Hani: The Fisheries Law Is a Pivotal Step in Modernizing Lebanon's Aquaculture Systems

Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani held a meeting at the Marine Sciences and Technology Institute (MARSA TI), near Batroun port, to discuss issues concerning fishermen and the marine fishing sector in Lebanon.

Attendees included MP Gebran Bassil, MARSA TI director Stefan Assal, General Director of Land and Maritime Transport Colonel Mazen Bseiso, General Director of the Ministry of Agriculture Louis Lohoud, General Director of Rural Development Shadi Mahna, President of the Batroun Fishermen Cooperative Etienne Assal, Mayor of Batroun Marcellino Harik, Director of the Agricultural Center Dany Bassil, directors and heads of offices and local leaders, along with a large number of Batroun fishermen.

The meeting began with the national anthem, followed by a speech from the director of MARSA TI, who welcomed attendees and congratulated Colonel Mazen Bseiso on his new role, stating: "We warmly welcome you to the Marine Sciences and Technology Institute (MARSA TI), a home we envisioned as a scientific and technical platform serving all whose fate is tied to the sea. I especially thank His Excellency Minister Dr. Nizar Hani for attending today—a gesture reflecting genuine commitment to a sector that provides direct livelihood for thousands of Lebanese families and represents a maritime wealth never fully exploited as it deserves."

He continued: "Today we meet for an open dialogue about the current state of marine fishing in Lebanon: fragmentation of authority among multiple administrative bodies, absence of a legal framework protecting the profession, and inadequate standardized professional training. This is why the joint presence of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport holds real significance: the sea does not recognize administrative boundaries between ministries, and the fisherman leaving Batroun harbor at dawn asks only who protects him and ensures his dignity of life."

"In 2010, when I was president of the Fishermen’s Cooperative, we asked the state only to implement the existing law." From this statement, my journey within the cooperative began, lasting nine years, and I carried this principle with me to MARSA TI. At MARSA TI, we established an internationally recognized maritime training system and developed policy studies and projects for comprehensive governance of the marine sector. Our conviction is that any genuine reform rests on three pillars: modern legislation, organized professional training, and serious institutional cooperation."

He then addressed digital data confirming the scale of this challenge: Lebanon currently has 3,715 fishing vessels operated by approximately 6,197 fishermen across 28 officially recognized ports, according to the latest port authorities’ statistics. Although the Fisheries Law mandates every professional fisherman to hold a personal card and an annual license, it does not require any maritime training or competence assessment for obtaining or renewing the license—this gap must be closed. Knowledge of maritime collision avoidance rules, for example, is not a luxury but a fundamental safety requirement for anyone at sea, just like first aid, maritime communications, and environmental protection. We propose, in alignment with the International Convention STCW issued by the International Maritime Organization, that renewal of fishing licenses gradually be linked to completion of basic training in these areas, beginning implementation on the ground in the most densely populated ports—Tripoli, Beirut, Sidon, and Tyre—through collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, MARSA TI, and cooperatives."

He saluted the fishermen, saying: "You are not merely subjects of discussion today, but partners in this process. Your daily experience is the true reference point for any policy, and your cooperatives are the bridge upon which any reform must be built. MARSA TI offers its expertise and training capabilities to those involved, so we may become part of the solution rather than mere witnesses to the persistence of the problem."

He praised the Minister of Agriculture, saying: "What unites us today in Batroun is a commitment to restore the Lebanese fisherman’s rightful place—not as a victim of long-standing neglect, but as a cornerstone of the national economy and a vigilant guardian of our coasts. Lebanon and its sea we see as a strategic asset deserving a comprehensive national policy."

He concluded: "Let this meeting mark the beginning of a practical path, and let Batroun become a beacon for every serious maritime initiative in Lebanon."

Then followed a speech by Bseiso, who saluted the seafarers and fishermen of the Batroun coast, thanked MARSA TI management for organizing and hosting the event, and said: "You are at the Marine Sciences and Technology Institute, an institute that trains mariners in Lebanon at all levels, and this institute has reached global standards, as confirmed by the International Maritime Organization, with all its certifications internationally recognized."

He continued: "We are here to discuss fishermen’s challenges and concerns regarding insurance, retirement, and the new fishing law, which opens broader opportunities for fishermen. As a nation, are we ready to support them and provide incentives to upgrade their vessels so they can fish in maritime zones covering 22,000 square kilometers? Can we protect them from large corporations? The ministry will cooperate and ensure sources for one of Lebanon’s key maritime sectors. Our concerns and problems stem from outdated laws and regulations."

He addressed the port explosion issue, noting: "Especially given there is no law governing port safety and accountability, which is part of our ongoing challenges. Our vision for advancing this sector includes transforming the Lebanese fleet into 22,000 ships through amendments proposed by MP Bassil and his bloc in Parliament, focusing on maritime demarcation, and emphasizing that the Lebanese state is ready to act once crises are resolved and sanctions lifted from the country."

As for Lohoud, he thanked the Minister of Agriculture for his dedication and tireless work, and commended MP Bassil for rescuing the fishing law in Parliament and securing its passage with minor amendments, thereby ensuring fishermen’s rights to benefit from fishery resources.

He added: "The Public Prosecution has taken action on violations of marine fishing regulations, and military intelligence collaborated with a team from the ministry to monitor such violations and protect fishery resources. We are cooperating with the General Directorate of Land and Maritime Transport to organize training sessions for fishermen, encouraging registration in the agricultural registry, which covers poultry and cattle farmers as well as fishers, in coordination with the Agricultural Center and the Marine Sciences Institute, to facilitate registration. I also acknowledge Etienne Assal’s efforts on behalf of fishermen. I note MP Bassil’s strong interest in the fishing law and how he rescued it—clear proof of his affection for fishermen, and I hope this law receives its due in Parliament, granting fishermen their rights and enabling them to benefit from fishery resources."

He added: "The issue of fishery resources in collaboration with JCN and its representative Shadi Mahna, General Director of Rural Development, working with the General Fisheries Authority of the Mediterranean Sea, over four years conducted experiments from the fountain to the Great River. These experiments were halted during the 2024 war, but we hope to expand them to maximize benefits from fishery resources. I thank the Minister of Agriculture for prioritizing fishermen’s affairs."

In turn, the Minister of Agriculture affirmed that "the Marine Fishing Law represents a pivotal step in modernizing Lebanon’s aquaculture systems," stressing that "its enactment will contribute to supporting coastal communities in line with international commitments Lebanon has undertaken."

He noted that "Lebanon boasts a coastline rich in natural resources, and the marine fishing sector provides livelihood for thousands of families, yet the current reality demands a serious pause to address existing challenges."

He highlighted that "the ministry is working to support fishermen and enhance their capabilities," explaining that "the draft law regulating marine fishing and aquaculture is under review in relevant committees. We have committed to enacting it in the full Council of Ministers, given its importance in regulating the sector, protecting its resources, and ensuring sustainability."

Finally, participants listened to the seafarers’ concerns and challenges, discussed the new marine fishing and aquaculture law, which marks a foundational step toward sector regulation, protection of marine wealth, safeguarding fishermen’s rights, and improving their living conditions.

A touching gesture from Batroun fishermen saw them present a symbolic gift to Minister Hani, drawn from the depths of the Batroun sea.