Agriculture Ministry affirms support for fishermen
The Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture has affirmed that the new maritime fishing law aims to regulate the fishing sector and to enhance the rights of fishermen, while also committing to the protection of the marine environment. The law prohibits industrial fishing within national waters and grants exclusive rights outside them within the Exclusive Economic Zone. It also expands Lebanese fishermen's rights in inland waters from 6 to 12 nautical miles. Additionally, it clarified that Lebanon contains only two protected marine reserves and that the law does not designate 30% of marine waters as protected areas, as some mistakenly claim. The law emphasizes the regulation of aquaculture through the issuance of implementing decrees to protect the interests of fishermen and the environment, with Lebanon committed to international standards for maintaining marine biodiversity. The ministry confirmed that the law was developed after a lengthy consultative process involving international authorities and emphasized that constructive dialogue is essential for the sector's development and for safeguarding fishermen’s rights.
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