Egypt Suspends Fishing at World's Largest Artificial Lake

On Monday, Egypt’s Supreme Commission for the Development of Fisheries in Aswan decided to suspend fishing at Lake Naser for one-and-a-half months, to increase the numbers of high-quality organic fish in the world's largest artificial lake.

This came during the Aswan governor's meeting with Dr. Salahuddin Musalhi, Chairman of the General Commission for the Development of Fisheries, General Hazem Azzat, Secretary-General of the Province, officials and heads of fishing associations and fishermen.

Ashraf Ateya, the governor of Aswan, where the lake is located behind the High Dam, pointed out that those responsible for any fishing activities during the ban will be referred to the prosecution.

In the same context, Ateya explained that after the ban, there will be zero tolerance for over-fishing and any illegal form of fishing.

In addition to this, Water surfaces will be inspected to ensure the rules are followed, according to the governor.

According to the Committee, the measure is taken to achieve balance in the market and reduce prices of all fish. In 2020, fish production increased by 5% to 25,100 tons with the aim to increase to 30,000 tons from 2022 to 2027.

Earlier, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi inaugurated Fayrouz Fish Farm in Port Said, the largest of its kind in the Middle East region.