Status and Characteristics of Artisanal Fisheries in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, Egypt

Ahmed M. El-Sadek, Nature Conservation Sector, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Cairo, EgyptFollow
Abdel-Kader M. Hassan, Marine Biology Branch, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
Hussein A. El-Naggar, Marine Biology Branch, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
Hassan M. M. Khalaf-Allah, Marine Biology Branch, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
Azza A. El Ganainy, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF),Cairo, Egypt

Article Type

Research Article

Subject Area

Fisheries Science

Corresponding Author

Marwa Gamal

Corresponding Author ORCID

Marwa Gamal

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the artisanal fisheries operating in the Egyptian sector of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, with emphasis on fishing practices, gear characteristics, species composition, and landing trends. Field surveys and fisher interviews conducted across the main landing sites Nabq, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba revealed a predominantly small-scale fishery dependent on traditional gears such as trammel nets, gillnets, hooks and lines, and traps. A total of 130 vessels currently operate in the region, although only 40 hold valid licenses. Species composition analysis showed dominance of emperors (Lethrinidae, 27.85%), groupers (Epinephelidae, 14.19%), parrotfish (Scaridae, 11.63%), and rabbitfish (Siganidae, 11.42%), reflecting a fishery heavily reliant on reef-associated communities. Annual landing data from 2013 to 2024 demonstrated substantial fluctuations, marked by a sharp decline following a peak in 2013, a prolonged period of low yields between 2014 and 2018, and a gradual recovery beginning in 2019. The findings of this survey underscore the need for strengthened enforcement, capacity-building among local fishers, and adaptive management strategies focused on gear regulation, habitat protection, and stock monitoring. This study provides essential insights to support sustainable fisheries management and conservation planning in one of the Red Sea’s most ecologically sensitive regions.

Full Text of Submission

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Recommended Citation

El-Sadek, Ahmed M.; Hassan, Abdel-Kader M.; El-Naggar, Hussein A.; Khalaf-Allah, Hassan M. M.; and El Ganainy, Azza A. (2026) "Status and Characteristics of Artisanal Fisheries in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, Egypt," Blue Economy: Vol. 4 : Iss. 1 , Article 8.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.57241/2805-2994.1055