Fishing Effort, Catch per unit Fishing Effort and Relative Abundance of the Common Fish Species in Bardawil Lagoon, Egypt

Bardawil Lagoon, situated in the Mediterranean coastal lands of Sinai, holds significant ecological importance as one of the least polluted wetlands not only in Egypt but also within the entire Mediterranean region. It is home to a diverse array of economically significant fish species such as seabream, sole, seabass, grey mullet, eel, meager, and grouper. Covering an average area of approximately 650 square kilometers, the lagoon supports the livelihoods of over 4,000 fishermen. Fishing activities in the lagoon are seasonal, typically spanning from early April to the end of December. This seasonal closure is a crucial conservation measure aimed at protecting the spawning populations of commercial species, ensuring their sustainability. Over the past 19 years, total annual commercial landings in Bardawil Lagoon have fluctuated between 1241.7 and 5410 tons, as reported in the Annual Statistical Report of 2021. In 2021 alone, 4206.7 tons were landed, translating to a substantial economic value of more than 400 million Egyptian pounds. Various fishing methods are employed in the lagoon, including Dabba or trammel nets, Dubdeiba, El-Bouss, Crab nets, Lines or Sinnar, and Dahbana nets. This study aimed to shed light on the fishing effort and the characteristics of fishing gear utilized in Bardawil Lagoon. Additionally, the study assessed the relative abundance of commercial species, expressed as catch per unit fishing effort (ton/standardized fishing boat), to evaluate the current status of these species in the lagoon. Furthermore, the study explored the governmental development projects undertaken in the lagoon area, providing a comprehensive overview of the ongoing initiatives.