Although Lebanon is well known for its rich marine resources, the fisheries sub-sector is facing severe threats due to coastal pollution and indiscriminate fishing.

Annual domestic fisheries production does not exceed five thousand tons, while Lebanon imports about twenty thousand tons of fish per year. Fishing activities are predominantly conducted using small boats and outdated techniques that do not comply with minimum standards for sustainable fishing and safety.

To boost the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in Lebanon, protect the marine ecosystems and enhance the livelihoods and safety of fishers, the FAO and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) provided Ministry of Agriculture with technical assistance for the formulation of a strategic roadmap.

On 28 October 2014 the roadmap was shared at a Donors’ Forum that was organized by FAO, GFCM and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The roadmap will contribute to enhance the fisheries sector in Lebanon thus contributing to the expansion of domestic production and to the improvement of livelihoods of fishers.