statistical systems based on sampling.
5. Lack of strict enforcement, favoritism, and exceptions undermining decisions—e.g., new ship licenses.
6. Involvement of fishermen representatives in decision-making ensures more effective implementation.

Committee Proposals

1. Fishing Ban Period:
2. • All fishing activities for all crafts, including juvenile fishing, to be suspended in May 2002. Reassessment will follow results; any exceptions nullify the suspension.
2. New Fishing Licenses:
3. • Suspension of new licenses for trawling and "Shanshola" fishing in the Mediterranean and Red Sea; review every 5 years.
   • Only replacements for consumed vessels or vessels over 500 HP allowed.

Craft Specifications in the Mediterranean:

• Coastal trawlers: mesh 35
• Shanshola: 28–32
• "Jarwal" trawl: minimum 16
• Sack trawl: 38
• Ban on "Joufa" and "Hebla" crafts
• Addition of other crafts for licensing: Kadamiya, Sardine, etc.

General Recommendations

1. Marine Science Institute (Mediterranean branch) to determine ban periods and prepare fish distribution maps.
2. Facilitate enforcement for border guards through regular coordination meetings.
3. Verify fishery statistics using sampling methods and gather economic data for evaluating social/economic impacts.
4. Survey impact of bans on production.
5. Lending system for small fishermen during bans.
6. Involve cooperatives, border guards, and Marine Science Institute in decision preparation.
7. Study increase in “Senar” vessel power and its effect on stocks.
8. Review recommendations in the main committee for potential updates to Fishing Law No. 124/1983.
9. Address obstacles faced by Arab institutions in supporting fisheries trade due to financial constraints, risk concentration, and lack of information