THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA REGIONAL CONSULTATION WORKSHOP:

TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SMALL-SCALE

FISHERIES GUIDELINES

BACKGROUND PAPER: NEAR EAST COUNTRIES

7-10 DECEMBER 2015: MUSCAT, SULTANATE OF OMAN

Prepared by:

IZZAT FEIDI

FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

PREVIEW OF PRESENTATION

1. Introduction

2. THE CASE FOR SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES and THE fao/ssf guidelines

3. OVERVIEW OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES IN N. E. REGION

4. THE ISSUE OF FOOD SECURITY AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION

5. ROLE OF FISHERIES IN FOOD SECURITY

6. CLASSIFICATION OF NEAR EAST FISHERIES

7. REVIEW OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES : BY COUNTRY

8. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SSF GUIDELINES

9. RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPLEMENT SSF GUIDELINES

1. INTRODUCTION

1. This Regional Consultation Workshop for Near East and

North Africa is a follow-up to a recommendation of

previous Workshop held in Muscat in March 2012 where

the importance of small-scale fisheries was emphasized;

2. An agreement reached that small-scale fisheries is a

contributor to poverty alleviation and to food and

nutrition security;

3. The FAO/SSF Guidelines will be an important tool to

sustainable small-scale fisheries governance and

development;

4. A need to promote small-scale fisheries and secure the

access to resources necessary for development and

sustainable livelihoods.

1. Introduction Conti…

5. Small-scale fisheries represent traditional values &

way of life for large sections of the N.E. populations.

6. This Background Paper:

Reviews the issue of food security and poverty alleviation,

The role of fisheries in food security;

Reviews the situation of small-scale fisheries in 16 of the Near East countries;

Reviews policies and practices;

Suggested steps for the implementation of the Guidelines; and

Recommendations for the implementing the FAO/SSF Guidelines.

2. THE CASE FOR SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES AND THE FAO/SSF GUIDELINES

A large number in the fisheries sector worldwide are engaged in small-scale fisheries;

FAO estimates (2012) small-scale fisheries provides employment to 58.3 m. direct jobs, 39.4 million in fisheries, 18.9 million in aquaculture,

Livelihoods for about 10-12% of the global population, and over 2/3 of domestic consumption;

SSF provides supply of over 50% of animal protein intake;

Women are heavily involved in most post-harvest activities and depend on small-scale for their families’ livelihood;

Main problem of most small-scale families and communities is their continued low standard of living and frequent poverty despite decades of overall fisheries development and national income growth.

2. THE CASE FOR SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES AND THE FAO/SSF GUIDELINES ContI…

The 26th Session of FAO/COFI recognized the special importance of small-scale fisheries and decided that improvements are to be taken;

Technical Guidelines on Enhancing the Contribution of Small-Scale Fisheries to Poverty Alleviation and Food Security were drafted;

The Guidelines starting point is the FishCode STF Project related to marine small-scale fisheries; These include:

i. Raising awareness on matters related to small-scale sector;

ii. Conducting studies and regional workshops;

iii. Developing parameters for field testing to monitor systems for socio-economic, ecosystem and appraisal methods;

iv. Elaboration of monitoring system guidelines; and

v. Development of stakeholders consultation mechanisms.

3. THE issue of food security and poverty alleviation

• Globally, food security has become of great national concern since 1974

and became a component of countries’ national security;

• Food security has been highly affected by the general rise in food prices in

2007-2008 followed by the financial/economic crisis in 2009. This

highlighted awareness on poverty and human issues around the world;

• FAO in its first World Security Summit in 1996 defined food security:

“..exits when all people at all times, have physical and economic access to

sufficient safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food

preferences for an active and healthy life”;

• The same definition was reiterated in the second FAO World Food Summit

held in November 2009;

• Food fish, whether captured or cultured plays an important role in human

nutrition & global food supply, particularly within the diet & food security

of the poor & needy as a source of much needed essential dietary nutrients.

3. THE issue FOR FOOD SECURITY AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION Contin…

The concept of food security and poverty alleviation

rests upon four pillars:

1. Food availability: Ensuring sufficient food supply whether from local

production or from imports;

2. Food stability: Ensuring a stable supply of food throughout the

year;

3. Food accessibility: Ensuring that the food is available to the public

at affordable prices; and

4. Food safety: Ensuring that food is safe to consume and of good

quality.

3. The issue of food security and poverty alleviation contin…

• In N.E. food self-sufficiency has become a major policy concern of

most countries. Few has partially met this goal.

• All N.E. countries are mainly food importers including seafood

commodities.

• In 2011 imports were 888 Th. t., valued at US $ 2.1 B. Main importers

are: Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

• Exports only 309 Th. t., valued at US $ 683 M. Main exporters are:

Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

• Generally, N.E. countries are not short of financial resources especially

the oil producing countries;

• No shortage in agricultural land or man-power, animal wealth, mineral

resources and good fisheries resources potential.

NEAR EAST TRADE IN SEAFOOD COMMODITIES

4. ROLE OF FISHERIES IN FOOD SECURITY

• Fish contributes to animal protein supplies of many communities in

both the industrialised and developing countries;

• Food fish, captured or cultured, plays an important role in human

nutrition & global food supply;

• Fish supplements the minimum diet of people at large, and in

particular, of sectors having low purchasing power;

• Fisheries contributes more than any other animal production activity

in most of the developing regions of the world;

• Fisheries and aquaculture provide a vital source of food, employment,

recreation, trade and economic well-being for people throughout the

world for present and future generations;

• Aquaculture is expanding & becoming more important;

• Contributes to national development through nutrition, employment,

trade and food security.

5. OVERVIEW OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES

IN NEAR EAST region The 16 N.E. countries in

this presentation are:

Bahrain, Egypt, Eretria,

Iran, Jordan, Kuwait,

Lebanon, Oman, Palestine,

Qatar, Saudi Arabia,

Sudan, Syria,

UAE & Yemen.

5. OVERVIEW OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES IN NEAR EAST COUNTRIES ContI….

FAO statistics for 2011-2013 for N.E. indicate that capture and

aquaculture fish landings generally followed a steady trend

although some countries show capture declining and

aquaculture rising:

1. 2011 Capture: 1.3 mt. - Aquaculture: 1.3 mt. = 2.6 m.t.

2. 2012 Capture: 1.5 mt. - Aquaculture: 1.4 mt. = 2.9 m.t.

3. 2013 Capture: 1.6 mt. - Aquaculture : 1.5 mt. = 3.1 m.t.

Main fish producers are: Egypt 1.4 m. t., Iran 880 Th. t., Oman

200 Th. t., Yemen 195 Th.t.

The balance of 372 Th. t. from the other 12 countries.

5. ContI….

Near East Countries’ Fish Landings from Capture and Aquaculture

2011-2013 (Tonnes)

Country 2011 2012 2013

Capture Aquacultur

e

Capture Aquacultur

e

Capture Aquacultur

e

Bahrain 8,711 3 12,722 1 13,284 2F

Egypt 367,266 986,820F 346,529 1,017,738F 348,617 1,097,544

Eritrea 2,634 ---- 4,145 ---- 3,993F ----

Iran 484,647 247,262 536,663 296,575 554,529 325,325

Iraq 31,541 16,290 51,077 25,040 56,853 14,060

Jordan 500 575 648F 600F 620F 600F

Kuwait 4,036 319 4,030 309 4,633 301

Lebanon 3,761F 1,280 3,761F 1,280F 3,761F 1,280F

Oman 150,896 157 184,979 168 199,799 353

Palestine (O.T.) 1,261 189 2,014 269 1,836 284

Qatar 12,938 36 11,185 36 11,960 56

S. Arabia 62,600 15,838 66,370F 20,920F 70,170 25,390

Sudan 0. 0. 34,000F 1,980F 34,000F 1,980F

Syria 5,839F 7,200F 5,248F 6,200F 4,757F 4,000F

U.A.E 74,650 415F 72,492 420F 71,770F 780F

Yemen 147,984 150F 214,090 100F 194,860 0.

Year Total 1,359,275 1,276,834F 1,549,95

3

1,371,636F 1,575,441 1,471,956

Grand Total 2,636,109 2,921,589 3,047,396

5. ContI…

5. ContI…

5. ContI… Near East CountrIEs’ FIsH LandInGs From CapturE

and Aquaculture - 2013 (Tonnes)

6. CLASSIFICATION OF NEAR EAST FISHERIES

N.E. Fisheries may be classified into four major areas: Exclusive Economic zones (EEZ): Iran, Oman and Yemen may benefit

from their EEZ waters of up to 200 nm of North-western Indian Ocean;

Marine Fisheries: These are in High Seas (Offshore) fisheries using large modern mechanized fleet: 1. Coastal Fisheries: (Intermediate fisheries) using vessels of 25 meters or

less, operating up to 20 miles off-shore;

2. Small-scale fisheries: Using fleet of small motorised (inboard or outboard) boats of 5-6 meters or sail and variety of gear.

Inland Fisheries: Water bodies natural and man-made lakes in fresh or brackish waters, rivers, marsh lands, swamps and reservoirs, etc. available mainly in Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and small bodies in others;

Aquaculture: For many years it was practiced in Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Syria. Lately all GCC countries farm fish and mega projects are carried out and others are palnned. Aquaponics is now being introduced by some such as in Egypt & Oman.

7. REVIEW OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES : BY COUNTRY 1. Bahrain:

Landings in 2013 were 13 Th.t. from capture & only 2 t. from aquaculture; all from small-scale and artisanal;

Marine fish and shrimp stocks declining and fishermen venture to neighbouring waters. Some boats are equipped with GPS and radar to avoid trespassing;

Commercial mariculture began in 2014 a major project planned;

NMC conducts research and fry production of juveniles of major species: Rabbit fish, Sobaity bream, Brown spotted grouper Gilthead Sea bream, Mangrove snapper and Green Tiger shrimp;

Qualified know-how, maintains lead in finfish seed production and exporter in the region;

Good market prices, and favourable investment environment.

2. Egypt

• Landings in 2013 is 1.5 M. t. 349 Th. t. from capture, and 1.2 M. t.

aquaculture. Mainly small-scale &medium scale and semi-industrial;

• Capture fisheries declining while aquaculture rapidly rising;

• Major aquaculture project planned near Port Said along Suez Canal

Zone. Estimated production 50 -100 Th. t./year and up to 10,000 jobs.

• Egypt is the world's 9th-largest producer, and the second largest for

Tilapia after China and hopes to take stage on global Tilapia market;

• Aquaponics experimentation introduced in desert farm.

• Most fishermen are members of co-operatives and has representation;

• Seafood imports are high to satisfy growing demand, exports minimal;

• Several constraints exist in capture fisheries. Improvements in

resources stocks, up-dating and management, effort size, pollution;

climate changing htreat to Delta region;

• In aquaculture, up-dated legislation is required on land lease, water

use.

EGYpt ContI…

Egypt identified 71

sites covering

63,400 ha. in areas

declared suitable for

culturing marine

finfish and/or

crustaceans.

3. ERITREA

• In 2013 landings were 4 Th. t. all from marine capture fisheries;

• Aquaculture attempted in 2000 but did not continue although climate conditions suitable for marine culture;

• Local fisheries are only small-scale. Foreign trawling vessels are mainly Egyptian, Chinese, Saudi, Spanish and Italian with national workers;

• Food security is low as agriculture sector produces only 60 % of protein intake. Fish consumption very low as meat is preferred;

• Capture sector constrained by lack of fishing equipment, skills, rising fuel prices, limited capacity of traditional outboard engines has resulted in low production;

• Needed vitalization of the fisheries sectors to sustainably produce food and generate revenue from exports through proper fisheries management;

• Fisheries sustainability require socio-economic support, community development, and ecological and institutional components.

4. Iran (Islamic Republic of)

• Production in 2013 was 880 Th.t., 555 Th.t. capture & 325 Th.t. aquaculture;

• Four main fisheries: Southern, Northern, Inland & aquaculture. Mostly small-scale; fishermen cooperatives since 2003;

• Sturgeon fishing restricted to state owned company for conservation reasons.

• Aquaculture began in Caspian Sea and developed to semi-intensive utilizing various carps & rainbow trout;

• For stock enhancement the government established eight hatcheries in Caspian (northern) to produce bony fishes and sturgeon fingerlings;

• Coastal shrimp culture in earthen ponds in Gulf (Southern) fisheries;

• Aquaculture activities, including feed and larvae production, fish and shrimp culture, processing, marketing and trade are mainly private sector;

• Government supports private sector with low rate interest loans and suitable land at competitive prices.

5. IRAQ

• In 2013 production was 71 Th. t., 57 Th. t. capture, 14 Th. t. aquaculture. Only small-scale & private sector.

• Marine fisheries sector small due to limited coastline but important for migration, breeding and feeding due to current mix of Shatt-Al-Arab water and Karun river;

• Inland fisheries and aquaculture expanded rapidly over the last few years;

• Fishermen complain of low income compared with efforts as well as decrease in catches;

• Several constraints: Limited know-how, good planning, absence of support institutions, studies, etc.

• Fish imports represent more than 50 percent. The balance from local production.

6. JORDAN

• In 2013 production was 1,220 t. of which 650 t. capture and 600 t. aquaculture. Marine and aquaculture very limited small-scale due to geography & environment;

• Marine fishery compete with infrastructure, tourism and pollution. Laws do not allow commercial mariculture projects;

• Artisanal marine fisheries in the Aqaba Gulf have limited development prospects threatened by increasing environmental concerns;

• Inland waters limited to allow reasonable fresh or brackish water capture fishery;

• With these limitations, Jordan’s only alternative to increase supplies is aquaculture;

• Constraints include poor quality seed and feed, lack of technical skills, limited water resources & limited sites.

7. KUWAIT

• In 2013 landings 4,934 t., 4,633 t. from capture and 301 t. aquaculture;

• The artisanal fleet lands about 90% of the finfish and 10 % of the shrimp;

• A declining trend in catches mainly in important and high value species;

• Aquaculture activities are currently being expanded in order to supplement local landings from capture fisheries;

• Kuwaiti nationals own all vessels and supporting infrastructure of the fishing industry, but almost all employees are expatriates;

• KISR Aquaculture Department established in 1983 &pioneered marine aquaculture research. Also developed hatchery technology to produce fry of main local species;

• Cage farm operated by local company near Doha Port;

• KISR is planning to develop a large recirculation farm on Bubiyan Island.

8. LEBANON

• In 2013 landed 5,041 t., 3,761 capture and 1,280 aquaculture by traditional/small scale fishermen;

• Freshwater aquaculture practiced since 1930s but no marine aquaculture except for one private shrimp farm in the north;

• Consumption is high. In 2014 imports about 21 Th. T. seafood value of US$ 95 m. indicating high potential to increase aquaculture.

• Research is still limited and not coordinated;

• Funds and human resources needed to develop data and information.

9. OMAN

• Landings in 2013 were 200 Th. t. capture, 353 t., aquaculture mainly by small-scale and semi-industrial fleet;

• Capture fishery a centuries’ old tradition contributing high to national economy;

• Long coastlines with pristine waters and wide range of naturally occurring species with high aquaculture potential;

• Issued Atlas identifying suitable sites for aquaculture (2010);

• Diversification of economy, issuing economic and technical studies to be leading country in the region.

• Mega project being implemented on 700-hectare, multi-species, integrated aquaculture farm in Ras Jibsh, along Arabian Sea named “Qurun Aquapolis”. Aquaponics introduced;

• Expecting aquaculture output up to 200 Th.t. in 30 years @ > 15 % per annum.

oman ContI…

Oman’s Aquaculture Vision:

1. 40 m. t. of fish from

aquaculture needed by 2025-

2030;

2. The bays & fjords are more

than 50 m. deep and are

suitable sites along 3165 km of

pristine coastline; and

3. Wide range of naturally

occurring species offer

great aquaculture potential.

10. PALESTINE

• In 2013 produced 2,120 t., 1,836 capture 284 t. aquaculture, all small-scale;

• Major challenge to develop Gaza marine fisheries are restrictions limiting fishing zone to 3 Nm. reducing catches and income;

• Aquaculture began in 1995 but had very poor beginning with lack of knowledge and expertise and limited water resources;

• A major aquaculture activity including training began in 2011 in the land-locked West Bank with Brazil;

• Effective solutions needed to ease problems facing development of aquaculture such as easing acquisition of seeds, transfer of technology, training and extension and solving marketing and pricing issues between the West Bank and Gaza;

• Possibility of mariculture considered but restrictions pose dificulties.

11. QATAR

• In 2013 landed 12,016 t., 11,960 capture ,56 t. aquaculture, all marine, small-scale;

• Fishery sector covers 88% for the local market supplemented by imports;

• Fishermen gain access to credit through the Qatar Development Bank;

• Aquaculture is in its early stages, with small scale Tilapia culture undertaken;

• Larval production of yellow-fin sea bream and green Tiger prawn for marine stock enhancement programmes;

• A Fisheries Research Centre established in 2014 at Ras Matbakh to conduct research on marine life & create a suitable environment for investment in the sector

• The Department of Fisheries plans new experimental projects for the growth of aquaculture industries;

12. SAUDI ARABIA

• Landings in 2013 were 96 Th. t., 70 Th. t. capture and 26 Th. t. aquaculture, mainly by small-scale and semi-industrial fleet;

• Long coastlines, with wide variety of environmental conditions favouring a variety of species;

• Saudi aquaculture is growing rapidly.

• NAQUA, a major farming co. qualified for four-star BAP shrimp and three-star BAP for barramundi;

• Problems exist, especially over complicated land tenure arrangements, as well as biosecurity issues.

SAUDI ARABIA CONTi….

In 2013 issued the “SEVENTH INITIATIVE”

to develop capture,

aquaculture and related services;

The“INITIATIVE” envisages that in 2029 production to increase to about 1.1 M. t., about 95 % of total landings.

13. SUDAN

• In 2013 landed 36 Th. t., 34 Th. t. inland capture, and 2 Th. t.

aquaculture, mainly by small-scale;

• Aquaculture in early stages, low production compared with potential;

• Although potential is high inland fisheries remain subsistence level

partially due to local conflicts;

• Most rural areas benefitted significantly from fisheries activities ;

• Small-scale oyster farms have contributed significantly to the stability

of the socio-economic status of communities;

• Fisheries play indispensable role as major source of food and nutrition

security, livelihood, and income generation;

• Development have potential to enhance rural socio-economic stability;

• Constraints include: inadequate fisheries policies and management,

laws and regulations, monitoring and statistics, infrastructure and

institutions, investments and financing, capacity and training,

processing and marketing.

14. SYRIA

• Landings in 2013 at 9 Th. t, 5 Th. t. capture and 4 Th.t. aquaculture mainly small-scale;

• Low output of inland capture secure a minimum living for artisanal fishermen;

• Aquaculture is confined to fresh waters. Semi-intensive farming is common in earth ponds, whereas intensive farming in cages is restricted to a few farms in big reservoirs;

• Fisheries contribute modestly to food security. Nevertheless, aquaculture is qualified to contribute to improving animal protein supply;

• A need to apply improved farming techniques, including: crop culture, fish culture in drainage and irrigation canals, and fish culture in family fish ponds,

• Marine fish farming would make better use of occasional, seasonal, unconventional and partially or completely unused resources and would partially relieve malnutrition, thus contributing effectively to food security;

• Fisheries and aquaculture can create a source of income for a significant proportion of rural society, contributing to alleviation of unemployment and poverty in rural areas and minimizing rural-urban migration.

15. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

• In 2013 landed 73 Th. t., 72 Th. t. capture and 780 aquaculture mainly small-scale, artisanal;

• Aquaculture in early development phase. A few private projects operating. An aquaponics project established;

• Many natural lagoons, bays and creeks, most with mangrove swamps ideal for spawning and nursery grounds for fish and shrimp;

• The MOEW and MERC promote aquaculture offering fingerlings & technical know-how;

• Khalifa Bin Zayed Marine Research Centre supports projects and capacity to produce 10 m. fingerlings of local and non-indigenous species per year. Funding extended from Khalifa Fund.

• Aims at filling the gap of growing market demand, become market leader, and trend setter in aquaculture by creating viable aquaculture investments.

16. YEMEN

• Landing in 2013 were 195 Th. t. capture. Mainly small-scale. No data on

aquaculture;

• Strong fisheries heritage. Long coastline (2 500 km) bordering Red Sea and

Gulf of Aden, but largely un-developed and environmentally-diverse coastlines

suggests considerable potential and favour a variety of species;

• Several attempts by private and public sectors, aquaculture in the coastal

areas remains embryonic. One private shrimp farm on the Red Sea coast;

• Need to increase production from aquaculture due to declining capture;

• Status of stocks uncertain, as lack of detailed and recent stock assessment and

lack of reliable statistics since 1990.

• The Government keen on aquaculture. National Fisheries Strategy 2012-2025

sees aquaculture development as essential to augment coastal livelihoods and

food security;

• Opportunities of marine aquaculture exist. Constraints include availability of

sites, high capital requirements and lack of supporting industries.

to sum up… • Fisheries and aquaculture in N. E. are mainly small-scale, artisanal

and have high growth potential but with several constraints;

• Development of capture and aquaculture will increase local

production, fishermen income, reduce imports, increase exports and

provide fishermen communities better food security, livelihood,

nutrition and poverty alleviation;

• Some countries already have plans for mega aquaculture projects;

• However, most small-scale fisheries require help in technical, financial,

training, managerial, laws; etc. to develop;

• All governments are open & supportive of fisheries and aquaculture

and provide help in legislation, financial support, incentives for

investors, etc.;

• Therefore, the 26th. Session of FAO/COFI recognizing the special

importance of small-scale fisheries and that improvements are needed

to implement the SSF Guidelines to enhance the contribution of small-

scale to poverty alleviation and food security is fully justified.

8. Suggested STEPS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SSF GUIDELINES

The major objective of the SSF Guidelines is to secure structural change in the fisheries sector so that resources are harvested and utilized in a rational manner for the general benefit of the sector;

To implement the suggested steps, the SSF Guidelines, in addition to own capabilities the N.E. would need support from the RFBs such as:

RECOFI, GFCM, the FAO /COFI and its Sub-Committees on Aquaculture and Trade, FAO GLOBEFISH in coordination with INFOSAMAK, INFOFISH, NGOs and others.

The suggested steps include :

1. The governance of tenure for resources management, social development;

2. Employment and decent work;

3. Value chain and post-harvest monitoring;

4. Gender equality and empowerment of women;

5. Ensuring an enabling environment to support in implementing

the SSF Guidelines.

6. Monitoring disaster risks and climate change;

risks from climate change threatening small-scale fisheries

Recent GIS & NASA Satellite Images showed risks:

• Rising sea levels threaten flooding east and west coastal lands

along Arabian Peninsula where most small-scale fishing exist;

• Rising sea levels threaten most fertile lands of Egypt’s Delta,

causing water salinity & possible inland migrations;

• Climate change threatens high investments in coastal areas;

• Ground waters from ancient rivers may be available in UAE,

Sudan, Libya, South-west Egypt;

• The cost will be higher if no actions to combat climate change;

• What is required is divesting in fossil fuels and investing in

sustainable technologies and research to combat effects of

climate change.

NEAR EAST AREAS MOST VULNERABLE to climate

change

Handle with care: It’s tHE onLY pLanEt wE Can LIvE on…

FAO BLUE GROWTH INITIATIVE One of FAO’s strategic goals for establishing the:

BLUE GROWTH INITIATIVE “Eradicate hunger, food insecurity

and malnutrition, eliminate

rural poverty through socio-

economic development,

sustainable management and

utilization of natural resources”.

THIS STRATEGIC GOAL RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF N.E. REGION SMALL- SCALE FISHERIES and supports The implementation of FAO/SSF GUIDELINES.

9. RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPLEMENT SSf GUIDELINES

A set of recommendations to support implementing the SSF Guidelines:

i. Better management of sustainable fish resources;

ii. Improving conditions of small-scale fishermen communities;

iii. Enhancing responsible aquaculture in inland and marine waters;

iv. Fuller utilization of by-catch;

v. Reduction of waste & post harvest losses;

vi. Monitoring foreign fleets illegally fishing in N. E. marine waters;

vii. Controlling pollution and coastal degradation;

viii. Increasing national investments in the fisheries sector;

ix. Facilitating and promoting more inter - regional trade in seafood

commodities; and

x. Up-dating available fisheries legislations to meet internationally

adopted instruments and activate enforcement of provisions &

laws.

In CLosInG……

WHAT IS MOST AND

FOREMOST NEEDED IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN

THE NEAR EAST REGION IS AN ATMOSPHERE of

PEACE, security AND STABILITY

THANK YOU