Paving the way for sustainable fisheries: FAO and Red Sea countries gather for validation of landmark regional project

November 11-12, 2024 – Representatives from seven Red Sea coastal countries convened in Jeddah for a validation meeting on the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project titled, "Promoting Sustainable Fisheries Management in the Red Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (RedSeaFish)." Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, this historic initiative marks the first regional project dedicated to fisheries management in the Red Sea area—a region critical for biodiversity, food security, and economic stability across the Near East and North Africa (NENA).

The NENA region, spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf, has a long history of relying on fisheries for food security and economic growth. Marine and inland fisheries provide essential sources of protein and livelihoods, particularly for coastal communities. Despite this, the region faces serious pressures such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, leading to significant impact on some fish stocks. In the Red Sea, this challenge is compounded by the area’s semi-enclosed nature, which makes coordinated regional management crucial. Fisheries in this region remain a lifeline for millions, and sustainable practices are essential for the health of ecosystems and the region’s economy.

“The Red Sea region is considered one of the most environmentally important marine areas globally, rich in biodiversity, with a high percentage of fish endemism, and has a special economic advantage as a maritime corridor for global maritime transportation. It is also characterized by social and economic value historically and currently, and I would not fail to mention its importance as one of the most beautiful diving areas in the world, which makes it an important tourist destination and an important economic source. The RedSeaFish project seeks to address the barriers that hinder the sustainability of fisheries in the Red Sea and initiate regional cooperation in the field of fisheries management, which is necessary for the sustainability of fisheries in a semi-enclosed body of water, which we currently lack except for some estimated but sporadic efforts” emphasized Ahmed AlMazrouai, Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer, Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, FAO.

This groundbreaking RedSeaFish project, a collaborative effort among FAO and coastal states including Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Yemen, aims to overcome key barriers to sustainable fisheries. Project priorities include strengthening fisheries data systems, promoting ecosystem-based management, and enhancing national regulatory frameworks. These initiatives will not only improve resource management in the Red Sea’s semi-enclosed waters but will also foster critical regional cooperation for long-term sustainability.

Each participating country contributed a national consultant and a fisheries department representative to the meeting, ensuring local expertise and alignment with national priorities. Throughout the two-day session, participants reviewed critical project elements, including institutional arrangements, budget allocations and co-financing strategies. Key sessions addressed stakeholder engagement, gender action plans, and the next steps for project submission to the GEF Secretariat.

The RedSeaFish project, with FAO’s dedicated support, will lay the foundation for sustainable fisheries management across the region. By addressing environmental and economic challenges, the project will enhance regional food security and support FAO’s mission of marine conservation and resilience in the NENA region. This validation meeting marks a vital step toward transforming Red Sea fisheries for sustainable economic and environmental benefits.