Prime Minister’s Decision No. 706 of 2023 issuing the executive regulations for the Law for the Protection and Development of Lakes and Fish Resources promulgated by Law No. 146 of 2021

These Regulations encompass a total of 59 Articles. The first part specifically addresses the Agency for the Protection and Development of Lakes and Fish Resources, including its governing entities. These governing bodies consist of (i) the Board of Directors, which serves as the highest authority responsible for overseeing and directing the Agency's operations, setting overarching policies, and making necessary decisions to fulfill its established objectives, and (ii) the Executive Director, who is tasked with managing the Agency's technical, administrative, and financial matters, as well as representing it in interactions with third parties and the judiciary. It also deals with the procedures implemented when it comes to seizures involving boats, fish, hunted fish, and used fishing tools subject to confiscation under Article 62 of the Law.
The subsequent section delves into measures dedicated to safeguarding the lakes, with a focus on the following aspects (i) elevating water levels within the lakes, (ii) the comprehensive licensing system, covering its objectives, procedures, and issuance guidelines, and (iii) regulating construction activities within lake areas.
Regarding fishing regulations, the Regulations concentrate on various key areas, including (i) naming and numbering of fishing boats, (ii) fishing boat licenses, (iii) the implementation of tracking devices, (iv) delineation of prohibited fishing areas and periods, (v) specifying permitted fishing methods, materials, and tools, (vi) outlining procedures and specifications for landing, encompassing designated areas, inspections, and item-specific type and quantity, (vii) measures for safeguarding water quality against pollution, (viii) certification requirements such as origin and health certificates for the introduction of aquatic organisms, including CITES certificates for endangered species, (ix) veterinary quarantines, (x) protection of the biological diversity of the national water bodies, (xi) strategies to protect turtles and marine mammals and reduce bycatch risks, (xii) provisions for scientific research and statistical reporting, (xiii) maintenance of a data register on fishing boats, (xiv) considerations for fishing boat licenses and exemptions, and (xv) the establishment of license fees.
In a subsequent section, the Regulations outline the organization of fish farms, particularly addressing matters such as (i) the issuance of licenses and their duration, (ii) stipulated environmental requirements, (iii) the imposition of associated fees, and (iv) the regulations governing the establishment of fish cages in Egyptian marine waters. The final part of the Regulations pertains to the management of fishing ports.