Lebanon: Lebanon has enacted a new law regulating fisheries and aquaculture, marking what the Agriculture Ministry described as a major step toward a sustainable b economy. The legislation establishes a modern legal framework for managing marine resources, strengthens food security, promotes aquaculture investment, and prioritizes small-scale artisanal fishers and their cooperatives. The ministry said the law aligns with international standards, including those of the FAO and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, while enhancing governance, combating illegal fishing, protecting marine biodiversity, and creating new investment and employment opportunities in the sector.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, this legislation is expected to transform the maritime sector by providing a structured approach to resource management and conservation. It aims to integrate Lebanon into the global economy by adhering to international guidelines and improving the livelihoods of local fishers through better governance and support for their practices. The focus of the law on small-scale fisheries is anticipated to foster community engagement and drive local economic growth. Additionally, the law seeks to address illegal fishing, which has been a persistent issue affecting marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fish stocks in the region.