Ministry of Agriculture: We Will Continue Working With and For Fishers

The Ministry of Agriculture stated in a press release that "in line with its commitment to transparency and informing the public and fishers about the legal and technical facts concerning the Fisheries and Aquaculture Law, this clarification completes a long process of dialogue and consultation with fishers, cooperatives, and unions across Lebanese regions."

This statement follows a wide series of consultative meetings held by the ministry with sector representatives, including the most recent expanded meeting convened by Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Haney on August 5, 2026, attended by fishing cooperatives and unions, as well as Representative Dr. Anissa Azeddine, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee for Women and Children. The meeting was dedicated to listening to fishers' concerns and addressing their various inquiries. Minister Haney, alongside the Ministry’s team and with the participation of Representative Azeddine, delivered detailed legal and technical explanations regarding the law’s provisions and objectives, in an atmosphere marked by openness, transparency, and responsible dialogue—reflecting the ministry’s approach to all agricultural sector issues.

Given its responsibility to correct misinformation circulating widely, the Ministry of Agriculture confirms the following:

First: Regarding industrial fishing

The new law does not permit industrial fishing within Lebanese territorial waters; instead, it restricts such activity outside these waters, within the exclusive economic zone, in accordance with Lebanese law and applicable international agreements.

Conversely, the law clearly strengthens the rights of Lebanese fishers by granting them the right to fish throughout Lebanon’s entire territorial waters extending up to twelve nautical miles—expanding significantly from the previous law of 1929, which limited this right to only six nautical miles. This represents a major expansion of their rights and a clear benefit for Lebanese fishers.

Second: Regarding marine protected areas

The claim that the new law has designated 30% of Lebanon’s territorial waters as marine protected areas is false and unsupported by any legal text or current reality.

In fact, Lebanon currently has only two natural marine protected areas: the Sour Beach Nature Reserve and the Al-Nakheel Islands Nature Reserve. The law contains no provision specifying or mandating the percentage mentioned or anything equivalent.

Third: Regarding aquaculture (fish farming)

The law establishes the general legislative framework for regulating the aquaculture sector, while implementation of its provisions remains dependent on issuing implementing decrees currently being prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture in coordination with relevant authorities.

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Haney emphasized clearly that these decrees will prioritize the protection of Lebanese fishers’ interests, by giving cooperatives of fishers priority in participating in investments and partnerships with institutions and companies executing fish farming projects—thereby creating new employment opportunities and improving the economic and social conditions of those working in this sector.

Fourth: Regarding protection of the marine environment

The new law, together with existing environmental legislation and regulations enforced by the Ministry of Environment, forms a comprehensive legal framework ensuring the protection of marine biodiversity and establishing necessary environmental safeguards to prevent pollution or adverse impacts resulting from aquaculture projects—consistent with the best international standards and practices for sustainable management of marine resources.

The Ministry of Agriculture also emphasizes that this law was not developed in isolation or without stakeholder input, but rather emerged from a scientific, legislative, and consultative process spanning twelve years, conducted in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM)—two leading international bodies specializing in fisheries management and aquaculture development—reflecting Lebanon’s commitment to international standards and best practices in this field.

Reiterating its commitment to the participatory approach adopted since the inception of this law, the ministry affirms that its doors remain open to all fishers, cooperatives, and unions, welcoming any feedback or reviews grounded in facts and legal provisions, based on its belief that responsible and constructive dialogue forms the cornerstone for sector development and the protection of workers’ rights.

Conversely, the ministry expresses surprise at the continued circulation of inaccurate information likely to cause confusion among fishers and the public, despite the extensive twelve-year process of consultations, workshops, and meetings that accompanied the drafting of this law, involving representatives from fishers across Lebanon and contributing to shaping its provisions in a way that respects national interest and the welfare of sector workers.

Finally, the Ministry of Agriculture reiterates its affirmation that Lebanese fishers constitute a fundamental pillar of the agricultural sector and a key national partner in safeguarding fishery resources and enhancing food security, and will continue working with and for them to ensure the sustainability of marine resources, protect their rights, and preserve the interests of both current and future generations.