It is with great regret that we have to announce the passing away of Dr. Nizar Tawfiq, the much loved and admired Secretary General of PERSGA, on Saturday 23 August 2003. Dr. Tawfiq will go down in history as a visionary and tireless worker for humanity and the planet. He was one of the founders of environmental conservation within the Arab region. Through his leadership and inspiration, he has advanced sustainable development and laid the foundations for national and international organizations. Dr. Tawfiq was born in the mountain city of Taif. After graduating with a degree in Chemistry and Geology from the University of Riyadh he completed a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Birmingham in England in 1971. Returning to his homeland he began his illustrious career as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education in Mekkah before rapid promotion to the position of Dean at the Faculty of Science in King Abdul Aziz University (KAU), Jeddah. After a brief period as Professor of Organic Chemistry at KAU, Professor Tawfiq was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Meteorology and Environmental Studies. University life came to an end in 1983 when Dr. Tawfiq was appointed as Director General of the National Meteorology and Environmental Centre. In 1988 he became the Vice President of MEPA (Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration) and in 1997 took over the role of President. Dr. Tawfiq’s role on the world stage has been no less impressive; he has made a hugely valuable contribution to the promotion of regional and international environmental initiatives. He was a key member of the Saudi Arabian delegation that drafted and presented the working papers that led to the signing and eventual ratification of the Regional Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment with its attached Protocol in 1982. Since 1987 he worked tirelessly for the benefit of the environment and the citizens of the region as the Secretary General of PERSGA, the Organization he helped to establish through the Convention. An innovator and partnership builder, Dr. Tawfiq guided PERSGA in continued cooperation with ALECSO, UNESCO and UNEP establishing joint programmes and projects for the marine environment and coastal habitats. His significant leadership and role as negotiator and international mediator was central to the initiation and realization of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (SAP), a multi-million dollar project funded by the GEF implementing agencies (UNDP, UNEP and World Bank) and the Islamic Development Bank. As chief architect of this carefully planned initiative, he has made the single largest contribution to regional marine conservation in recent history. Alongside his tireless efforts for PERSGA, Dr. Tawfiq remained closely in touch with meteorology as the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) from 1997 to 2002, and Saudi Arabia’s Principal Delegate to the 13th Session of the World Meteorological Congress in Geneva. His research on climate change and stratospheric ozone between 1992 and 1998 led him to several meetings of the UNEP/WMO Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in his capacity as Saudi Arabia’s Delegate. During his distinguished career Dr. Tawfiq has featured in many prestigious posts in various international organizations such as the INECE (International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement), and ACOPS (Advisory Committee on Protection of the Sea). Dr. Tawfiq helped to establish and was a member of the Board of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD); he was an active member in CEDARE (Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe) and was a member of the Council of our sister organization ROPME (Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment) in Kuwait. Dr. Tawfiq was the consummate professional; a leader of great stature but also of great humility. His ready smile and attention to his colleagues’ questions greatly endeared him to them. Dr. Tawfiq leaves a widow and four children. He will be sorely missed not only by his immediate family but by the whole family of fortunate individuals who were privileged to meet with him and to benefit from his wisdom and foresight.
The first part of the history of the establishment of the Union
Establishment of the Cooperative Union for Fisheries Wealth
On 19/12/1959, the following fishing cooperative associations met to establish a nationwide Cooperative Union for Fisheries Wealth, including all fishermen’s associations:
Fuad Ahmed Hedia – Cooperative Association of Mechanical Fishing Vessel Owners, Port Said
Saleh Mohamed Ahmed – Al-Qabouty Fishermen Cooperative Association
Ahmed Mohamed Abu Awad – Cooperative Association of Mechanical and Sailing Fishing Vessel Owners, Suez
Al-Husseini Mohamed Kamouna – Adko Fishermen Cooperative Association
Al-Sayed Ali Youssef Saada – Burullus Fishermen Cooperative Association
Mohamed Youssef Sediq – Port Said Fishermen Cooperative Association
A temporary founders’ committee was formed consisting of:
Fuad Ahmed Hedia – Port Said Mechanical Fishing Vessel Association
Saleh Mohamed Ahmed – Al-Qabouty Fishermen Association
Ahmed Mohamed Abu Awad – Suez Fishing Vessel Association
The committee was responsible for completing all procedures of establishment and announcing it.
The specialized Cooperative Union for Fisheries Wealth was registered at the Ministry of Social Affairs under No. 21 of 1960 and published in the Egyptian Gazette, Issue [66], dated 25 August 1960.
On 25/10/1960, the temporary founders’ committee met at the office of Mr. Fuad Ahmed Hedia, chaired by him, with Mr. Saleh Mohamed Ahmed as secretary and Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Abu Awad as member. The committee decided to call the first general assembly of the union to convene at 6:00 PM on Thursday, 10/11/1960, at the temporary headquarters of the union in Zahraa Building No. 7, Garden City, Cairo, to consider the following agenda:
The Second Part – History of the Establishment of the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth
In session No. (16) on 17/9/1962, the death of the late Dr. Mohamed Kamal El-Din Barakat was announced.
In session No. (15) on 6/1/1964, the council announced the death of the late Dr. Mohamed Abdel Ghani.
At the General Assembly meeting of the Union on 25/5/1964, Hassan Mahmoud Komna (Beheira Governorate) and Adel Ahmed El-Zein (Alexandria) were re-elected as members, while the vacant seat for Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate was postponed. It was also decided to approve the election of Mohamed Saleh Abdel Kafi and Mr. Mohamed Helmy Abdel Ghani as expert members of the council, nominated by the Egyptian General Organization for Aquatic Wealth.
At the Union’s General Assembly on 24/5/1965, Mr. Dawoud Khalil El-Melhat was elected for the Manzala area, replacing Mr. Saleh Mohamed Ahmed, whose term had ended.
At the ordinary General Assembly on 21/6/1965, Mr. Abdel Hamid Mahgoub was elected for the Red Sea area representing Hurghada Association, and Mr. Al-Sayed Ali Youssef Saada for Kafr El-Sheikh.
At the annual General Assembly on 20/6/1966, the following were elected:
Lt. Col. Mostafa Mohamed Mekky – representing the Suez Association of Mechanized and Sailing Fishing Boats, replacing Mr. Ahmed Mohamed El-Azaby Abu Awad, whose membership was dropped.
Re-election of Mr. Fouad Ahmed Hedia for Port Said and Mr. Ahmed Abdel Tawab for the Nile Valley area.
Union Board of Directors Meeting – 20/6/1966 The Union’s office was elected as:
Lt. General Mohamed Fouad El-Dagwy – Chairman
Mr. Fouad Ahmed Hedia – Vice Chairman
Mr. Gouda El-Sayed Shokran – Secretary
Mr. Helmy Abdel Ghani – Treasurer
At the Board meeting on 31/7/1967, the death of Mr. Gouda El-Sayed Shokran, Secretary General, was announced, and Mr. Mohamed Saleh Abdel Kafi was elected Secretary.
The Third Part of Establishing the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth
Formation of the Fourth Board of Directors of the Union
The Annual General Assembly of the Union convened on 17/11/1977, during which the Board of Directors was elected, consisting of eleven members, as follows:
Mr. El-Sayed El-Badawy El-Gendy
Mr. Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir
Mr. Ahmed Amin Zakaria
Mr. Rabie Abdel-Aleem Harb
Mr. Khalafallah Ahmed Hassan
Mr. Mohamed Ali El-Feky
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik
Mr. Gaber Moussa Gabaly
Mr. Ahmed Abdel-Tawab Ahmed
Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors held on 29/11/1977, the Board was formed as follows:
Mr. Mohamed Ali El-Feky — Chairman
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik — Vice Chairman
Mr. El-Sayed El-Badawy El-Gendy — Secretary
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir — Treasurer
Mr. Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun — Member
Mr. Ahmed Amin Zakaria — Member
Mr. Rabie Abdel-Aleem Harb — Member
Mr. Khalafallah Ahmed Hassan — Member
Mr. Gaber Moussa Gabaly — Member
Mr. Ahmed Abdel-Tawab Ahmed — Member
Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo — Member
After reviewing Chapter Four of the Union’s Internal Regulations and studying its provisions, the Board of Directors unanimously decided the following:
Part Four of the Establishment of the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth
Formation of the Fifth Board of Directors of the Union
The Ordinary General Assembly of the Union convened on 19/4/1986, during which the names of members elected by acclamation to the Union’s Board of Directors were announced as follows:
Mr. Mohamed Ali El-Feky — representing the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Port Said and North Sinai Governorates)
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik — representing the Western Mediterranean Region (Alexandria, Matrouh Governorates, and Lake Mariout)
Mr. Awad Mohamed Marzouk — representing the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, South Sinai, and Bitter Lakes
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir — representing Lake Edku and fisheries cooperatives of Beheira Governorate operating in the Mediterranean Sea
Mr. Rabie Abdel-Aleem Harb — representing the Nile River and inland waters of the Lower Egypt Governorates
Mr. Ezzat Eissa Ahmed Abu El-Nour — representing the Central Mediterranean Region (Damietta Governorate)
Mr. Abdel-Rahim Abazeid Shehata — representing the Joint Cooperative Societies
Mr. Youssef Abdel-Aal Atwan — representing the Aquaculture Cooperative Societies
By election, the following members won seats on the Board of Directors:
Mr. Mohamed Helmy El-Reis
Mr. Mostafa Mahmoud Youssef
Mr. Ahmed Abdel-Tawab
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Khalil Omar
Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo
Mr. Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun
Part Five of the History of the Establishment of the Union
Formation of the Seventh Board of Directors of the Union
At the Ordinary General Assembly meeting of the Union held on 9/5/1996, the Board of Directors was formed as follows:
Members elected by acclamation:
Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky — representing the Port Said Region
Awad Mohamed Marzouk — representing the Suez and South Sinai Region
Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun — representing Lake Burullus Region and Kafr El-Sheikh Cooperatives
Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir — representing Edku Region and Beheira Governorate Cooperatives
Hassan Ali El-Qashawy — representing Damietta Governorate Cooperatives
Ahmed Hassan Gomaa — representing General Cooperatives
Members elected by ballot:
Rashed Ibrahim Ahmed — representing the Upper Egypt Nile River Region
El-Arabi Mohamed El-Saghir — representing Lake Nasser, the Nile River, and inland waters in Aswan
El-Sayed El-Sayed Mahmoud El-Showaihy — representing the Nile River and inland waters of the Lower Egypt Governorates
Mostafa Mahmoud Youssef — representing Lake Qarun and Wadi El-Rayan
Part Six of the History of the Union’s Formation
Formation of the Eighth Board of Directors of the Union
At the Union’s Board of Directors meeting, session No. (9) dated 13/3/2001, the Board decided to invite the Ordinary General Assembly on Saturday, 21/4/2001, to review the agenda and hold elections for the Union’s Board of Directors.
At the Ordinary General Assembly meeting of the Union on 21/4/2001, the elections were held, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: The remaining four seats were contested, and the winners were:
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feki — representing the Eastern Mediterranean area (Port Said and North Sinai governorates)
Mr. Awad Mohamed Marzouk — representing the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, South Sinai, and Merah Lakes area
Mr. Hassan Ali El-Qashawy — representing the Central Mediterranean area (Damietta governorate)
Mr. Mohamed Helmy El-Rais — representing Lake Manzala
Mr. Mostafa Mahmoud Youssef — representing Lake Qarun, Wadi El-Nil, and inland waters of Giza and Beni Suef governorates
Mr. El-Araby Mahmoud El-Soghayar — representing Lake Nasser, Nile River, and inland waters of Aswan governorate
Mr. Mohamed Gouda El-Sayed — representing the Cooperative Society for Fish Farming
Mr. Eid Selim Aslim — representing all fishing areas
Mr. El-Sayed Hanafi Mahmoud Fteha — representing the Western Mediterranean, Matrouh, and Lake Mariout
Mr. Abd Rabbo El-Sayed El-Ghazairly — representing Lake Burullus and Kafr El-Sheikh associations operating in the Mediterranean
Mr. Abd El-Rady Abd El-Megid Ahmed — representing the Nile River and inland waters in Upper Egypt (from Assiut to Qena)
Mr. El-Sayed El-Sayed Mahmoud El-Shewahy — representing the Nile River and inland waters in Lower Egypt
Part Seven of the History of the Union’s Formation
Union Board Elections and Activities (2006–2011 Term)
At the Union’s General Assembly meeting on 15/4/2006, elections were held for the Union’s Board of Directors for the new term 2006–2011. The following seven members were elected unopposed:
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feki — Eastern Mediterranean area (Port Said and North Sinai)
Mr. Awad Mohamed Marzouk — Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, South Sinai, and Merah Lakes
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdallah Namir — Lake Edku and cooperatives of Beheira governorate operating in the Mediterranean
Mr. Hassan Ali El-Qashawy — Central Mediterranean area (Damietta governorate)
Mr. Mohamed Helmy El-Rais — Lake Manzala
Mr. Mostafa Mahmoud Youssef — Lake Qarun, Wadi El-Rayan, Nile, and inland waters (Giza and Beni Suef)
Mr. Mohamed Gouda El-Sayed — Cooperative Society for Fish Farming
The remaining six seats were contested, and the winners were:
Mr. Ashraf Ali Mohamed Zureik — Western Mediterranean area, 76 votes
Mr. Mohamed Khidr Hassan Youssef — Lake Burullus and Kafr El-Sheikh cooperatives, 44 votes
Mr. Youssef Mohamed Zare’ — Nile River and inland waters from Assiut to Qena, 41 votes
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed — Nile River and inland waters in Lower Egypt, 50 votes
Mr. Ramadan Mahmoud Mohamed Abdu — General seat for all fishing areas, 46 votes
Mr. Shawky Mahmoud El-Sayed — Lake Nasser and Nile area in Aswan, 43 votes
Reserve candidates (alternates) for each area:
Egyptian Cooperative Organizations
Egyptian Cooperative Organizations As Institutions for Popular Participation And Fisheries Development
A paper submitted by The Cooperative Union for Aquatic Resources Arab Republic of Egypt
Prepared by Accountant / Awad Mohamed Marzouk Secretary General of the Union
Introduction
The importance of the role played by fishery cooperative organizations in Egypt—foremost among them the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Resources—and the responsibilities entrusted to the Union is clearly reflected in its contribution, in cooperation with governmental and research bodies, to the conservation of fishery resources, the defense of producers’ interests, and the development of fish production. This paper seeks to present and review this role
First: Establishment of the Union
The Specialized Cooperative Union for Aquatic Resources was registered under No. (21) of 1960. With the issuance of Law No. (123) of 1983 concerning Aquatic Resources Cooperatives, its name was amended to become the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Resources in 1985.
Second: Functions of the Union
The Cooperative Union for Aquatic Resources undertakes the following activities:
Participation in planning the cooperative movement for aquatic resources in Egypt.
Promotion of the cooperative movement for aquatic resources, raising awareness of it, supporting and developing it, including the issuance of newspapers and magazines and the organization of cooperative seminars.
Coordination among cooperative societies in matters related to achieving their objectives.
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Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and Powers of the Manager under the Fisheries Cooperative Law
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and Powers of the Manager under the Fisheries Cooperative Law
Based on Fisheries Cooperative Law No. 123 of 1983, the following articles related to the responsibilities of the Board of Directors of the Aquatic Resources Cooperative Society and the Manager of the Society are presented.
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Society
Article (46): The Board of Directors of the society shall have all the powers necessary to carry out activities related to its operations and to issue relevant decisions, except for matters falling within the jurisdiction of the General Assembly in accordance with the provisions of this Law and its Executive Regulations. In particular, the Board of Directors shall undertake the following:
Formulating the general policy governing the society’s activities and directing its operations within the framework of the approved plan.
Supervising the affairs and activities of the society, monitoring workflow, appointing, seconding, and assigning staff, and exercising oversight over them.
Establishing the necessary committees to ensure proper workflow within the society, whether from among its members or others, defining their functions, and following up on their work.
Approving the final accounts of the society for the ended financial year, preparing the draft annual activity plan and the estimated budget, and submitting all of the above to the General Assembly.
Discussing the final accounts report prepared by the competent authorities, responding to the observations contained therein, and presenting it to the General Assembly.
Discussing reports issued by the competent authorities and preparing responses thereto.
Calling the General Assembly to convene and implementing its resolutions.
Notifying the General Authority for Fish Resources Development with copies of the minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors and the General Assembly within fifteen days from the date of the meeting.
A Word from Dr. Nizar Tawfiq (Secretary General) First issue Issue No. 8 Issue No. 12 Present Issue In an effort to improve communication with our readership and in response to their many useful suggestions it gives me great pleasure to convey to you two pieces of good news: Firstly PERSGA is reissuing Al Sanbouk in a new format designed to convey our message to a wider audience, to support our objectives, and to demonstrate our commitment to protect the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden through activate participation between PERSGA and the regional community. It was recognised that the development of PERSGA, supported recently by the Strategic Action Programme, should be reflected by a parallel development in the shape and contents of the regional newsletter. The first issue of Al Sanbouk was produced in January 1996. The first upgrade took place with issue number 8 in October 1998 with the introduction of colour, and a second with issue number 12 in November 2000. The reader will observe the change in layout and contents in the present issue (Nr. 18) and we hope that it will achieve the expected benefits and wide distribution in the media. The second piece of good news is the completion and installation of an effective GIS. The topic is addressed in this issue of Al Sanbouk. There is no doubt that the GIS requires the provision of specialised programmes, advanced computer hardware, new information, and highly qualified technical personnel to enter and analyse the data. The aim of the system is to change the data into useful information. The PERSGA GIS includes various regional and national inputs such as digital maps and satellite photos, and an environmental database including social and economic characteristics as well as physical and biological data. The GIS can be used in a variety fields such as environmental monitoring, coastal and marine resource management, pollutant trajectory and other forms of modelling (especially for oil spills). The link between the GIS at PERSGA HQ and the Member States will provide for continuous information exchange and update. An effective partnership will be created between decision makers through the use of exchanged information. In the framework of participation between PERSGA and the private and civil sectors of society, the distribution base of Al Sanbouk will be widened to include new areas such as tourism, industry, and NGOs. We are pleased to assure you that we are always keen to receive your suggestions and ideas for future improvements of this, your newsletter, Al Sanbouk.
Demonstration Activities
The Mid Term Evaluation for the PERSGA-GEF Project ‘Implementing the Strategic Action plan for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden’ recommended that the project be revised to include a number of Demonstration Activities. This recommendation was endorsed by the Country Representatives and the Implementing Agencies at the 4th Task Force Meeting held in Jeddah, May 2002.
The purpose of the Demonstration Activities is to ensure concrete delivery of project funds and actions ‘on-the-ground’ within each country. The Activities would address real solutions to some of the threats and root causes as identified in the Country Reports, and as consolidated within the Strategic Action Programme.
Since the 4th Task Force meeting many steps have been taken to initiate the Demonstration Activities. Extensive communication with the countries of the region took place to reach an agreement on suitable projects. The following were approved:
Djibouti
1.Execution of environmental management plan
2.Conservation and rehabilitation of mangroves in Djibouti
3.Djibouti Execution of eco-tourism plan for the Marine Protected Areas in Îles des Sept Frères, Moucha and Maskali in addition to Godoria, Ghoubbet and Lac Assal
4.Development of partnerships between government agencies and socio-economic stakeholders for the effective creation of a MPA
5.Capacity building for MPA management
6.Using simple indicators for monitoring the state of the marine environment
Egypt (not final)
Integral national approach for the management and sustainability of coastal and marine resources of Sharm El-Sheikh area, South Sinai, Egypt , within the regional context of the PERSGA/SAP programme
Jordan NE Somalia
1.Incorporating artificial reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba A turtle nesting and seagrass bed assessment survey
2.A turtle nesting and seagrass bed assessment survey Strengthening Institutional Capacity of the Ministry of the Fisheries and Marine Environment
3.assessment survey on the state of the key coastal and marine habitats and species
NW Somalia
1.Establishment of data collection and monitoring centres
2.strengthening institutional capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Environment
3.Monitoring marine biodiversity in NW Somalia
4.Development of effective partnership between agencies and other stakeholders for successful implementation of MPAs
Saudi Arabia
Establishing a GIS data centre for the Red Sea
Sudan
Use of biological indicators for monitoring Sudanese coral reefs in the Port Sudan area
Rehabilitation of degraded mangrove stands along Sudanese Red Sea coast
Rehabilitation of the public aquarium
Establishment of a pilot sea cucumber hatchery
Development of an effective partnership between government and stakeholders
Yemen
1.Management and conservation of Yemen’s Red Sea coral reefs
2.Development of environmental data and GIS
3.Developing partnerships between government agencies and stakeholders with regard to MPAs
4.Re-plantation of mangroves
Once the projects were settled, national consultants from each country were contracted to prepare a single comprehensive project for each country, thereby minimizing the overhead costs of multi project management. This stage is now underway; actual implementation of the projects will commence once it is complete. During the last Sixth Task Force meeting held in April 2003, it was agreed that general rules and procedures be applied when implementing the Demonstration Activities to ensure adequate monitoring and sustainability of the projects. Therefore a regional Workshop will be held in cooperation with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) to train national, managerial level specialists on the implementation and monitoring of the Demonstration Activities and the sustainability of their outcomes.
Habitat & Biodiversity Conservation (HBC)
Preparations were completed for Turtle surveys to be conducted in Egypt, Djibouti and Sudan. Regional and national consultants were hired to carry out the work and develop national and regional status reports of turtles in the Red Sea. The surveys will continue until the end of June to coincide with the peak of the turtle-nesting season.
Establishment of a Network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA)
A high-resolution satellite image of the Sanganeb Atoll Marine National Park (Sudan) was produced (need picture)
The Site Specific Master Plans for the marine protected areas at Sanganeb, and Iles des Sept Freres and Ras Siyyan (Djibouti), Belhalf Bir Ali, Doungonab Bay and Makawar Island MPA’s is being worked on and the contracted consultants will produce a draft of the MPA’s.
The Governorate of the Red Sea State has consented to the declaration of Dungonab as an MPA and a letter has been sent to the Federal Government in Khartoum concerning that.
Arrangements have been made for an exchange study visit to the Ras Mohammed Marine Park for existing and future MPA managers from the region.
Marine Accident and Incident Investigation
A Workshop on “Marine Accident and Incident Investigation” was held in Port Sudan (2-6 March 2003). Training was given to regional personnel to improve their conduct during the investigation of marine accidents.
The workshop was organized by PERSGA and attended by the Navigation Working Group members together with relevant port officials. A welcoming address was given by HE the Governor of the Red Sea Province of Sudan. The core presentations were given by Rear Admiral John Lang, an International Maritime Organization (IMO) consultant. They concentrated on various aspects of accident investigation such as methodology, case studies, the M.V. Limburg incident and lessons learned. The participants visited Port Sudan Harbour, Bashyr Oil Terminal and Suakin Port.
The support of IMO was welcomed and appreciated. The need to discover the causes of marine incidents and to make the lessons learned known to the international maritime community was recognised. The Workshop urged PERSGA to consider the need to provide additional assistance to the regional states by developing a set of guidelines for marine accident and incident investigation that will reflect best practice and will allow permanent investigation bodies to be set up that are independent, impartial and consist primarily of persons with marine expertise.
A Protocol on Biodiversity Conservation and the Establishment of Protected Areas
The City of Hurghada (Egypt) hosted the first meeting of Legal and Technical Experts to discuss the Protocol concerning Biodiversity Conservation and Establishment of Protected Areas. The meeting, which took place during the period 15-17 March 2003, was initiated and funded by PERSGA. Eighteen technical and legal experts from PERSGA Member Countries (Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen) were invited to this meeting under the auspices of HE Prof. Dr. Mamdouh Riyadh, the State Minister for Environmental Affairs in Egypt. The meeting was also attended by representatives from regional and international organizations such as the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME), the Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA/UNEP) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Technical and legal aspects of the Protocol and its annexes were discussed; the recommendations that came out of these discussions reflected the concerns of the countries in finalizing the Protocol.
PERSGA witnesses the opening of the Aqaba Marine National Park
PERSGA was invited to participate on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Aqaba Marine National Park in Jordan. The ceremony took place on the 30th of January 2003. A marine life display was shown to promote public awareness in the importance of marine life and the need for its protection in the Gulf of Aqaba, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
PERSGA had carried out a feasibility study for a marine national park at Aqaba in the 1970s in cooperation with IUCN.
A number of environmental societies and institutions participated in this public awareness programme explaining the importance of biodiversity in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and the threats it faces including pollution and industrial development.
A special area was designated for the PERSGA display, which showed the regional role of PERSGA in the conservation of coastal and marine environments. A number of publications were distributed in addition to a documentary film, which showed PERSGA’s conservation activities. The display was visited by a number of students from environmental clubs and also by various sectors from within and outside Aqaba city in addition to decision makers.
Environmental Books for children of the Red Sea & Gulf of Aden
Jeddah, The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), is arranging to distribute environmental books to over one hundred schools in the region. Through the Public Awareness Programmes, PERSGA aims at raising the marine environmental awareness of students and teachers. The books will be distributed to schools that have already established environmental clubs. Integrating these environmental issues into the school curricula informally will form a connecting between education system and the surrounding communities. The importance of raising environmental awareness within the PERSGA region among primary, secondary and high school students is vital in connecting these children with their communities and local environments, giving them the opportunity to collectively voice their concerns for the environment.
These environmental books are the seeds of creating environmental awareness and raising the level of concern in the generations of the future to understand that they have the capability and can make a difference with the correct approach, attitude and knowledge in protecting, conserving and even at times preventing man made environmental disasters.
ANNOUNCEMENT
PERSGA’s Annual Students Competition
The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) seeks to protect the marine environment by eliminating, reducing and controlling all types of pollution and by undertaking the measures to safeguard coastal and marine habitats and species.
In this context, the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has taken preventive and remedial measures for the protection of the environment. One aspect of the Programme aims to promote public awareness of marine environmental issues and to strengthening public participation in conservation activities.
Through SAP, PERSGA has planned an annual competition to promote awareness among the public in general, and youth and students in particular, of the value of the marine environment and its importance for the sustainable future of development in the region.
The global objectives of the competition include increasing marine environmental awareness, raising the importance and value of the sea and its need for protection, and alerting the public of the deep relationship between man and the sea that has existed for centuries. An exhibition and award giving ceremony will take place on the 25th September 2003 to congratulate the 1st prize winners of the competition as well as celebrate the achievements of PERSGA.
New Publications
The SAP Annual Report for 2002 was printed at the beginning of second quarter of 2003 along with two new issues of the PERSGA Technical Series; - The Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Coral Reefs in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (Technical Series Number 3) and the Arabic Translation of The Status of Living Marine Resources in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and their Management
The long awaited first issue of the Training Workshop Report (1998 No.1), titled Combating Oil Pollution was printed. The volume is in both Arabic and English languages, and should prove useful to all researchers and professionals within the region and internationally who are involved in combating oil pollution. The report provides a summary of the PERSGA/ALECSO training workshop with a synopsis of the contents of the lectures.
The Sixth SAP Task Force Meeting
The Sixth Task Force meeting for the Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden was held from 28-30 April 2003 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The meeting was attended by representatives from the PERSGA Member Countries, UNDP Riyadh and from the Islamic Development Bank. Representatives from the GEF Implementing Agencies participated through telephone conference.
The prompt payment by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of its contribution to PERSGA for 2003 was praised. All the Implementing Agencies reaffirmed the need for secure financial commitments from the Member State governments on a regular basis to provide the necessary ‘enabling environment’ for the donor community to become involved.
The importance of the new Demonstration Projects to the countries was stressed, these being a vehicle for enhancing country ownership and the participation of communities in conservation efforts through government-supported initiatives. Sustainability, strategic future planning, and resource mobilization were also discussed.
A number of recommendations were forthcoming including the following:
• Task Force members should encourage their governments to declare the proposed MPAs as official national MPAs, so that site specific management plans can be implemented. PERSGA should
• Collaborate with IDB in the preparation and design of specialised Workshops for decision makers, technicians and experts from within the region to exchange information and share concerns about environmental issues;
• Continue to work with member countries and through IMO to fulfil the requirements of MARPOL;
• Seek approval from national governments for established MPAs to take part in the proposed regional network of marine protected areas;
• Encourage Member State governments to become signatories to all conventions related to the conservation of habitats and biodiversity, such as CITES;
• Work with the Implementing Agencies, especially the World Bank, to prepare an Action Plan leading to a Donor Conference to take place in approximately 18-24 months;
• Proceed with establishment of a regional monitoring programme with the assistance of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the Monaco laboratory.
Dr. Mahmoud Khamis El-Sayed joins SAP staff.
PERSGA has the honor to announce the joining of Dr. Mahmoud Khamis El-Sayed to its staff. Dr. El-Sayed joined the Strategic Action Programme team as a Senior Technichal Advisor. He started his duties at PERSGA Headquarters in March 2003. PERSGA and the SAP are certain that Dr. El-Sayed is going to be a valuable addition to the SAP staff with his wide experience and thorough insights.
Legislation concerning the protection of the coastal and marine environment
Ever since PERSGA was founded it has been concerned with environmental legislation. It undertook the first regional study on the laws concerned with protection of marine and coastal areas and fisheries in 1978, and issued a publication titled ‘Legislation concerning the coastal and marine environments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden’ in 1985. It produced another publication jointly with UNEP titled ‘The range of legal protection for the environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden’ in 1994. In 2002 PERSGA formed a specialized working group from the countries of the region, in coordination with Focal Points and under the leadership of a regional consultant, to collect and analyze relevant legislation. This study covers nine subjects: protection of the natural environment and pollution combating, marine protected areas, habitat and biodiversity conservation, living marine resources, ICZM, national contingency planning, environmental databases, navigation safety, environmental education and public awareness.
The first draft of this study has been received by PERSGA and distributed to the countries for their comments.
Remote Sensing Applications
The Regional GIS Technical Team, formed by PERSGA and representing GIS specialists from the member countries, attended a Remote Sensing Applications Workshop in Cairo from 13-17 April. This was organized by CEDARE as part of their cooperation with PERSGA to establish a regional GIS database to serve the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area.
The course focused on integrated learning of remote sensing and GIS for coastal zone management through hands-on training sessions. Theoretical aspects were covered in lectures.
MAIN ARTICLE
Geographic Information System for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer program for storing, retrieving, analysing, and displaying cartographic (map-based) data. GIS represents the Earth’s features not only in pictorial form, as in conventional paper maps, but as information or data. Using a GIS to deliver geo-spatial data allows one to visually analyse any information that has a geographic reference. GIS have been used in numerous natural resources applications. These applications can be categorized as planning or management, process modelling, inventory, and assessment.
Data compilation representing spatial characteristics of significant features of the earth’s surface is undoubtedly a very important activity for any society. Not so long ago data was transformed either to documents or paper maps. Quite justifiably, analysis of this data proved to be of substantial difficulty: there were no means to incorporate different types of data in an integrated format. A major breakthrough was achieved in the second half of the twentieth century through the rapid development of computer technology, coupled with the development of mathematical tools, which lead to the ability to store, retrieve and analyse spatial data. Nowadays, spatial information systems, such as GIS, and remote sensing data are used widely in almost all aspects of life.
As we become increasingly aware of the world’s oceans and seas and the many resources they contain, we have an inherent responsibility to preserve them. Researchers, organizations, and professionals dedicated to understanding and analysing this dynamic and changing environment are using GIS to develop marine applications.1
Understanding the environmental situation is an essential component of coastal resource management. This usually requires a great deal of data, and an information system can provide tremendous assistance in organizing, managing, understanding, and reporting this information. Managing and mapping the two-thirds of the Earth’s surface that is covered by salt water presents a unique set of challenges.
As marine and coastal applications of GIS have gained acceptance in the scientific and management community and the importance of this tool has become more widely acknowledged, PERSGA decided to establish a regional GIS for use throughout the Region through the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Highest priority has been placed on strengthening GIS capacity in the field of coastal zone and environmental management. The regional GIS database will be used as a tool for decision-making and management in coastal and marine environmental conservation, contributing to the timely and effective implementation of the SAP.
The Centre for Environment and Development (CEDARE), a regional not-for-profit organization located in Cairo, was designated to provided advice and services to PERSGA regarding the establishment and maintenance of the regional GIS database.
The Project
The first step towards achieving this ambitious goal was to build the capacity of PERSGA Lead Specialists. This was achieved through the introduction of basic GIS and remote sensing technology and applications, including hands-on-training on GIS visualization software (aimed at familiarizing PERSGA’s Lead Specialists with the use of GIS in assessment and planning), thus enabling them to identify their component-specific GIS requirements.
The objective was to capitalize on the use of GIS and satellite remote sensing in coastal and marine applications, with a focus on the extraction of information from satellite data.
The second step was to build the capacity of the key persons who will be in charge of maintaining the GIS activities in their respective countries. A regional team of GIS specialists was established (composed of one GIS specialist from each PERSGA member country). PERSGA, in collaboration with CEDARE, have conducted several advanced GIS and remote sensing training courses tailored for the GIS Technical Team members.
The third step was to conduct a regional assessment of GIS capacities and needs in co-ordination with the regional GIS Technical Team members. CEDARE staff visited Djibouti (June 2002), Jordan (June 2002), Saudi Arabia (May 2002), Yemen (April 2002) and Sudan (January 2003). As the first step in a regional assessment of GIS capacities and needs, the main objectives of the missions were to assess the present use of GIS in marine and coastal management, the need for further capacity building, and the requirements to harmonize the GIS systems currently in use.
During the needs-assessment missions, all existing maps were reviewed, along with existing data and departmental use; daily operations of various departments were analysed, including assessment, planning and development, etc. The required GIS applications for each department were reviewed. A GIS Implementation Plan was discussed with recommendations for the installation of computer hardware, software and data conversion in each country.
Following the previous steps a regional database for PERSGA was developed; the database currently includes data related to coastal, environmental and other issues identified in the needs assessment report. More than 400 GIS data layers have been prepared at the country and regional level. MetaData for all the layers was developed and a data dictionary for the layers was created. CEDARE has continued its effort to integrate all the available remotely sensed data covering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This remote sensing data includes Landsat data, Spot, Ikonos and Radar imagery data images. Landsat Orthorectified Landsat Thematic Mapper Mosaics provided by NASA were integrated and clipped for all the Red Sea region.
The integrated remote sensing data also include some high resolution images covering some of the regions’ coastal cities (Jeddah, Port Said, Suez, Sharm el Sheikh, Aden, etc.).
PERSGA’s regional GIS database contains all of the UK Admiralty Charts covering the entire Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region. The Admiralty Charts were provided by the UK Hydrographic Office. They consist of over two hundred detailed navigational maps/charts and provide coverage at a range of scales to suit the requirements of professional, commercial and research users.
The maps can be categorized as Large Scale charts covering harbours, anchorages and navigational hazards, Medium Scale charts for coastal navigation and Small Scale charts for offshore navigation and passage planning. Standard Navigational Charts are continually updated and are fully corrected to ensure that they include all safety-critical navigational information.
The charts can be viewed, manipulated and maintained in ArcView software using Arcs Extension and ARCS for GIS. The charts available for the project will be available in both raster and vector formats.
Other Developments
Another important feature of this GIS, is that all the data specifically collected through each PERSGA component, have been linked to the system. Such a comprehensive integration of data will allow Lead Specialists, researchers, academics, and environmental institutions in the region, to overlay all the available data and analyse it in an integrated way. For example, data covering the historical sites of Aden, government districts & borders, fuel stations, fishing villages, fish landing sites, fibre glass factories, desalination plants, fishing areas, ice factories, public and private beaches, public roads and corniche sites, tourism projects, harbours, coral reefs, seagrass beds, turtle and bird nesting sites, vegetation, wetlands, sandy and rocky coasts, islands, sensitive areas, pressure areas, landfill, dredging, sewage outfalls, and cooling water areas are now available in the GIS.
Data from the three proposed marine protected areas at Isles des Sept Frères & Ras Siyyan in Djibouti, Mukkawar Island, Dungonab Bay in Sudan and Bir Ali - Belhaf, Yemen were entered in the regional GIS database and published through the PERSGA GIS map server. All marine protected areas in the Red Sea region will be available on the system.
PERSGA has developed user-friendly modelling software that will assist in the data analysis and data entry of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden fishery (finfish, sharks, ornamental fishes). The software is intended to include a complete database for the above mentioned groups and provide in-depth analysis and calculations using different models. The overall objective of the program is to assist in the development of a sustainable management strategy for transboundary fish stocks and invertebrates.
Furthermore, a Geographic Biodiversity Information system is currently being added to provide information for decision makers and researchers about the status of marine species in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Geographic locations of seabird nesting populations, turtles, coral reefs, seagrass, mangroves, etc. have also been included within the system. Further development of this data will include the development of a biodiversity map of the Red Sea.
The PERSGA GIS website was developed to act as a portal for all information that is being gathered by the GIS project. GIS Internet Map server was installed on the PERSGA GIS workstation. The ARC IMS will enable PERSGA member countries to integrate centralized GIS/Remote Sensing data sources with internet data sources for display, query and analysis in an easy-to-use Web browser.
Conclusion
The PERSGA GIS databases have been designed to be simple and user-friendly. The database structure allows users to browse data by region, country, theme, or by sensitive area. It also allows users to view, query, evaluate and report monitoring data.
The development of the PERSGA regional GIS database project has achieved many objectives. Among these, it allows experts, researchers, managers, scientists, regional and national institutions in each country to store, retrieve, update, analyse and manipulate coastal resource data.
The project has succeeded in building the capacity to create, use and maintain a coastal resource inventory in each country, and to facilitate the sharing of coastal resource data within and between countries in the Red Sea region.
LMR Future Activities
Meeting will be conducted at PERSGA Head Quarters in July 21-22. This meeting will be attended by representatives from the National Institutions contracted by LMR on “Stock assessment and Fishery Management of Invertebrates as well as the destructive impacts of shrimp trawl fishing” They will discuss the technical issues and the implementation processes.
In collaboration between LMR and HBC components required tools and equipments will be purchased and delivered to support establishments of Regional Marine Resources Reference Collection Centers at the Faculty of Marine Science, King Abdulaziz University.
Two Faculty staff will attend training on management on reference collection centers during July- August.
Technicians will attend on-the job training on Samples conservation, handling, recording and presenting during August-September.
The HBC future activities (from June to September 03):
1. The Marine Turtles Surveys Reports in the process of being finalized and will be printed soon.
2. Follow up on the development of the Regional Conservation Plans (RCP) for Mangrove, Breeding Seabirds, and Marine Turtles. Six consultants were hired in June in order to develop the RCPs. Cooporation with international agencies established such as BirdLife International and FAO to assist PERSGA with the development of the RCPs.
3. Preparation for the workshops which will take place in September, in Jeddah, to finalise the Regional Conservation Plans for, Mangrove, Breeding Seabirds, and Marine Turtles. The workshops will be attended by, the regional representatives, the consultants, and the HBC Regional Working Group members.
4. The upcoming month of September will be occupied with three very useful and important meetings for the HBC component as by then the three RAP documents will finalized. The RAP meetings will take place in Jeddah, each report will have a designated date to focus on the importance of the subject and material to be trained on. The schedule for Sept is as follows:
Workshop on Environmental Legislation for Marine and Coastal Areas
PERSGA will hold a Workshop in Cairo during the period 15-17 September 2003 on ‘legislation related to the protection of the marine and coastal environments in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden’. A number of legal and technical experts will participate in this Workshop, drawn from the countries of the region. It is expected that discussions will take into consideration the studies, recommendations and information which were assembled in the recent collection and analysis of laws prepared by national and regional consultants.
Future MPA activities:
A joint Marine protected Areas and Habitat and Biodiversity working group meeting will be held in Jeddah during the last week September.
A training workshop will be held in Socotra Island Group Protected Areas in October the participants are the present and future MPA managers.
The study was conducted to establish the distribution and the concentration of tar balls on the Yemeni coast of the Red Sea. Nine stations representing this coast were sampled monthly within the period from February 1998 to January 1999. The study of the hydrographical parameters of coastal the Red Sea water, numbers and weights of tar balls and their residual of hydrocarbons and the levels of trace elements provided an idea of the hydrocarbons and trace elements pollution in the investigated area.
In light of the information concerning tar balls on the Yemeni coast of the Red Sea, the present investigation was designed to provide information on the nature, location and levels of tar balls in the Yemeni coast of Red Sea. The recorded numbers (1-37) and weights (146.10-1.50g) in the southern part of the coast, appeared to be higher than the northern part (1-21), (0.70-45.6g) per 600 m2/30 days. The highest reported levels of tar apparently originated from oil spills and tanker ballast water at the oil terminals. The average and range of tar weight indicate high variability in beach tar concentrations from site to another and even among the different transects of the same site.
The analyzed mean residual of petroleum hydrocarbons in tar balls were between 0.100- 1.560 µg/g the results obtained appears to be different values of depending on the condition of the sea and the air.
The ratios detected were wide variations from 0.068 to 1.397, indicating that tar balls analyzed in the study came from different sources and was attributed to the petroleum-rice deposits of the region.
The Regional Environmental Monitoring Programme:
An Agreement is to be finalized between the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden "PERSGA and the Marine Environmental Laboratory of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA"), to cooperate in the development of The Regional Environmental Monitoring Programme (REMP) for the RSGA Region.
Saudi Arabia to meet power demand while protecting environment
Tuesday, 1 July 2003: To help meet an increasing demand for electricity while protecting the environment, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Electricity is raising awareness about energy conservation. It has set up a committee to promote energy conservation and to advise the Government on energy conservation measures.
The country needs to satisfy rapidly increasing energy demands driven by economic and social development. Despite its vast oil reserves, the cost of generating more electricity and expanding the national grid is enormous. Large seasonal variations in electricity consumption due to weather changes and low reserve generating capacity during the hot summer season are other factors.
The burning of fossil fuels to release their energy results in the release of carbon dioxide and other gases which contribute to the ‘greenhouse effect’. It is believed that this leads to global warming, changes in weather patterns and a rise in sea levels. Low lying islands, often important sites for nesting birds and turtles will be lost. Coral reefs may not be able to grow fast enough to keep pace with the rising sea level and their important fisheries may decline. Their role as coastal defence mechanisms will also be under threat.
To meet several energy challenges the Government is formulating a National Energy Efficiency Programme with UNDP and UN agency consultants. UNDP Resident Representative Jose Eguren said the programme aims to help the energy sector promote efficient, rational consumption that is also more environmentally-friendly. Higher efficiency will also provide a sustainable alternative to ever-increasing expansion of energy supply and generation capacity, he noted.
UNDP will provide support services for the programme, including assistance with work planning, coordination with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, administration, financial and reporting matters. These efforts will also help build local capacity in energy conservation. The Government is providing nearly US$3.5 million for the full cost of the project.
For further information please contact Mayssam Tamim, UNDP Saudi Arabia, or Nadine Shamounki, UNDP Communications Office.
Nature clubs and the Environment
A non formal environmental workshop took place in Djibouti-city which involved teachers from the primary and secondary schools. Some 33 teachers drawn from schools teaching in Arabic and French were trained on basic environmental problems and how to run a nature club.
The workshop which took place at the Chamber of Commerce was opened by his excellencies the Ministers of Environment and Education and the representative of the World Health Organization in Djibouti (WHO). The minister of the Environment said in his speech that nature clubs are a good initiative in the field of raising the awareness of schoolmates and the population in coastal clubs of Djibouti, Tadjourah and Obock. Nature clubs are now in place in the inland cities of Ali Sabieh, Dikhil and Arta thanks to the financial support of WHO Djibouti office. The Minister stressed the need to create a synergy between the different ministries and WHO to protect the environment and the health of the population.
The Minister of Education also welcomed this initiative of strengthening environmental education in our country schools. He added that it its nicely with the work under taken in this field by this department in particular the Centre for Research, Information and Production (CRIPEN) the representative of WHO stressed to need to establish cooperation with all ministries dealing with the protection of the environment. He added that a clean environment is the key to a good health. He informed the participants that during the celebration of the World Health day on 7th April 2003, Nature clubs have participated and mobilised the communities living close to the schools.
After the opening ceremony, many national experts in the field of environment, population and curriculum made several presentations for the teachers. After the presentations, teachers were divided into three groups to focus on a particular theme (e.g. funding of nature clubs, work plans).
The closing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Environment premises and the Minister awarded the certificates and the clean –up equipment for Nature clubs. The event was aired on national TV.
Published in national newspaper La nation.
World Environment Day- 5TH June 2003
World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.
The World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
The World Environment Day theme selected for 2003 is Water - Two Billion People are Dying for It! The theme calls on each of us to help safeguard the most precious source of life on our planet - water. This theme has been chosen to support the United Nations International Year of Freshwater.
World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated in many ways, including street rallies, bicycles parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more. In many countries, this annual event is used to enhance political attention and action.
Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for the Earth. More serious pledges are made which lead to the establishment of permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental management and economic planning. This observance also provides an opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions.
We in Puntland, on this World Environment Day, let us try to become, once again, part of the world and think world. Let us share with the rest of the world on current Global Environmental Issues alongside with our own. Peace is our prime need to mend our environmental problems. The current “Peace and Reconciliation Process” taking place in Puntland is the path to a better future
Degradation of Marine Habitats and an Estimation of their True Value
Marine habitats, especially coral reefs, contribute both directly and indirectly to the Egyptian economy. They represent important tourist attractions. Conservation of these resources and their protection from degradation is necessary. They are exposed to a number of threats and sources of damage such as unplanned tourist development projects involving landfill and dredging, and uncontrolled recreational activities such as diving and destructive fishing. A study carried out by Dr. Ahmed Barrania (National Planning Institute) reviewed this subject in an attempt to define the true value of the natural capital held in these resources and the cost of the damage resulting from tourist activities.
It is known that coral reefs and mangroves represent ‘natural capital’ owned by the community; they have environmental, economic and social value just like agricultural land. If we try to find out the value of the loss of these natural resources we discover the following:
1. The cost of losing the primary capital: several estimates indicate that the value of 1 m2 of coral reef (replacement value) is US$3000, at 1997 prices. Based on an estimate of 4 million square metres of coral reef damaged as a result of tourism projects within the study area, the total value of the loss of the primary capital is about 12 billion US dollars.
2. The loss of income from marine recreational activities: coral reefs are regarded as an important factor in attracting international and local tourists to the Red Sea, especially those who practice diving as a hobby. The reefs represent an income generator for tourism development. A report describing environmental degradation in Egypt indicates that the losses, based on degradation by tourists (Hurghada area), ranged between 595-850 million Egyptian pounds in 1999. This represents 0.2 to 0.3% of the total local income in the same year. (100 Egyptian pounds = 16.3 US dollars in 2003.)
3. The cost of shoreline protection: coral reefs and mangroves play a major role in protecting shorelines from erosion. According to published estimates, the cost of constructing sea defences to replace the coral reefs along the coast is estimated at 12.5 million US dollars per kilometre. Based on the fact that the length of the coast in the study area that has been effected by tourism developments and has been subject to dredging and land filling is estimated at 105 km (north of Hurghada – Safaga) the cost of protecting the coast would amount to 1313 million US dollars.
4. The cost of the loss of fisheries resources: the annual production of coral reef fish was estimated at 960 tonnes in 1984, most of it from species of high economic value. This represented 9.6 million Egyptian pounds at 2001 prices. The production in 2001 was estimated at 500 tonnes (value 5 million Egyptian pounds). That is to say the loss in fisheries resources from 1984 to 2001 is estimated at 460 tonnes, with a value of 4.6 million Egyptian pounds.
Summary and Recommendations
These serious concerns should be brought to the attention of the tourism activities administration and environmental policies should be developed to ensure protection of coral reefs and other natural habitats. These should aim to stop any unacceptable impact resulting from activities related to tourism. This can be achieved through preparation of operational plans for tourist activities that consider these points:
1. Defining the threatened areas,
2. Defining the priorities for these areas according to the severity of the threats,
3. Preparation of procedures to tackle these threats. Procedures should contain individual and community efforts that will not only benefit recreational and tourist activities of economic value but also maintain the sustainability of the natural resources upon which tourism depends.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
IMO PROTECTING WHALES
Shipping lanes will be changed in the Bay of Fundy starting July 1 in an effort to try to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales. There are only about 350 of the creatures left in the world, and more than half of them gather in a passage between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia each summer.
The Bay of Fundy includes a busy shipping lane, and many of the right whales have been killed in collisions with commercial craft. During the past few decades, almost half of the 43 recorded deaths have been caused by such accidents.
Last winter, Ottawa announced plans to move the shipping lanes away from the whales' summer feeding grounds.
The proposal, to take effect this Canada Day (July 1), was welcomed by the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency set up to improve the safety of ship traffic.
The agreement was established between shipping companies, environmental groups and government officials, which took four years to complete. Irving Oil, which strongly backed the move, said it couldn't be done overnight because of the complexity involved in moving invisible lines. Every ship operator must be given new directions. New lanes steer clear of the whales "For these whales, spending their summers in the Bay of Fundy has been like having their playground in the middle of a highway," said Cathy Merriman of World Wildlife Fund Canada.
Her organization recently hailed the federal government "for taking this important step toward reducing the whales' risk of collisions." If ships follow the new route, the odds of a North Atlantic right whale being hit will drop by 80 per cent, according to experts.
"Studies show that saving just two females a year can help bring the population back, so this move is critically important," according to Moira Brown, a senior scientist with the Canadian Whale Institute in Bolton, Ontario and the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Mass. The U.S. needs to adopt similar measures along the coast from Florida to Maine to reduce collisions between ships and right whales there, Brown added.
Would similar measures reduce mammal collisions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden? Not enough is yet known about the whale fauna of the region or the effects of maritime traffic on their well being. There is little data on the variety of species, their population levels, migratory patterns, feeding habits or mortality.
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden form an important transport route connecting Europe with East Asia and Australia, a commercial artery particularly for the carriage of oil and other commodities. The Red Sea is deep but narrow, with offshore coral reefs and bottlenecks at the south where traffic flows through the Bab al Mandab and in the north where traffic moves into the Gulf of Aqaba or Suez. The restricted waterway and the high volume of traffic increase the chances of accidents occurring. Think of our beautiful heritage and how much can be done to conserve it.
Bizarre new jellyfish A bizarre new species of jellyfish has been discovered in the deep waters off the Californian coast.
The bell-shaped creature spans a metre in diameter and has been nicknamed "big red", because of its unusual deep red colour. The US and Japanese teams that discovered it say the species deserves its own subfamily.
Tiburonia granrojo was discovered using video cameras attached to deep diving remotely operated vehicles. Its colour and shape set it apart from its other gelatinous relatives, but it has another unusual characteristic -- a complete lack of tentacles.
Instead, the jelly has four to seven fleshy arms that it uses to capture food. While jellyfish species can normally be distinguished by the number of tentacles they have, the number of arms differs between individual ‘big reds’.
The creatures live at depths of 650 to 1500 metres. Although the species was first observed in 1993, it has taken scientists until now to classify it and to confirm that it is indeed a new discovery. The jellies have now also been spotted in the Hawaiian islands and in Japanese waters.
Despite studying the elusive creatures for ten years, researchers say there are still many questions they want to answer. "What does it eat? Who are its predators? And how does it reproduce?
Ocean Dumping and Ship Wastes
This section deals with ocean dumping and ship wastes. It includes nuclear waste disposal, sewage outfalls, land-based materials or those that derive from shipping, such as from cargo transport ships and passenger ships.About 80-90% of the material dumped at sea results from dredging and currently amounts to hundreds of millions of tons a year. Of the total material dredged, probably two-thirds is associated with operations to keep harbours, rivers and other waterways from silting up. The other third involves new works. Future dredging operations and the requirement for ocean disposal are expected to follow current trends. The ocean disposal of dredged material represents only 20-22% of the total dredged and the remainder is mostly dumped in internal waters, or placed on land for disposal or productive purposes.
Approximately 10% of dredged sediments are heavily contaminated from a variety of sources including shipping, industrial and municipal discharges, and land runoff. Typical contaminants include heavy metals, such as cadmium, mercury and chromium; hydrocarbons, such as oil; organochlorines such as pesticides; and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. Disposal at sea of these materials carries the possibility of acute or chronic toxic effects on marine organisms, and potential contamination of human food sources.
It was recognized that ships, especially oil powered ships, could cause pollution and both the United Kingdom and the United States introduced legislation in the 1920s to curb discharges of oil resulting from operations such as tank cleaning. Attempts to tackle the problem at an international level were unsuccessful, however, and the outbreak of World Wear II resulted in the problem being deferred.
The potential for oil to pollute was finally recognised by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil, 1954. The Convention provided for certain functions to be undertaken by the International Maritime Organization. OILPOL 54 prohibited the dumping of oily wastes within a certain distance from land and in 'special areas' where the danger to the environment was especially acute.
More Marine Species added to CITES
Endangered sharks, sea horses and sea cucumbers gain ‘historic’ protection!
Governments attending a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) imposed controls on the trade in whale sharks and basking sharks, overturning previous decisions. Both are in danger of disappearing as fisherman chase big profits by supplying the Chinese with fins for shark-fin soup.
The listing of the two shark species came as CITES sought to extend its protection to commercial marine fish - a major breakthrough for the conservation of marine species. Traditionally, CITES has backed away from protecting commercial marine species as, in theory, they are protected by other international agencies such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
CITES also gave an Appendix II listing to sea cucumbers and 32 species of seahorses. Estimates suggest a million seahorses are caught annually, mostly in Asian waters for western aquariums and Chinese medicines.
In other decisions at the meeting, CITES agreed to:
Ban international trade in the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin amid fears that the population is close to being wiped out by Russian traders supplying the aquarium trade,
Give an Appendix II listing to 26 species of Asian freshwater turtles, mostly from Vietnam, which are being hunted to extinction for their meat.
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is rich with a diversity of species including marine mammals, sharks, rays, invertebrates and ornamental fish. Management of the exploitation of such resources is being conducted under the auspices of PERSGA through the activities of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP). A fisheries database is being established, stocks are being assessed and management measures are being created to conserve the existing shark, ray, and commercial invertebrate resources.
Several specialized surveys have been conducted throughout region. Through the SAP PERSGA is developing Regional Conservation Plans for marine turtles and for marine mammals. This will help to safeguard the 18 marine mammal species found in the region. These efforts go alongside the other international efforts taking place to protect and conserve these beautiful marine species.
PERSGA, The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the environment of Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, it is an intergovernmental body dedicated to the conservation of the coastal and marine environments in the region.
The Regional Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment (Jeddah Convention) 1982, provides the legal foundation for PERSGA.
The Secretariat of the Organization was formally established in Jeddah following the Cairo Declaration of September region1995. The PERSGA member states Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.PERSGA started back in the early 1970’s when the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) began a programme for the protection of the environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
In December 1998, the Secretary General of PERSGA and representatives of the three Global Environmental Facility (GEF) partners UNDP, UNEP and The World Bank launched the SAP in the widely publicised ceremony in Jeddah, attended by the Members of PERGSA Council and the numerous high ranking regional and international guests.(insert Photo)The Implementation of the SAP, started immediately after the ceremony, which required US$ 36 million over a five year duration period. It was anticipated that the countries of the Region, the Global Environmental Facility and selected international and bilateral donors will provide the necessary funding.
The Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (SAP) identifies the preventative and curative measures required by PERSGA and the Member States to maintain the rich and diverse coastal and marine resources of the region.
Approve the establishment expenses submitted by the temporary founders’ committee
Elect the first Board of Directors of the union
On Thursday, 10/11/1960, the first general assembly convened, chaired by Mr. Fuad Ahmed Hedia (temporary president of the union and representative of the Port Said Mechanical Fishing Vessel Cooperative Association) with Mr. Saleh Mohamed Ahmed as temporary secretary (representing Al-Qabouty Fishermen Cooperative Association), and attended by representatives of the founding associations (8 associations in total). The assembly decided:
A. Election of the first Board of Directors by acclamation:
Fuad Ahmed Hedia – Port Said Mechanical Fishing Vessel Association
Ahmed Mohamed Awad – Suez Mechanical Fishing Vessel Association
Abdel Hamid Mahgoub – Hurghada Fishermen Cooperative Association
Ahmed Adel El-Zein – Alexandria Mechanical Fishing Vessel Association
Saleh Mohamed Ahmed – Al-Qabouty Fishermen Cooperative Association
Al-Sayed Ali Youssef Saada – Burullus Fishermen Cooperative Association
Ahmed Abdel Tawab – Aswan Fishermen Cooperative Association
Al-Husseini Mohamed Konah – Edko Fishermen Cooperative Association
From the High Committee for Fisheries Wealth, the following were also elected as board members according to the union’s internal regulations: 9. General Mohamed Fouad El-Dajoui – Member of Fisheries Committee 10. Professor Ahmed Rifaat – Member of Fisheries Committee 11. Engineer Younes Amin Omar – Member of Fisheries Committee 12. Agricultural Engineer Gouda Shaqran – Member of Fisheries Committee 13. Colonel Adel El-Mestkawy – Secretary of the High Committee for Fisheries Wealth 14. Dr. Mohamed Abdelghani Azzam – Experienced Member of Parliament 15. Professor Dr. Mohamed Kamal El-Din Barakat – Experienced Expert
B. The assembly also decided to accept the membership of the following associations:
Mariout Fishermen Cooperative Association
Rashid Fishermen Cooperative Association
Quseir Fishermen Cooperative Association
Tor Fishermen Cooperative Association
Damru Fishermen Cooperative Association
Abshawai, Fayoum Fishermen Cooperative Association
Anfoushi Fishermen Cooperative Association
Shakhlouba Fishermen Cooperative Association
Alexandria Mechanical Fishing Vessel Cooperative Association
Maniet El-Morshed Fishermen Cooperative Association
Abu Qir Fishermen Cooperative Association
El-Max Fishermen Cooperative Association
Baltim Fishermen Cooperative Association
Kab & Umm Khalaf Fishermen Cooperative Association
Hurghada Fishermen Cooperative Association
Borg Megezel Fishermen Cooperative Association
Aswan Fishermen Cooperative Association
On Monday, 19/6/1961, at 10:00 AM, the Board of Directors of the Union met at the Ministry of War, chaired by Field Marshal Abdel Hakim Amer, Minister of War, with the presence of:
Major General Mohamed Fouad El-Dajoui – Director General of the Coast, Fisheries, and Customs Guard
Professor Ahmed Rifaat – Director of the Institute of Aquatic Biology
Mr. Al-Sayed Ali Youssef Saada – Member of Parliament and Chairman of Borg El-Burullus Association
Dr. Mohamed Abdelghani Azzam – Member of Parliament and Chairman of El-Mataria Association
Mr. Fuad Ahmed Hedia – Chairman of the Mechanical Fishing Vessel Owners Association, Port Said
Colonel Adel El-Mestkawy – Director of the Minister of War’s Office
Mr. Gouda Shaqran – Cooperation Expert at the Presidency and Planning
Dr. Mohamed Kamal El-Din Barakat – Professor of Agricultural Industries, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University
Mr. Saleh Mohamed Ahmed – Chairman of Al-Qabouty Fishermen Association
Mr. Adel Ahmed El-Zein – Chairman of the Mechanical Fishing Vessel Owners Association, Alexandria
Engineer Younes Amin Omar – Expert in Fishing Ports and Shipbuilding
Mr. Al-Husseini Mohamed Konah – Chairman of Edko Fishermen Association
Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Awad – Chairman of Mechanical Fishing Vessel Owners Association, Suez
Absent were Mr. Ahmed Abdel-Tawab and Mr. Abdel Hamid Mahgoub.
The Minister opened the session by congratulating the members on their Union membership and explained the new ministry policy regarding fisheries cooperation. He noted that the ministry had been given supervision over all matters related to aquatic wealth and had issued the necessary legislation to implement this policy.
In terms of cooperative fisheries organization, a General Supervision of Cooperation was established within the ministry. Presidential Decree No. 444 of 1961 was issued to create a fund supporting fishermen’s cooperative associations, along with complementary decrees. Several ministerial decisions were also issued to regulate fisheries cooperation.
The ministry also proposed a presidential decree guaranteeing government support for fishermen’s associations with the Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Bank up to 1.5 million Egyptian pounds, and another decree to exempt fishermen’s associations from customs duties on imports. A draft presidential decree was prepared to establish a General Authority for Fisheries Wealth, along with other legislation to support the development of this vital sector for the country.
The Minister emphasized that the President was deeply concerned with fisheries wealth and that the Specialized Cooperative Union for Fisheries Wealth had a positive role in strengthening cooperative associations. The ministry relied on the Union to advance its policies to improve the professional and social level of fishermen members, increase fish production, and provide affordable protein food for the population.
He also discussed the various levels and forms of fisheries cooperatives to create an integrated cooperative system supported by the state, aimed at advancing the country’s aquatic wealth sector.
After the opening speech, the Minister asked Major General Mohamed Fouad El-Dajoui, as the eldest member, to chair the session. Mr. Gouda Shaqran served as secretary. The meeting then proceeded to discuss the agenda.
Decisions:
By unanimous vote, Major General Mohamed Fouad El-Dajoui was elected President, Mr. Fuad Hedia as Vice President, Mr. Gouda Shaqran as Secretary-General, and Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Awad as Treasurer.
By unanimous vote, Major General Mohamed Fouad El-Dajoui and Mr. Gouda Shaqran were elected to sign expenditure authorizations alongside the Treasurer.
By unanimous vote, the Executive Committee was formed consisting of Major General Mohamed Fouad El-Dajoui, Mr. Gouda Shaqran, and Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Awad.
By unanimous vote, the Agricultural Credit Bank was chosen as the Union’s bank, and the Secretary-General was tasked with opening the Union’s current account.
By unanimous vote, the Executive Committee was authorized to rent an office for the Union in coordination with the Fund supporting fishermen’s cooperative associations, and to take all necessary actions to sign the lease, purchase printed materials and furniture, hire administrative and clerical staff, and announce required technical positions.
Formation of Technical Committees of the Union: During the Board of Directors meeting on 14/8/1961, the following technical committees were established:
Finance, Advertising, and Publications Committee: Chaired by Mr. Gouda Shaqran
Shipbuilding Committee: Chaired by Dr. Younes Amin Omar, with members:
Mr. Mohamed El-Degieshi
Mr. Mohamed Abdelghafar El-Hanawy
Fishing Equipment Committee: Chaired by Professor Ahmed Rifaat, with members:
Mr. Mostafa Mohamed Abals
Mr. Mohamed Hassan Ahmed Harhash
Insurance Committee: Chaired by Professor Ahmed Adel El-Zein, with members:
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Marzouk
Mr. Mohamed Gado El-Shenawy
Fish Processing Committee: Chaired by Dr. Mohamed Kamal El-Din Barakat, with members:
Mr. Mohamed Ali El-Feki
Mr. El-Sharnouby Ali El-Sharnouby
Marketing Committee: Chaired by Professor Ahmed Fouad Hedia, with members:
Mr. Raheem
Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Moneim Ali Abdel-Maati
Inspection, Auditing, and Statistics Committee: Chaired by Mr. Ali Youssef Saada, with members:
At the Board meeting on 28/9/1968, it was decided that Lt. Col. Mostafa Mekky’s seat would remain vacant following his retirement from military service until a replacement was elected.
At the Board meeting on 14/10/1968, the death of Lt. General Mohamed Fouad El-Dagwy was announced.
Formation of the Second Board of Directors
At the ordinary General Assembly on 5/8/1971, a new Board of Directors was elected:
Elected Members:
Mr. Fouad Ahmed Hedia – representing the Mechanized Association of Port Said
Eng. Farouk Mohamed Rishwan – representing the Sailing Association of Port Said
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Namir – representing Adco Association
Mr. Rabie Abdel Alim Harb – representing Mansoura Association
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zureiq – representing the Sailing and Mechanized Association of Anfoushi
Mr. Ahmed Abdel Tawab – representing Aswan Association
Mr. Ibrahim Hegazy Ashry – representing Mataria Association
Mr. Abdel Hakim Abdo Wali – representing Gamalia Association
Appointed Members (nominated by the Egyptian General Organization for Aquatic Wealth):
Mr. Mahmoud Fahmy El-Zeftawy – Director General
Mr. Mohamed Kamel El-Genedy – Director General of Production
Mr. Mostafa Adam Abdel-Taleb – Senior Specialist, Cooperative Organization & Research
Dr. Abdel Rahman El-Khouly – Director General, Marine Science Institute
Eng. Mohamed Fathy El-Mostahi – Chairman, Egyptian Company for Fishing Equipment
Mr. Mohamed Saleh Abdel Kafi – Director, Damietta Aquatic Wealth Region
Dr. Helmy Mohamed Abdel Ghani – Head, Cooperative Organization Division, Ministry of Planning
At the Board meeting on 23/9/1971, the following were elected:
Mr. Mahmoud Fahmy El-Zeftawy – Chairman
Mr. Mohamed Kamel El-Genedy – Vice Chairman
Mr. Mohamed Saleh Abdel Kafi – Secretary
Dr. Helmy Mohamed Abdel Ghani – Treasurer
The Executive Committee of the Union was formed from the same members.
At Board meeting No. 8 on 29/10/1972, the following were decided:
Vacating the seat of the late Eng. Farouk Rishwan and electing a replacement through the General Assembly.
Reviewing the membership of Eng. Abdel Hakim Abdo Wali and electing a replacement, as his membership became invalid after the election of the Gamalia Association’s board.
Dropping the membership of Mr. Ahmed Abdel Tawab, Mr. Ali Mohamed Zureiq, and Mr. Fouad Ahmed Hedia under Article 9 of the Union’s internal regulations.
At the annual General Assembly on 7/2/1972, Dr. Abdel Rahman El-Khouly’s resignation was accepted, and Dr. Ahmed El-Eisawy, Professor at the Marine Science and Fisheries Institute, was appointed in his place, as nominated by the Egyptian General Organization for Aquatic Wealth.
The General Assembly also accepted the resignation of Eng. Abdel Hakim Wali from the Board.
Formation of the Third Board of Directors
Annual General Assembly & Internal Regulation Amendments (1974–1976)
Annual General Assembly – 21/11/1974
It was decided in this meeting to elect the following to fill vacant seats in the Union’s Board of Directors:
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Namir
Mr. Rabie Abdel Alim Harb
Mr. Al-Sayed Ibrahim Hegazy Ashry
Mr. Mahmoud Fahmy El-Zeftawy excused himself from chairing the meeting, and Mr. Engineer Mohamed Kamel El-Genedy, Vice Chairman, presided over the session.
Nominations received from the Egyptian General Organization for Aquatic Wealth (letter No. 7494 dated 14/9/1974) for appointed members were:
Mr. Ahmed Tawfiq Abdel Nabi
Eng. Mohamed Kamel El-Genedy
Mr. Mohamed Saleh Abdel Kafi
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Eisawy
Mr. Hamed Abdel Maqsoud El-Shazly
Mr. Mostafa Adam Abdel Taleb
A representative from the Ministry of Planning (to be notified later)
The General Assembly unanimously approved them.
The Third Board of Directors was thus formed as follows:
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zureiq
Mahmoud Ahmed Aloush
Mr. Al-Sayed El-Badawi El-Gendy
Mr. Mohamed Mostafa Haseeb
Mr. Ahmed Abdel Tawab
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Namir
Mr. Rabie Abdel Alim Harb
Mr. Al-Sayed Ibrahim Hegazy Ashry
Mr. Ahmed Tawfiq Abdel Nabi
Eng. Mohamed Kamel El-Genedy
Mr. Mohamed Saleh Abdel Kafi
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Eisawy
Mr. Hamed Abdel Maqsoud El-Shazly
Mr. Mostafa Adam Abdel Taleb
Board of Directors Meeting – 24/12/1974
Mr. Ahmed Tawfiq Abdel Nabi – Chairman
Eng. Mohamed Kamel El-Genedy – Vice Chairman
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Eisawy – Treasurer
Mr. Mohamed Saleh Abdel Kafi – Secretary General
Board of Directors Meeting No. (10) – 15/10/1975
The decision of the Chairman of the Egyptian General Organization for Aquatic Wealth (No. 223 dated 25/9/1977) regarding appointing Mr. Mohamed Saleh Abdel Kafi to work at the Union was presented.
He assumed his duties on 12/10/1975.
Board Meeting – 12/11/1975
Approval was given to the Ministry of Planning’s letter dated 5/11/1975 nominating Mr. Helmy Abdel Ghani Saad to the Board.
Board Meeting No. (7) – 7/7/1976
The Board was informed that Dr. Helmy Abdel Ghani Saad traveled to Saudi Arabia for a one-year secondment.
As he held the position of Treasurer, Mr. Mostafa Adam Abdel Taleb was unanimously elected Treasurer in his place effective 7/7/1976.
Annual General Assembly – 28/7/1976
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Shalaby Ashry and Mr. Basyouni Ismail Kamoun were elected to replace Mr. Ahmed Abdel Tawab and Mr. Ali Mohamed Zureiq, whose membership had ended due to the two-term limit according to internal regulations.
The Secretary presented the membership evolution:
5/8/1971 – Elected: Fouad Ahmed Hedia, Farouk Rishwan, Nour El-Din Abdullah Namir, Rabie Harb, Ali Zureiq, Ahmed Abdel Tawab, Al-Sayed Ashry, Abdel Hakim Wali
1/2/1973 – After deaths and resignations: Elected Al-Sayed El-Gendy, Mohamed Haseeb El-Reis, Mahmoud Aloush (first term), Ali Zureiq, Ahmed Abdel Tawab (second term)
1974 – Membership dropped for three; re-elected: Nour El-Din Abdullah Namir, Rabie Harb, Al-Sayed Ashry (second term)
16/10/1975 – Annual renewal caused the membership of Ali Zureiq and Ahmed Abdel Tawab to lapse; under the regulations, members cannot serve more than two terms.
28/7/1976 – To complete the appointed membership, Mr. Ali Mohamed Zureiq was appointed to replace Dr. Helmy Abdel Ghani Saad, approved unanimously.
Internal Regulation Amendment – 16/12/1976
Article 10 was amended to read:
The Union shall be managed by a Board of Directors composed of eleven members representing cooperative associations affiliated with the Union, elected by the General Assembly from among the paid-up members of these associations through secret ballot.
The term of office is three years, with one-third of the members renewed annually. A member whose term has expired may be re-elected for another term, except for the first Board.
To appoint the following gentlemen as Advisors to the Union’s Board of Directors:
Mr. Mohamed Kamel El-Genaidy
Prof. Mohamed El-Saleh Abdel-Kafy
Prof. Mostafa Adam Abdel-Taleb
Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim El-Rowaie
Mr. Ahmed Eid Saleh
They shall be invited to attend all Board meetings and whenever necessary.
It was also unanimously decided to appoint Engineer Mohamed Kamel El-Genaidy and Prof. Mostafa Adam Abdel-Taleb as advisors to the Executive Committee, which consists of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Furthermore, the Board unanimously approved the continuation of the delegated staff working at the Union, as well as the continuation of the two appointed employees in their positions, and approved the appointment of Prof. Mohamed El-Saleh Abdel-Kafy as Director of the Union, in accordance with the decision previously issued by the former Board of Directors.
The Board also unanimously decided to send letters of appreciation to the Chairman and members of the previous Board in recognition of their efforts in supporting the Aquatic Wealth Sector.
In its meeting dated 6/12/1977, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Ghaffar El-Shennawy, known as Gado El-Shennawy, as an advisor to the Board of Directors, in recognition of his honorable record with the Union and cooperatives.
In the Board meeting dated 8/2/1978, it was decided to form the Permanent Committees of the Union.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors held on 5/4/1978, Letter No. (33) dated 13/3/1978 from the Fishing Equipment Company was reviewed. It was decided to relieve Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim El-Rowaie of his duties as Advisor to the Union’s Board of Directors and to appoint Mr. Rofail Salib Rofail as Advisor to the Union’s Board of Directors.
At the Ordinary General Assembly meeting of the Union held on 21/2/1981, the following were elected as members of the Union’s Board of Directors, replacing members whose membership had been revoked:
Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun — representing Lake Burullus Region
Khalafallah Ahmed Hassan — representing the Upper Egypt Nile River and Inland Waters Region
Gaber Moussa Gabaly — representing the Red Sea and Suez Canal Region
At the Annual General Assembly meeting of the Union held on 23/12/1981, it was unanimously decided to endorse the election of the following gentlemen as members of the Union’s Board of Directors to represent the following regions respectively: Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Lake Manzala, Lake Qarun and Wadi El-Rayan, and Western Mediterranean Sea:
Mohamed Ali El-Feky
El-Sayed El-Badawy El-Gendy
Mostafa Mahmoud Youssef
Ali Mohamed Zreik
It was also unanimously decided to conduct a secret ballot election to fill the fifth seat among the following candidates: Ali Mostafa Ali – Eng. Hassan Ali Mohamed Sobhi – Mohamed Mohamed Ashry – Karim Gilan Abdel-Rahim (who did not attend) – Hassan Ali El-Qashawy – Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo.
The election was conducted by a committee headed by Mr. Ezzat Alwan, Accountant and Financial Supervisor of the Union, with membership of Mr. Ahmed Abdel-Tawab Ahmed and Mr. Rabie Abdel-Aleem Harb. Out of a total of 66 votes, including one invalid vote, the results were as follows:
Ali Mostafa Ali — 13 votes
Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo — 28 votes
Eng. Hassan Ali Sobhi — 5 votes
Mohamed Mohamed Shelbi Ashry — 6 votes
Karim Gilan Abdel-Rahim — No votes (absent)
Hassan Ali El-Qashawy — 13 votes
At the Annual General Assembly meeting of the Union held on 15/2/1984, it was unanimously decided to select Mr. Mohamed Helmy El-Reis by acclamation as a member of the Union’s Board of Directors, representing the Lake Manzala Fishing Region.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. 24, dated 16/10/1984, Prof. Mohamed El-Saleh Abdel-Kafy submitted his resignation from his position as Director of the Union due to health reasons.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. 27, dated 23/12/1984, the resignation was accepted effective 12/10/1984.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (1), dated 16/1/1985, it was decided to nominate Engineer Mohamed Kamel Abbas as a full-time Director of the Union, and he accepted the nomination in principle.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (2), dated 20/1/1985, it was unanimously approved to appoint Engineer Mohamed Kamel Abbas as full-time Director of the Union, effective 20/1/1985.
At the Extraordinary General Assembly meeting of the Union held on 20/2/1985, approval was granted for the following:
Unanimous approval to amend the name of the Union from “The Specialized Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth” to “The Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth.”
Unanimous approval to increase the number of members of the Union’s Board of Directors to 15 members instead of 11.
To be continued… Stay tuned, we will be back again. Source: Board of Directors
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (1), held on 6/5/1986, it was unanimously decided to approve the formation of the Executive Bureau of the Board of Directors as follows:
Mr. Mohamed Ali El-Feky — Chairman
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik — Vice Chairman
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir — Treasurer
Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo — Secretary
During this session, the necessary committees for the Union’s activities were also formed.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (19), held on 21/6/1987, the session was chaired by Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik following the death of the late Mr. Mohamed Ali El-Feky, Chairman of the Union’s Board of Directors. The meeting was opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, in the presence of Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky, son of the deceased, and Mr. Hassan Ammar. Members of the Board delivered eulogies highlighting the late chairman’s contributions to the Union and the fisheries sector. Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky expressed his gratitude for these kind words and departed with Mr. Hassan Ammar, after which the attendees continued discussions on proposals to commemorate the late chairman’s legacy.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (20), held on 11/7/1987, it was decided to reconstitute the Executive Bureau of the Board of Directors as follows:
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik — Chairman
Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo — Vice Chairman
Mr. Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun — Secretary
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir — Treasurer
At the Ordinary General Assembly meeting of the Union held on 25/11/1987, elections were conducted between the candidates for membership of the Board of Directors representing the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Port Said and North Sinai Governorates), namely Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky and Mr. Ahmed El-Sayed El-Wazir. The results concluded with the election of Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky, who received all 65 votes cast.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (25), held on 14/11/1987, correspondence from the General Authority for Fish Resources Development No. 510–5606, dated 28/10/1987, was reviewed, accompanied by:
A letter from the Head of the Central Administration for the Minister’s Office Affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture, No. 19262, dated 13/10/1987, and
A letter from the Director of the Office of the President of the Republic, No. 769, dated 12/10/1987, which included approval by His Excellency the President of the Republic to award a Decoration in the name of the late Hajj Mohamed Ali El-Feky, Chairman of the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth and Secretary of Fishermen Affairs of the National Democratic Party in Port Said.
It was decided during this meeting to send telegrams of appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Republic, as well as to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.
Formation of the Sixth Board of Directors of the Union
Formation of the Sixth Board of Directors of the Union
The Union’s Board of Directors was formed at the Ordinary General Assembly meeting of the Union held on 22/4/1991, as follows:
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir
Mr. Rashed Ahmed Ibrahim
Mr. Awad Mohamed Marzouk
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik
Mr. Ahmed Abdel-Tawab
Mr. Ahmed Hassan Ali Gomaa
Mr. Hassan Ali El-Qashawy
Mr. Youssef Abdel-Aal Atwan
Mr. Mohamed Helmy El-Reis
Mr. Rabie Abdel-Aleem Harb
Mr. Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun
Mr. Abdel-Rady Abdel-Meguid Ahmed
Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors held on 22/4/1991, the Executive Bureau of the Union was formed as follows:
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik — Chairman of the Board
Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo — Vice Chairman of the Board
Mr. Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun — Secretary
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir — Treasurer
The remaining members served as members of the Board of Directors, and during this meeting the subcommittees were also formed.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (3), held on 14/8/1995, the death of the late Hajj Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, was announced. May God have mercy upon him.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (2), held on 11/9/1995, Mr. Eid Salem Aslim was appointed as a member of the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth Board of Directors, filling the seat that became vacant following the death of the late Mahmoud Mohamed Abdo, as he had obtained the highest number of votes in the most recent elections for the region previously represented by the deceased member. Mr. Eid Salem Aslim’s membership shall continue until the end of the term of the current Board.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (5), held on 26/9/1995, Mr. Abdel-Wahab El-Rafaie, Accountant and Financial Supervisor of the Union, attended the meeting due to the apology of Mr. Mohamed Kamel Abbas, Director General of the Union, owing to health conditions.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (12), held on 8/4/1996, the death of the late Rabie Abdel-Aleem Harb, member of the Union’s Board of Directors, was recorded.
We shall meet again in Part Five. Source: Board of Directors
Ali Mohamed Zreik — representing the Western Mediterranean Region
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (16), held on 11/5/1996, the following were elected:
Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik — Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky — Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mr. Awad Mohamed Marzouk — Secretary
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir — Treasurer
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (17), held on 13/5/1996, the specialized committees of the Union were formed.
At the meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors, Session No. (1), held on 8/7/1996, it was decided to disburse the financial entitlements of Engineer Mohamed Kamel Abbas, former Director General of the Union, who had ceased work due to illness.
At the extraordinary meeting of the Union’s Board of Directors held on 23/11/1997 (First Session), the death of the late Mr. Ali Mohamed Zreik, Chairman of the Union’s Board of Directors, was announced. The Board unanimously decided to appoint Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky as Chairman of the Union’s Board of Directors, and he accepted the position in response to the wishes of the Board members.
At the same extraordinary meeting dated 23/11/1997, the second session was held in the presence of the Union’s Board members and the following guests:
Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Zaher Osman — Chairman of the General Cooperative Union
Counselor Hosny Abu El-Soud — Secretary-General of the General Cooperative Union
Mr. Ahmed Moselhy — Editor-in-Chief of Al-Taawun Newspaper
Mr. Mostafa Adam Abdel-Taleb — Director General of the Cooperative Insurance Fund for Fishing Vessels
Memorial and Subsequent Decisions of the Seventh Board of Directors
This meeting was held to eulogize the late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth. All attendees delivered speeches expressing their sincere feelings toward the late honorable figure and highlighting his many contributions to the fisheries sector, as well as the great efforts and dedication he devoted to serving the sector in his capacity as Chairman of the Union and as a member of the Shura Council.
The attendees unanimously decided the following:
To contribute ten thousand Egyptian pounds toward the funeral expenses, and to assign:
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky, Vice Chairman of the Board,
Mr. Awad Mohamed Marzouk, Secretary-General of the Union, and
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir, Treasurer, to deliver the amount to the honorable widow of the late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik and convey condolences.
To address the General Authority for Fish Resources Development to prepare a memorandum to the competent authority recommending that the late figure be awarded one of the State’s honorary decorations.
To name the Board of Directors’ meeting hall at the Union’s headquarters after the late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik.
To correspond with the Board of Directors of the Fishermen’s Dispensary in Anfoushi to name it after the late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik, to be called: “The Charitable Fishermen’s Dispensary of the Late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik.”
To organize a memorial ceremony in the name of the late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik, in his capacity as Chairman of the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth and as a pioneer of the cooperative movement, in a manner befitting his name and legacy.
To send a telegram of thanks to His Excellency the Deputy for his condolences regarding the Union’s great loss.
To send a telegram of thanks to Eng. Abdullah Hammad, Chairman of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development, in appreciation of his honorable and compassionate stance.
To send telegrams of appreciation to all those who extended condolences to the Union on this great loss.
Board of Directors Meeting No. (9) – 8/12/1997
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Hajj Nour El-Din Abdullah Nemeir, the eldest member, in the presence of the remaining Board members. The following members apologized for absence:
Mr. Youssef Abdel-Aal Atwan — Board Member (traveling to perform Hajj)
Mr. Ahmed Hassan Ali Gomaa — Board Member
Mr. Bassiouny Ismail Kamoun — Board Member
The meeting was also attended by:
Eng. Mostafa Imam Abu Seif — Head of the Central Administration for the Affairs of the Chairman’s Office at the Authority
Ms. Mary Abdel-Malak Gabra — Director General of the General Administration for Regional Affairs at the Authority
At the opening of the meeting, Al-Fatiha was recited for the soul of the late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik, and the Chairman welcomed the attending guests.
Agenda – Item One:
The Chairman reviewed two letters from the Authority, Nos. 3369 (29/11/1997) and 3470 (4/12/1997), in which the Authority objected to the legality of the procedures of the two extraordinary sessions Nos. 7 and 8 of 1997, held on Sunday 23/11/1997, due to the Authority not being notified.
The Authority requested:
The appointment of Mr. El-Sayed Hanafy Mahmoud Feteiha as a member of the Union’s Board of Directors to replace the late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik, filling the Western Mediterranean seat, and
The repetition of the procedures for electing a Chairman of the Board.
The Chairman clarified that the failure to notify the Authority was not due to negligence by the Union, but rather an oversight by Mr. Hisham Ali El-Hendi, Acting Secretary of the Board. A written investigation was conducted, resulting in a recommendation to deduct three days from his salary to prevent recurrence under any circumstances.
Decisions:
Approval of the contents of the Authority’s letter No. 3369 dated 29/11/1997, and cancellation of all decisions taken in Sessions 7 and 8 dated 23/11/1997.
Approval of the proposed disciplinary action against Mr. Hisham Ali El-Hendi, to be deducted from his December 1997 salary.
Appointment of Mr. El-Sayed Hanafy Mahmoud Feteiha as a member of the Board of Directors to replace the late Hajj Ali Mohamed Zreik, occupying the Western Mediterranean seat.
Re-election of a Chairman of the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth.
The election procedures were then presented. A fax was reviewed from Mr. Youssef Atwan expressing his wish to run for Chairman, as well as the nomination of Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky.
Following the vote, Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky was elected unanimously, receiving 10 votes.
Accordingly, the Chairman of the session announced Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
As the position of Vice Chairman became vacant, Mr. Eid Salem Aslim nominated himself, and since no other nominations were submitted, he was endorsed by acclamation.
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feky then assumed the chairmanship of the meeting in his capacity as the elected Chairman, welcoming Mr. El-Sayed Feteiha as a new Board member and extending greetings to the attending officials.
The Board also approved the previously canceled decisions related to honoring the late Ali Mohamed Zreik, as they involved financial matters that had already been executed
At the Union’s Board of Directors meeting, session No. (11) dated 23/4/2001, it was unanimously decided to form the Union’s executive office as follows: During this session, the following Union committees were also formed:
Accountant Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feki — Chairman of the Board
Mr. Eid Selim Aslim — Vice Chairman
Mr. Awad Mohamed Marzouk — Secretary
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdallah Namir — Treasurer
Training Committee
Economic and Investment Activity Committee
Board of Directors of Al-Sayyad Newspaper Committee
At the Union’s Board of Directors meeting, session No. 3 dated 13/9/2003, the Union President offered condolences to the Board members for the passing of their colleague, Mr. Abd El-Rady Abd El-Megid Ahmed, a Board member. A minute of silence was observed, and a prayer was read for the deceased, asking God for mercy and patience for his family.
At the Union’s Board of Directors meeting, session No. 4 dated 11/10/2003, the Board approved the promotion of Mr. Youssef Zare’ to membership of the Union’s Board of Directors, wishing him continued success
Attia Mohamed Shehata (Adel Abd El-Moaty) — 6 votes
Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Abdallah — 5 votes
Lake Burullus / Kafr El-Sheikh:
Abd Rabbo El-Sayed El-Ghazairly — 32 votes
Fahmy Owais Ibrahim (El-Sambou) — 11 votes, passed away Nov 2007
Nile River (Assiut to Qena):
Zain El-Abidin Ismail — 40 votes
Adel Selim Abd El-Rady Abd El-Naeim — 6 votes
Nile River, Lower Egypt:
El-Sayed El-Sayed Mahmoud El-Shewahy — 37 votes
General seat (all fishing areas):
Eid Salem Aslim Maghnam — 33 votes
Niroz Shaker Fath El-Bab — 7 votes
Lake Nasser and Nile in Aswan:
El-Araby Mohamed El-Soghayar — 40 votes
Ahmed Hassan Ali Gomaa — 4 votes
At the Union Board meeting (session 11) on 22/4/2006, the Union’s executive office was elected:
Accountant Mohamed Mohamed Ali El-Feki — Chairman of the Board
Mr. Hassan Ali El-Qashawy — Vice Chairman
Mr. Awad Mohamed Marzouk — Secretary General
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdallah Namir — Treasurer
Committees formed in this session:
Media Committee — Chaired by Mohamed Gouda El-Sayed
Training and External Relations Committee — Chaired by Mohamed Khidr Hussein
Economic and Investment Activities Committee — Chaired by Ashraf Ali Zureik
At the Board meeting (session 5) on 11/11/2006, the death of Mr. Mohamed Helmy El-Rais, Board member, was announced. A minute of silence was observed, the Fatiha prayer was read, and 5,000 EGP were approved to support funeral expenses.
At the Ordinary General Assembly meeting on 30/12/2007, Mr. Abd El-Karim Abd El-Karim Mahmoud El-Rifai was unanimously appointed to the vacant seat representing Lake Manzala to complete the 2006–2011 term. The Assembly also approved increasing Board members from 15 to 19.
At the General Assembly meeting on 21/12/2008, several cooperative leaders were honored on the 50th anniversary of the Union, including:
Dr. Ahmed Abd El-Zaher — President of the General Federation of Cooperatives
Accountant Hamdan Abd El-Sattar Matawa — Head of Central Administration for the President’s Office
Mr. Mostafa Adam Abd El-Taleb — Director of Cooperative Insurance Fund for Fishing Vessels
Dr. Ahmed Abd El-Wahab Baranya — Scientific Advisor
Mr. Ibrahim El-Boushi — Media Advisor
Mr. Osama El-Sayed Suleiman — Union Lawyer
Late Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdu, Late Mr. Rabie Abd El-Alim Harb, Late Mr. Basyouni Ismail Kamoun, Late Mr. Abd El-Rady Abd El-Megid Ahmed, Late Mr. Rashid Ahmed Ibrahim, Late Mr. Youssef Abd El- Atwan, Late Mr. Ahmed Abd El-Tawab Ahmed, Late Mr. El-Sayed El-Badawy El-Gendy — Board Members
Mr. Nour El-Din Abdallah Namir, Mr. Mostafa Mahmoud Youssef, Mr. Hassan Ali El-Qashawy (Vice Chairman), Mr. Abd Rabbo El-Sayed El-Ghazairly — Board Members
At the Board meeting (session 10) on 8/5/2010, the death of Mr. Nour El-Din Abdallah Namir, Board member and Treasurer, was announced. A minute of silence was observed, Fatiha prayer read, and 10,000 EGP approved for funeral expenses
This concludes Part Seven of the history of the Cooperative Union for Aquatic Wealth.
Supervision of cooperative training programs for aquatic resources cooperative societies.
Participation in coordination between the cooperative sector for aquatic resources and other cooperative sectors, and strengthening links among them.
Representation of the cooperative movement for aquatic resources abroad through membership in international, regional, and Arab cooperative organizations; participation in international conferences; exchange of cooperative expertise with various international organizations; and acceptance of financial assistance from foreign cooperative organizations—all in coordination with the Minister of Agriculture.
Proposing cooperative legislation related to aquatic resources.
Defense of the interests of aquatic resources cooperative societies and the units of the cooperative structure.
Third: The Cooperative Structure of Aquatic Resources
The Cooperative Union includes in its membership (90) cooperative societies, comprising (84) local societies, one general society, and (5) aquaculture cooperative societies. The total number of cooperative members is estimated at (89,713) members, with a total capital amounting to (1,150,549 Egyptian pounds).
Members of the cooperative societies own all fishing units operating in Egyptian fishing grounds (seas, lakes, and inland waters), including 4,229 motorized vessels, some of which have engine power exceeding (800) horsepower, and (40,836) sailing boats, mainly concentrated in lakes and inland waters.
With the expansion of aquaculture projects in recent years, the number of aquaculture cooperative societies has been increasing. The Union actively encourages their establishment, and they have come to be represented on the Union’s Board of Directors
The Union’s Contribution to Economic and Social Development
Rational management of fishery resources through preventing illegal and excessive fishing, within the framework of a realistic plan based on accurate data regarding fish stock levels, the number of fishing vessels, determination of fishing seasons, and respect for the recommendations and proposals submitted by the Union to the administrative authorities in this regard.
Protection of water bodies from reclamation and drying, whether for agricultural, urban, or tourism expansion, as has occurred in the northern lakes and the Red Sea. Once again, the same pressure groups intervene with the administrative authorities to achieve their own interests. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a permanent compensation mechanism for fishermen, funded by those who benefit from such practices.
Prevention or reduction of pollution in its various forms in water bodies, especially the northern lakes, where fishermen are the first victims—both in terms of reduced production and exposure to diseases. This necessitates compensating them based on the well-known principle: “the polluter pays.”
Insurance of fishing vessels, which represent the backbone of the cooperative sector and the primary means of production. The magnitude of investments in this area, as previously noted, requires protection and preservation—particularly given that fishing is a highly hazardous occupation, often resulting in the loss of vessels and crews. Accordingly, this issue represents one of the most important challenges and priorities of the Union, which led to the issuance of a Presidential Decree establishing a special fund for insuring fishing vessels.
Inclusion of workers in the fishery sector, owners of fishing vessels, and fish farms among the beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Project.
Issuance of Al-Sayyad (The Fisherman) Newspaper, the first specialized newspaper addressing the problems and constraints of the aquatic resources sector. It includes scientific studies and serves as a communication link between cooperative societies on one side and relevant governmental and non-governmental bodies on the other. The newspaper is distributed to these bodies, as well as to universities and research centers, and has been widely welcomed—particularly by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Environment, and others.
Establishment of a suitably equipped headquarters for the Union, including meeting halls and audio-visual facilities used for training purposes. The headquarters has hosted ministers and delegations from Arab fishery sectors visiting Egypt (Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Sudanese delegations, the Arab Union of Fish Producers, and the Arab Cooperative Union).
Conducting continuous field visits to various fishing areas according to a structured plan aimed at raising awareness among cooperative societies and fishermen about the importance of development and conservation of fishery resources, as well as discussing the problems faced by societies and fishermen in those areas. As a result of these visits, the Union succeeded in achieving the following:
Confronting attempts to drain 6,000 feddans (the main basin) of Lake Mariout, following efforts by the Governor of Alexandria and the Local Council to issue a recommendation for drainage, which has not been implemented to date.
Halting the drainage of 7,000 feddans in the Al-Gahr area of Lake Manzala, which the Land Reclamation Authority had attempted to drain.
Preventing the leasing of the Shenyara area in Lake Nasser and restoring it to the jurisdiction of the Aswan Fishermen Cooperative Society.
Opposing the privatization of Lake Nasser and attempting to restore previous arrangements to ensure stability and productivity.
Reconciling conditions within Lake Nasser between cooperative societies and resolving disputes among them that had persisted for more than twelve years
Cooperation with Local and International Bodies
The Union is a member of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development, which enables it to participate in policy formulation and propose legislation related to the fisheries sector.
The Union has earned the respect of numerous scientific institutions specializing in fishery resources. Accordingly, for the first time, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research issued a decision appointing the President of the Union as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries.
The Union has established close relations with the Regional Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Arab Union of Fish Producers, and the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA). This cooperation includes the provision of scientific publications and documents, as well as participation in conferences and seminars.
The Union holds the position of Vice President of the Regional Organization of Professional Fishermen, which was established by the European Union and includes all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
The Union participated in the establishment of the Yemeni Cooperative Union for Fish Resources as well as the Algerian Fish Chamber of Commerce. It also trained (18) members of the Yemeni Union in 2003, and (30) members of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce were scheduled to receive training in October 2004. In addition, leaders of the Yemeni Cooperative Union were to receive training in cooperation with FAO.
The Union is a member of the Egyptian Society for the Development of Fish Resources and the Protection of Human Health, a recognized scientific association that conducts scientific research and organizes conferences and seminars related to the environment and fishery resources.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime Transport and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, the following achievements were realized:
Issuance of a decision by the Minister of Transport granting fishermen working on fishing vessels Seafarer Fishing Passports, enabling them to access employment opportunities outside Egyptian waters.
Preparation of a draft ministerial decree to grant international certificates to workers on fishing vessels operating outside territorial waters, across various professional specializations.
Conclusion of agreements with the Egyptian Tax Authority, under which accounting principles were established in accordance with each production area, taking into account differences in fishing ground productivity, quantity, quality, and seasonality of production. These agreements cover the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Suez, while studies concerning lakes and the Nile River are currently underway. All agreements were signed with the Head of the Tax Authority at the Union’s headquarters.
Attendance at all meetings of the Agriculture and Irrigation Committee of the People’s Assembly when discussing issues related to fishery resources or amendments to relevant legislation. The Union has maintained an influential role in these meetings due to its strong relations with various stakeholders in pursuit of the public interest.
Holding meetings with concerned governors to discuss issues related to pollution and the drying of water bodies
10. Training and Capacity Building
The Union organizes annual training courses for members of cooperative societies and workers in the fields of cooperative legislation, fisheries law, and cooperative accounting.
Reciprocal training programs are conducted between the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (Fisheries Department) and the Union. Students of the Academy receive practical training aboard fishing vessels owned by cooperatives, while selected members of cooperative societies are trained at the Academy on the use of modern navigation and maritime safety equipment.
A total of ten (10) students from the Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University (Fish Division) were trained through fishing trips aboard cooperative fishing vessels.
Coordination was carried out with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport to train unqualified fishing labor at their workplaces, qualifying them to obtain international certificates enabling them to work aboard fishing vessels outside territorial waters in various specializations.
11. Local and International Conferences and Seminars
International Conferences and Seminars
Participation in the First Conference on the Development of Marine Fisheries in the Arab World, held in Tripoli, Libya, from 25–27 July 1998, organized by the Arab Union of Fish Producers. The Union presented a working paper at the conference. On the sidelines of the conference, communication with Libyan fisheries officials resulted in the release of five (5) detained fishing vessels.
Participation in the First Conference on the Development of Fishery Investment and Trade in the Arab World, held from 2–5 November 1998 in Nouakchott, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, organized by the Arab Union of Fish Producers and the Mauritanian Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy. The Union presented a working paper. As a result, an agreement was reached to operate Egyptian fishing vessels in Mauritanian territorial waters on a pilot basis, leading to the actual operation of three (3) fishing vessels.
Participation in the Arab States Forum on Investment and Trade Exchange in Marine Fisheries, held in Algiers from 11–13 June 2001, organized by the Algerian Ministry of Marine Fisheries and Fishery Resources in cooperation with the Arab Union of Fish Producers. The Union contributed a working paper.
Participation in a workshop organized by the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), held in Hurghada from 30 June to 3 July 2001, to discuss optimal management methods for exploiting marine resources in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, in coordination with the Environmental Affairs Agency. The Union presented a paper on the role of fishery cooperative organizations in managing and regulating fisheries.
Participation in a meeting organized by the European Union in Tunis in April 2004 to establish an organization for professional fishermen of Mediterranean countries, with participation from European and Arab Mediterranean states. Spain was selected as the headquarters of the organization.
Local Conferences and Seminars
Active participation (financial support and working papers) in all conferences and seminars organized by the Egyptian Society for the Development of Fish Resources and the Protection of Human Health, including:
Seminar on Fish Resources Development, Cairo University, 17 March 1996.
First Scientific Conference in Al-Arish, 21–23 October 1997, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Arish.
Seminar on Lake Bardawil, 31 October 1997, Bardawil.
Second Scientific Conference in Alexandria, 20–22 October 1998, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.
Third Scientific Conference in Mansoura, 26–28 October 1999, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
Fourth Annual Conference in Cairo, 17–19 October 2000, International Agricultural Center.
Participation in the seminar “Lake Mariout: Pros and Cons”, held at the Alexandria Local Council on 22 April 1999.
The Union organized a panel discussion on the use of hormones in producing mono-sex tilapia at its headquarters on 11 August 2003.
12. International Agreements
The Union actively contributed to realizing the principle of cooperation among Arab and African countries by concluding direct fishing agreements with counterpart institutions through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture. These agreements aim at integrating natural, financial, and human resources—representing a genuine achievement long sought by Egypt.
Despite the lack of activation of governmental agreements for more than two years, the Union successfully concluded fishing agreements with:
The Republic of Yemen: operation of 20 fishing vessels in Yemeni territorial waters, with expectations of expansion.
The State of Eritrea: operation of more than 50 fishing vessels in Eritrean territorial waters.
The Republic of Sudan: operation of more than 30 fishing vessels in Sudanese territorial waters, under mutually agreed conditions.
All vessels operate under the direct supervision of the Union to ensure discipline and continuous performance evaluation.
Additionally, the Union contributed to the release of more than 40 detained fishing vessels in Yemen, Eritrea, and Sudan.
13. Cooperation with the General Authority for Fish Resources Development
The Union established its relationship with the General Authority for Fish Resources Development on the basis of full coordination, joint participation in development planning, and consultation, in a manner that serves the public interest.
Obstacles to Effective Participation
The absence of an appropriate legislative and administrative environment represents a major obstacle. This necessitates legislative reform to unleash the capacities of cooperative organizations in the development process, the adoption of decentralization in decision-making, and clarification of responsibilities between central authorities and local governance bodies.
Accepting new members and considering the dismissal of a member in accordance with the provisions of this Law and its Executive Regulations.
Article (47): A member of the society or any unit of the cooperative structure may not combine any of the positions of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, or Treasurer.
Article (48): A member of the Board of Directors may be assigned to perform a specific task for the society in return for a remuneration determined by the Board of Directors. The Executive Regulations shall specify the maximum limit of the total amounts that a Board member may receive annually in the form of remunerations, incentives, allowances, or any other monetary or in-kind benefits, excluding transportation expenses, travel allowances, and approved full-time allowances.
Powers of the Society’s Manager
Article (33): The Manager of the society shall have the following powers:
Implementing and following up on the decisions of the Board of Directors, assisting the Board in performing its duties, and preparing the technical content of the agenda, particularly with regard to the following: a. Members’ complaints and demands, and the implementation status of decisions taken in the previous meeting. b. A summary of the society’s accounts. c. Inventory of stores and reconciliation with accounting records. d. Completion of accounting books. e. Movement of cash and credit purchases and sales. f. Loans and repayment status. g. Review of the implementation of the society’s activity programs. h. Adequacy of production requirements. i. Performing any duties assigned or delegated by the Board of Directors.
Implementing the instructions issued by the General Authority for Fish Resources Development in accordance with the general policy of the State.
Acting as the direct supervisor of all employees of the society, proposing appropriate disciplinary actions and submitting them to the Board of Directors for approval and issuance of the necessary decision. If the employee is seconded or assigned to work at the society outside official working hours, the Manager shall only conduct the investigation and notify the administrative authority to which the employee belongs of the violation and the penalty proposed by the Board.
Supervising loan disbursement and collection processes within the limits of approved decisions and ensuring that services reach all members smoothly and in accordance with established rules.
Preparing a monthly report on the society’s activities, including technical, financial, and administrative evaluations, identifying deficiencies, and proposing corrective measures, to be submitted to the Board of Directors during the last week of each month.
Source: The Cooperative Union for Aquatic Resources – Al-Sayyad Newspaper – Issue No. 67, March–April 2014
