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A comprehensive review of the Eritrean fisheries sector was drafted on the basis of the TCP team's investigations and observations carried out during mission work between late July and mid-December, 1992, and constitutes Part I of this report.

The Review essays a broad examination of the marine capture fisheries with regard to known resources by major groupings, the evolution of artisanal and industrial exploitation activities, current production and capabilities, and socio-economic characteristics (occupational patterns, settlements and services, seasonality and migration, patterns of trade, and effort and financial performance of fishing units).

The situation of aquaculture and inland fisheries is also reviewed in terms of the production base, current and planned fishing/fish farming activities, and potential for development.

Domestic and export marketing are discussed according to the topics of domestic distribution, supplies, marketing, and consumption, and of import and export products and markets.

Consideration is given to fisheries institutions and services with respect to: the context of Government policy; DMRIF organisation and functions; planning and management concerns including sectoral development (on-going and anticipated/possible projects), fisheries legislation, enforcement, and statistics; applied research; training; other institutions with direct fisheries competencies (Fishery Advisory Council, fisher associations and co-operatives); and additional institutions with fisheries-related functions (University of Asmara, other Government departments, and other agencies).

Finally, issues of fiscality, investment, and credit of relevance to the fisheries sector and its development are noted (monetary and exchange rate policies, budgetary practices, the Investment Proclamation and the Investment Centre, and credit institutions and services).