Programme of Modernization, Rehabilitation, and Development of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture in Lebanon.

This sectoral Program, to be implemented in 5 years with an expected budget of USD 10,000,000, is directed at Lebanese anglers, in particular in the Batroun area, 35 km north of Beirut. It aims at the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Government facilities and capacity building for the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW) at the Ministry of Agriculture. It also involves the rehabilitation and modernization of the fishing techniques and aquaculture and fisheries research. To increase the local fish production and supply, the Program focuses on three main areas: (i) Coastal/Marine fisheries; (ii) Research; (iii) Aquaculture. Other areas of activities would be concentrated on fresh water fisheries, fishermen training and capacity building. Following a twin-track approach, the document identifies different time run to achieve its objectives. The short-term objectives are: strengthen the government's capacity for research and experimentation related to marine and freshwater environments and coastal fisheries (marine fisheries); experiment and demonstrate the feasibility of marine and freshwater fish farming (aquaculture); train DFW staff on modern fishing methods, aquaculture, boat building, boat operation; and resorting to international consulting support to assess the situation and provide sound advice. While the medium and long-term objectives are: to improve the marine research activities in relation with marine environments and fisheries resources; to provide the relevant governmental agencies with proper data, advice, and services; to ensure an appropriate sustainable management of fisheries resources and marine environments; to develop the appropriate fishing methods and gear suitable for the coastal fishermen; to develop the aquaculture and increase fish production.
In order to make fisheries more productive and sustainable the Program suggests the development of appropriate fishing techniques and aquaculture industry, in particular the completion of the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries at Batroun and its work and research programs. Undertaking a series of activities aiming at the sustainable development of local fisheries would also provide significant supplies of fish to the local market. A better-developed fish marketing and distribution channels, as well as higher quality fish products, will contribute to reduce imports together with expanding exports of high value species. These initiatives will bring immediate benefits in the process of rehabilitation and development of the overall Lebanese economy. For this purpose, it is also important the attention devoted to the research that would provide essential studies on pollution problems that affect the fisheries and their ecology. Research will provide information on the indigenous and migratory species in Lebanese waters. It will also provide knowledge on currents, seasonally, availability of non-traditional fish species suitable for commercial exploitation and knowledge on other marine products such as sponge, and its proper exploitation techniques. In this context, te need for International Aquaculture Consultant(s) to assess the situation and provide sound advice is imperative.
In the sphere of the governance, though this Program, the government is supporting activities will be strengthened in the form of technical development and extension services to small-scale fishermen. The institutions are also called to set up the framework needed for ensuring the sustainability of the project.