Agriculture Ministry Emphasizes Compliance with Fishing Regulations to Protect Marine Resources

The Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement addressing the resurgence of fishing activities that do not comply with legal size limits and the use of prohibited fishing methods, which threaten the sustainability of Lebanon's marine resources and biodiversity. The ministry reminded all fishermen, workers in the sector, and amateurs to strictly observe all applicable decisions and regulations governing the marine fishing sector, warning that failure to comply will result in legal penalties.

The ministry highlighted several key decisions, including:

- Decision No. 15/1, which prohibits fishing, purchasing, selling, transporting, or importing fish, crustaceans, and mollusks that do not meet the specified legal size limits. It also forbids catching species not listed in the tables if their length is less than 15 centimeters, except for species whose length does not exceed this measurement at maturity.

- Decision No. 346/1 dated 15/7/2010, which regulates fishing tools and equipment. It bans the use of fishing gear within 500 meters of the shore, bays, inlets, and public or private facilities. The use of shore rakes, compressors, and underwater hunting rifles with diving equipment is also prohibited. The decision sets conditions for using nets, sardine nets (lux), and fixed nets.

- Decision No. 8/1 dated 4/1/2012, which governs the use of traps (masalid) regarding their dimensions, placement locations, usage periods, and licensing conditions.

- Decision No. 1045/1 dated 25/11/2014, which provides full protection for sharks (sea dogs), prohibiting their capture, collection, transport, sale, consumption, or storage.

- Decision No. 1044/1 dated 25/11/2014, which forbids fishing or any interference with cetaceans and marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and seals.

- Decision No. 125/1 dated 31/12/2015, which bans hunting whales and seals to protect endangered species.

- Decision No. 396/1 dated 12/5/2014, amended by Decision No. 482/1 dated 9/6/2014, which prohibits hunting all types of seabirds to preserve biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.

The ministry also reported intensifying patrols by its personnel at fishing ports, fish auctions, wholesale markets, and sales points to monitor violations, seize illegally caught or traded fish, and take appropriate action against offenders.

It noted that some information circulating on social media occasionally lacks scientific accuracy, particularly regarding fish species, fishing methods, locations, and dates of violations. The ministry urged caution and verification of information before dissemination, recommending reliance on official specialized sources.

The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed that protecting fish wealth and marine resources is a shared national responsibility. It emphasized that respecting laws and regulations is fundamental to preserving fish stocks, maintaining marine biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of this vital sector for future generations.