Project for the preparation of a Strategic Action Plan for the ...

SAP-BIO-Lebanon National Report Page 43 of 95
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Issue Problems Status Trend
IV. Fishing 1. Illegal harvesting techniques - Fishing with dynamite and - Slight increase in effort to
(negative impact on fish poisonous substances still occurs in prevent illegal harvesting
stocks)
the south and north of the country
methods
- Nets with illegal mesh sizes are - Interest of NGOs in the
widely available on the black market well-being of the fishing
- Spear fishing using scuba-diving community
gear is widely practiced (against the - Disinterest by government
law)
bodies to address the fishing
industry
2. Invasive species
3. Lack of data
V. Lack of Data 1. Insufficient number of
specialists
2. Lack of interest from the
authorities
3. Lack of funding for research
- Many Red-sea species are found on
the Lebanese coast
- Lack of research on assessment of
fish stocks
- Assessment of commercially viable
fish stocks is non-existent
- Studies on gear efficiency are absent
- Few academic institutions offer
educational programs in aquatic
sciences
- Protection of the marine ecosystem
is absent
- The government perceives the
coastline as an area of urban
development
- Sufficient research activities are still
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Prepared By M. Nader & S. Talhouk June, 2002
- Most likely increasing
- Wider interest by Academic
institutions to research the
marine environment
- No studies are projected by
governmental bodies
- Assessment of landings by
the MoA have started (≈
8000 t/yr)
- Increasing number of
academic bodies are
considering introducing
programs in aquatic
sciences
- Growing interest at the
Ministry of Environment in
the marine ecosystem
- Increased research activity