Lebanon

Capital	Beirut
Official language	Arabic
Area	10 452 square kilometers
Maritime area	FAO: Mediterranean (37) GFCM: GSA (27)
GFCM reference institutions involved in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors	Department of Fisheries & Wildlife-Ministry of Agriculture
Number of operating vessels Year 2021	-Fisheries: 2688 fishing vessels (including 99% from SSF) -Aquaculture: 0 vessel Total: 2688 vessel
Percentage / number of workers Year (2018)	- Fisheries: 3 535 fisher (including 100% from SSF) - Aquaculture: ……… worker Total: ………… worker
Average landings in tons Year 2019 **	- Fisheries: 2 620 tons (including 100% from SSF) - Aquaculture: 1 034 tons Total: 3 654 tons
Capture production (%) Year 2019	- Fisheries: 72% - Aquaculture: 28% (from inland aquaculture farm)~ 360 small scale farm
Trade of fish product (imports and exports) in tons / in value (USD) Year 2020*	Exports: -     Quantity: 368 tons -     Value: USD 2 269 000 Import: -     Quantity: 16 223 tons -     Value: USD 61 054 000
Top 5 most important species Year 2019**	1.   European anchovy: 780 tons 2.   White seabream: 297 tons 3.   Little tunny: 270 tons 4.   Round sardinella: 176. tons 5.   Spinefeet: 153. tons Total: 1 675 tons (64 % of total fisheries production)

*Lebanese Customs

**FishstatJ

Characteristics	2019	2020
Area	10 452 sq.km
Shelf area	1 200 sq.km
Length of continental coastline	220 km
Total population	6.856 million ***	6.825 million ***
Income Level	Upper middle income*
GDP (Current Prices)	USD 52.572 billion***	USD 19.126 billion ***
GNI (current US$)	USD 51.373 billion *	USD 32.478 billion*
GDP per capita , current prices	USD 7 668***	USD 2 802***
GNI per capita (current US$)	USD 7 420*	USD 5 510*
Official minimum wage per month	US$450	US$450
Wage in the fisheries sector per month	USD 300****	USD 283****
Unemployment, total (% of total labour force)	6.04 % *	6.61%*
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, value added (current US$)	USD1.6*****	USD0.8*****
Fisheries (Marine) GDP	USD 9 400 453**** (2018)
Agriculture, value added (% of GDP)	3.07% *	2.50%*
Fisheries (Marine) added value (%GDP)	0.00025% (2018)
Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)	11.69%*	11.32%*
Employment in fisheries	3 535**** (2018)

* World Bank 2017 https://data.worldbank.org/country/lebanon

** CAS 2021 http://www.cas.gov.lb/index.php/national-accounts-en

*** IMF 2021 https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2021/April

**** DFW 2018. Socioeconomic surveys of fisheries sector. Internal reports.

*****FAO 2021. FAOSTAT-Lebanon http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#country/121

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical background

The ‎continental shelf is narrow (1 200 sq.km), especially in the middle. The continental shelf is widest in the north (21 km), narrows down in a north-south axis, and then widens ‎up again to 8 km in the south (Figure). The shelf is characterized by submarine canyons with depths ‎reaching 1 500 m or more, creating heterogeneous habitats for an array of marine organisms ‎ Bottom grounds are ‎mainly rough with intensive rocky patches good for stationary demersal gear.‎

Figure: The continental shelf of Lebanon (Walley, no year)

The fisheries of Lebanon are classified as small scale "artisanal" and traditional based mainly on bottom stationary gear (trammels and longlines), purse seines and beach seines. Fishing operations, with the exception of longlines, are mostly carried out at depths of up to 50m. Most of fishing nets used have small mesh size (less than "legal" 2x2 cm).

Catch data showed that sardines and anchovy represent more than 36% of catch while white seabream and little tunny represent 11% and 10% respectively. Fishing vessels are almost entirely the multipurpose artisanal crafts of the Eastern Mediterranean ‎known locally as Flouca (a small 3 - 15 m fishing craft, made of wood (59%) , fiberglass (24%) and/or wood_fiber (17%)  , ‎shapes are diverse, generally partially_decked; and with/without inboard or outboard engines).‎

Freshwater aquaculture has been practiced since the 1930s. More than 90 percent of aquaculture production in Lebanon is rainbow trout, Onchorhyncus mykiss. They are grown in semi-intensive growing systems, which were introduced in 1958. There are currently about 360 fish farms or holdings. Tilapia farming is being tried out through several private initiatives particularly through aquaponics producers. There is no marine aquaculture except for one shrimp farm initiative by a private investor in the north of Lebanon.

Local production is sold fresh for human consumption.

Institutional context & Fisheries administration

The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) was founded in 1943. Within it, the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW) is mandated for the management of the fisheries sector. Decree No. 5246 “Organization of Ministry of Agriculture” issued on 30/6/1994 defined the role of DFW.

The first Law regulating the fisheries sector is Law No. 1104 (issued by Decision) on 14/11/1921. Since 1921, several Laws, decrees and decisions related directly to fisheries were promulgated; with the most relevant being Law No. 2775 “Monitoring of coastal marine fishing” issued in 1929. This Law manages the fishing sector by:

o   Identifying fishing – Delimiting Coastal Fisheries – Monitoring Coastal Fisheries – Designated staff.

o   Various Prohibitions – Prohibited places- Prohibited times - Types of overfishing.

o   Fishing gears – prohibited gears.

o   Measures related to the organization and monitoring of fisheries and fishing by several vessels.

o   Special provisions related to safeguarding juvenile fish and conservation of fish and shellfish - Minimum sizes of fish and shellfish to be captured, transported and sold.

o   Prohibited baits – various prohibitions.

o   Arrangements and precautions related to fishing operations.

o   Measures for practicing fishing by rod and line.

o   Fees for fishing licenses and fishing gears.

o   Penalties.

A number of Minister Decisions were also issued that cover a variety of fisheries and conservation matters. Furthermore, a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Law was drafted in 2014 by FAO, GFCM and MOA. It was discussed by some stakeholders. The draft Law was sent to the Council of Ministers for approval and forwarding to the Lebanese Parliament for discussion and ratification.  

However, the role of DFW ends at the landing of fisheries products, although Minister Decision 15/1 on 21/1/2004 “Legal sizes relating to fishing, transporting, buying and importing fish, shellfish and crustaceans in Lebanon” permits DFW staff to inspect local and imported fish sizes along the whole value chain.

Below is the organogram of the fisheries related entities at the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture.

Organogram of Department of Fisheries & Wildlife-Ministry of Agriculture

Although there is no educational institute that offers an undergraduate degree in fisheries and/or aquaculture, a number of institutions offer courses in these subjects and carryout relevant basic and applied research. Below is a list of these institutions;

Institution	Activity	Website
National Council for Scientific Research-CNRS-Lebanon- National Centre for Marine Sciences	Research	http://www.cnrs.edu.lb/site/SubPage.aspx?pageid=109
Lebanese University-Faculty of Agriculture	Education	http://www.ul.edu.lb/faculte/branches.aspx?facultyId=13
Lebanese University-Faculty of Sciences	Education, Research	https://www.ul.edu.lb/faculte/branches.aspx?facultyId=6
American university of Beirut-Department of Biology	Education, Research	https://www.aub.edu.lb/fas/biology/Pages/default.aspx
University of Balamand- Institute of the Environment	Education, Research	http://www.balamand.edu.lb/IOE/Pages/default.aspx
USJ	Education, Research
USEK	Education, Research

Participation in international treaties, including membership in relevant regional fisheries management organizations

International treaties
Agreement to the implementation of Part XI of the ‎Convention of 10 December 1982 since 5 January 1995	5 January 1995
FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA)	Not ratified
FAO Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas	Not ratified
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea	Ratified (Date)/ 5 January 1995 Law 295 of 22/2/1994
Agreement relating to the implementation of Part XI of the Convention of 10 December 1982	Ratified (Date)/ 5 January 1995 Law 295 of 22/2/1994
Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks	Not ratified
Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and its Protocols	Ratified (Date)/ 8/11/1977 (Accession) - Law 34 of 16/10/2008 -  Decree 639 of 18/9/2014

Lebanon joined GFCM on 14 November 1960 and ratified its amendments through Law 613 of 20/11/2004 "Permitting the Government to ‎ratify the amendments to the ‎Agreement establishing the General ‎Fisheries Commission for the ‎Mediterranean"

Membership in regional fisheries management organizations[IL1]
General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the FAO	14 Nov 1960
Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area (ACCOBAMS)	CNRS Party since 2005
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)	State Member  2018 MOE Member 2022 CNRS

National maritime delimitations

Inland waters

Law 163 of 18/08/2011 on the "Determination and announcement the maritime areas of the Lebanese Republic is determining with the article 1 the baseline for the marine delimitation of Lebanon. Internal water are provided by the article 3 of the same legislation.

The territorial sea

This Legislative Decree 138 of 16/9/1983 "Determining the breadth of the ‎territorial sea areas and the ‎Forbidden Maritime Zones"fixes the boundary of the territorial waters of Lebanon at twelve nautical miles from the sea shore, measured from the lowest level of ebb tide. The Council of Ministers is given the power to enact a Decree to exclude specified areas of territorial waters from navigation. Penalties for offences regarding navigation are prescribed in article 3. Article 4 of the Law 163 of 18/08/2011 is providing the delimitation of the Lebanese territorial sea.

Contiguous Zone

The delimitation of the Contiguous Zone of Lebanon is provided by the article 5 of Law 163 of 18/08/2011.

The exclusive economic zone

The exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is defined in the article 7 of the Law 163 of 18/08/2011 while the right, jurisdiction and duties in this area are described in the article 7. This legislation was enhanced with the adoption of the Decree 6433 of 1/10/2011 "Delimitation of the Lebanese ‎Exclusive Economic Zone" providing location and coordinates of the Lebanese EEZ.

The continental shelf

The delimitation of the continental shelf of Lebanon is provided by the article 8 of Law 163 of 18/08/2011. The article 9 of the same legislation provides the right of the Lebanese Republic on the continental shelf.

Coastal fishing

Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal ‎zone scope and penalties related to ‎the infringement of fishing rules"	Article 1 Fishing zone 6nm
Law 70/L.R. "Regulation of Coastal Fishing"	Article 1 fishing vessels nationality
Maritime Trade Law of 2/18/1947	Article 4 Lebanese vessels exclusivity Article 133 Lebanese fishers exclusivity Article 134 minimum age of fishers (16)
Decree 16225 of 13/6/1957 "Definition of maritime navigation".	Article 8 types of fishing (coastal, medium, grand)
Decision 32/N of 24/3/1994 "Organization of sailing of fishing ‎and recreational vessels within the ‎territorial waters and beyond".‎	Article 1 sailing distance (2.5nm)
Decision 77/N/96 of 10/7/1996 "Organization of sailing of fishing ‎and recreational vessels within the ‎Lebanese territorial waters".‎	Article 1 navigation range (6nm)

Social Protection for the fisheries and aquaculture sector

The year 2020 has been particularly challenging for Lebanon. The country witnessed the collapse of its economy as well as of its financial sector. This was marked by the country’s debt default in March 2020, the rapid depreciation of its natural currency, the collapse of its fixed peg exchange rate mechanism, an economic contraction of 24% (IMF) and third-digit inflation with a 120% CPI increase between August 2019 and August 2020 (Central Administration of Statistics), to which are added the repercussions of the global COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures. Further to this, the 4th of August Port Explosion that left more than 200 casualties, 6,000 injured, and 300,000 homeless, has massively damaged Beirut’s key trade and shipping hub as well as its neighboring residential, industrial and business areas, thereby requiring substantial resources for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance. These compounded crises have destroyed the livelihood of thousands of people who continue to suffer from electricity and water supply shortages, a waste management crisis, worsening social conditions and weak public finance management. As a consequence, more than 55% of the Lebanese population had fallen into poverty in 2020 (ESCWA, 2020), a number that s expected to further increase as a result of rising inflation and the absence of a proper policy response. This brought the total number of poor among the Lebanese population to 1.1 million and 2.7 million for the lower and the upper poverty lines respectively. In Lebanon, where the old age pension is only available to civil servants, fishers place a high value on health insurance for themselves and their families. In Lebanon, for example the average annual income of fishers is USD 3 400 (2016), which is 37 percent less than the official minimum salary of USD 5 400.

Between 2017 and 2020, Lebanon spent 5 to 6% of its GDP and 22% of its budget on Social Protection. However, coverage remains far from being inclusive. The largest share goes to Spending on Old Age and finances, in particular, Retirement and End-of-Service Indemnities.

Social assistance

In Lebanon, there is significant social assistance available, with systems developed in response to the Syrian crisis, but it is primarily targeted at refugees rather than Lebanese citizens. As such, it is not accessible to small-scale fishers. The refugee influx and resulting fiscal challenges have had profound effects in terms of delaying the planned extension of state social assistance for the poorest members of Lebanese society through the National Poverty Targeting Programme (NPTP). The National Poverty Targeting Programme (NPTP) was launched in 2011 with the primary goal of alleviating poverty among the most vulnerable 12 percent of the Lebanese population. For the approximately 100 000 people who are eligible, benefits include: comprehensive health coverage in public and private hospitals; coverage of chronic disease medication costs; registration fee waivers and free textbooks for primary and secondary school students; and food assistance (emergency NPTP). Emergency food assistance was introduced in 2014 to cover the poorest 5 076 Lebanese households. There are no data on the extent to which fishers were able to benefit under the programme.  On the Government side, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) as leading implementers. The World Bank and the World Food Program (WFP) have been providing technical assistance to the Program since its inception. Various bilateral and multilateral donor organization have supported the program financially, specifically through funding the e-voucher. The NPTP has been officially established as an ‘Emanating Project’ by Ministerial decree, which legislates the NPTP as an official unit within the MoSA. The assistance comes in the form of hospitalization subsidies, school fee waivers, books, e-vouchers to support food and other basic needs. The SPP does not consider climate change or any other shocks as a factor in its protection. Lebanese households interested in joining the programme are required to contact the nearest MOSA center and ask to be registered. Applicants are expected to produce necessary documents and agree to be visited by a Social Inspector (SI). The SI then visits the household to gather information to assess its poverty level based on a PMT formula. If the score is under a determined threshold that corresponds to the lower poverty line, the household is registered as a beneficiary.

There are also informal ad hoc solidarity actions like fishers collecting money from each other to help a fellow fisher in need (e.g. hospitalization, death, medicine, etc.)

There are other formal programmes that is targeting whole population and not specifically fishers:

-Ministry of Public Health’s ‎Health Coverage: Provides health assistance to all uninsured Lebanese, estimated to ‎be around 50% of the population, in the form of partially or fully ‎subsidized medical services and medication.‎

-Ministry of Social Affairs’ Health ‎and Social Services: Provides primary health services, including vaccinations, prenatal ‎and pediatric care, through national regional social development ‎centers network. Also provides labor market programmes through ‎job training services, educational, and literacy programmes.‎

-Ministry of Agriculture: Support ‎and Subsidies: Programmes and plans to distribute specific agricultural inputs, ‎provide support and funding to small farmers to implement ‎infrastructure projects on their land e.g. distributed fish feed and fishing nets to fishers and fish workers.

-Higher Relief Council: A multi-ministerial governmental entity charged with providing ‎emergency relief in times of natural and/or manmade disasters. ‎Mandate includes surveying damage caused to farmers by natural ‎disasters with the intent of providing compensation.‎

Lebanon administers SPP to Support and Subsidies to Agriculture Sector. The objective of the program is to support income, increase food security, develop community and manage natural resources. The MoA distributes a variety of pesticides, seeds, fertilizers, and medicine for livestock and apiculture. It ‎also periodically distributes saplings, fishing gear, fish feed and trout fingerlings. Agricultural ‎cooperatives may also benefit from funding through the Ministry’s Directorate General of ‎Cooperatives, based on availability of funds.‎ Targeted fishing groups by the program are artisanal and small-scale.

SPP is regulated by multiple legal acts:

•Minister of Agriculture Decision No 261 of 20/12/1995 "Distribution of fishing nets and equipment to fishermen's cooperatives Assistance provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations"

•Minister of Agriculture Decision No 47 of 13/3/1995 "Distribution of fishing nets and their accessories to fishermen's cooperatives along the Lebanese coast"

•Minister of Agriculture Decision No 226 of 14/12/1994 "Distribution of fishing nets and equipment to fishermen's cooperatives"

•Minister of Agriculture Decision No 362 of 19/12/1972 "Distribution of nets to associations, committees and fishermen's syndicates"

•Minister of Agriculture Decision No 352 of 12/9/1967 "Distribution of nets and refrigerators to fishermen's committees and unions"

•Undocumented distribution of aquafeed and trout fingerlings for the aquaculture sector

•Unavailable document for ad hoc contributions to some cooperatives (including fisheries coops)

Another SPP, administered in Lebanon is concerning Disaster Management, that charged with providing emergency relief in times of natural and/or manmade ‎disasters. The HRC usually requests the Lebanese Army to survey damages caused to ‎farms and farmers by natural disasters or other emergencies with the intent of providing ‎compensation. However, the compensation is not always guaranteed, and some farmers ‎claim that compensation is often dependent on personal connections as opposed to ‎incurred losses‎. It is regulated by the following legal acts:

•Prime Minister Decision No 35 of 17/12/1976 "Establishment of Higher Relief Council"

•Constitutional Decree No 22 of 18/3/1977 Ratification of Decision No 35 of 17/12/1976 "Establishment of Higher Relief Council".

The benefits under the SPP cover cash and material transfers and targets any disaster affected individuals, therefore representative of any fishing group can be covered.

Social insurance

In Lebanon, while there is clear demand for private insurance policies, access is financially prohibitive for many. When asking a fisher how much he has been quoted for private insurance, his response was “beyond one’s imagination”. When private insurance providers are asked about their lack of interest in extending the service to fishers, they argued that they don’t have sufficient data to be able to factor in financial risk. Therefore, the safest option (in terms of financial viability) is to have a very high premium for high-risk sectors.

Health and Social Services of Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and Social ‎Development Centers Services provide primary health services, including vaccinations, prenatal ‎and pediatric care, through national regional social development ‎centers network. It also provides labor market programmes through ‎job training services, educational, and literacy programmes.‎ MoSA also offers a range of support services to people with disability, issuing disability ‎cards that provide carriers with a wide range of social and health services provided by ‎the state and rehabilitation and training services provided by 72 specialized institutions ‎contracted by MoSA nationwide. Persons with disability cards are provided with ‎exemptions from municipal taxes and vehicle custom fees.‎

The SPP is regulated by the following legal acts:

•Law 212 of 3-4-1993 Establishment of Ministry of Ministry of Social Affairs

•Law 327 of 18-5-1994 Amendment of Law of Establishing Ministry of Social Affairs

•Decree 5734 of 29-9-1994 Organization of the Ministry of Social Affairs

Another SPP is Health Coverage through the Ministry of Public Health. The MoPH provides health assistance to all uninsured Lebanese, estimated to be around 50 percent of the population. MoPH covers 85 percent of hospitalization fees and 100 percent of medication for chronic and high-risk diseases. Hospitalization is not always guaranteed through the MoPH as contracted hospitals only have a limited number of beds reserved for MoPH coverage. Primary Health Services and medicaments provided through a national network of 270 primary health services centers. The SPP is regulated by the Regulation of the Ministry of Health - Decree No. 8377 of 30/12/1961. The benefits included are primary health services. Representative of any fishing group can be the beneficiary of the SPP.

Labour market interventions

The fisher cooperative in the fishing port of Ouzaii has a private fund to support its members. The fund is not financed directly by members, but rather through the collective income from fish auctions and ice production. The cooperative also owns and rents out a restaurant in the Ouzaii port and uses the income to support the fund. The fund provides support to meet medical expenses and co-payments for the 15 percent of hospitalization fees not covered by the Ministry of Health. It provides up to USD 300 in death benefits to the families of fishers and contributes towards funeral expenses. The fund also provides interest-free loans to fishers for boat and other equipment repairs, and repayment may be waived in cases of severe hardship. There is no formal or fixed procedure to request and approve benefit disbursements, and decisions regarding how and to whom the funds should be distributed are taken on an ad hoc basis by the members of the cooperative committee based on individual circumstances.

Social security, insurance and assistance	linked to employment
Formal Social Security
Social Security law of 26/9/1963	Article 9 states that "permanent workers working in an agricultural establishment" can benefit
Law 8 of 25/3/1974 enacted by Decree No. 13955 of 1963"Benefiting agricultural workers ‎from the provisions of the Social ‎Security Law"	Article 1 that Lebanese working in the agricultural sector are subject to the provisions of the Social Security Law in some or all of its branches, according to conditions determined by decrees taken in the Council of Ministers based on the proposal of the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, and the approval of the Board of Directors of the National social security Fund." (not yet for fishermen and aquaculturists
Mutual Funds
Decree 515 of 25/3/1977 "Regulation of Mutual Funds".	e.g. Mutual Fund for Insurance Against Natural Disasters" which was established in 2011
Insurance companies	fishers do not benefit from this because the insurance firms do not consider the artisanal vessels of almost all fishers as an insurable asset
Fishers' Cooperatives	e.g. Fishermen’s Cooperative in Ouzaii has a private fund to support its members
Social Safety Net Programme for Palestine refugees in Lebanon provided through UNRWA	There is a number of Palestinian refugees working as fishers in Lebanon who definitely benefit from all the social and medical provisions of UNRWA
Social Assistance Programmes
Emergency National Poverty Targeting Programme ENPTP	To `extremely poor’ Lebanese households in ‎the form of partial medical bill payments, school fee waivers, free books, and food ‎assistance.
Food Assistance (2014)	Offered ‎to the poorest 5,076 Lebanese households
Health Coverage through the Ministry of Public Health	Health assistance to all uninsured Lebanese, estimated to be around 50 ‎percent of the population. MoPH covers 85 percent of hospitalization fees and 100 percent of ‎medication for chronic and high-risk diseases
Health and Social Services: Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) and Social ‎Development Centres Services	Affairs provides primary health services, including vaccinations, prenatal ‎and pediatric care, through its regional social development centres (SDCs)
Ministry of Agriculture: Support and Subsidies:.	MoA distributes a variety of pesticides, and medicine for livestock and apiculture. It ‎also periodically distributes saplings, fish feed and trout fingerlings
Higher Relief Council	The HRC is governmental entity that is charged with providing emergency relief in times of natural and/or manmade ‎disasters
Nongovernmental Programmes: ‎	The main provider of social ‎assistance to the Lebanese people
Informal Social protection	Auctioneer/Fishmonger pays for medical and other emergencies ‎Subsidies

Labour rules
Labor Law of 23/9/1946	Exclude agriculture Article 1 Employer employs in agricultural projects Article 2 wage earner definition Article 7 excludes agriculture syndicates that have nothing to do with trade and industry Article 12 written/oral contract subject to provisions of ordinary law
Maritime Trade Law of 18/2/1947	Article 129 if ship>5 barrels, work contract subject to specific provision Article 133 must employ only Lebanese navigators (Lebanon did not ratify ILO C188 Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188) and R199)
Decree 8987 of 29/9/2012 "Prohibit the use of minors before they reach the age of ‎eighteen in work that poses a danger to their health, safety ‎or moral behavior"	Article 2 fishing a potentially dangerous profession for juveniles and consequently banned for juveniles less than 16 years of age

FISHERIES

Type of fisheries

Industrial fisheries

In Lebanese legislation, there isn't a national regulation providing definition for industrial fisheries.

Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal ‎zone scope and penalties related to ‎the infringement of fishing rules"	No mention
Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, ‎fishermen and fishing boats" and Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine ‎fishing"	No mention
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal fishing"	Articles 2, 9 & 17 Whaling vessels Articles 9, 11, 12, 13, 18, 27, 31, 32,, and 35 Trawling nets w/o vessel type Article 35 fees for trawling vessels in increments of 5 tons
Decree 16225 of 13/6/1957 "Definition of maritime navigation"	Article 8 define fishing according to range (Coastal, Medium and Grand)
Law86/LR "Safety of maritime navigation and observance of health conditions on ships"	Article 6 small vessels (<10NT) Article 7 & 11 requirements for vessels >10NT
Law of 10/2/1948 "Amendment of one article of law ‎‎86/LR of 3-5-1939 related to safety ‎of navigation and health onboard ‎vessels"),	Article 1 inspection requirements for vessels <25tons Vessels >25 tons certification

- Specificity of the industrial fleet; There is no fishing vessel that weighs 25 tons or above; however, there are 5 fishing vessels which are ≥15m LOA

Relevant projects and programs:

There is no projects/programmes that directly and solely address industrial fisheries in Lebanon; however, the following activities will encompass one or more Lebanese industrial fishing vessels:  

• GFCM elaborated the "Strategic Roadmap in Support of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Lebanon" (2014) that was intended to benefit all the fishing fleet.
• GFCM/FAO/MOA drafted new "Fisheries and Aquaculture Law" (2014) that included licensing industrial fishing vessels to operate in the Lebanese EEZ and overseas. .
• 2019-2021 FAO Lebanon TCP/LEB/3703 "Assessment for Replacement of Illegal Fishing Gears for Lebanon" will carry out a general census of fishing vessels and gears and will involve Pilot Regions whereby illegal gears are replaced with legal ones and vessels are equipped with VMS. It is expected that at least one industrial vessel will be involved in this study at Pilot Regions.
• GFCM demersal survey-at sea planned for September-October 2021 is expected to provide valuable information that industrial vessels can benefit from.
• GFCM project for "Assessment of discards on fishing vessels" (2019-2021). Assessment should involve one or more industrial vessels.
• GFCM Pilot Logbook trials (2021) with paper and electronic logbooks targets vessels ≥15m LOA.
• 2017 FAO (TCP/LEB/3601 C2 2017) “Lebanon Assessment of the Commercial Seafood Chain in Lebanon and the Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture” and “Consumer Behavior Survey and Restaurant Sector Study”
• 2019 FAO (TCP/LEB/3701 C1 2019) “The design of a certified modern fishing vessel for Lebanon and for the modernization of small scale fishing fleet”

Small-scale Fisheries

Definition of artisanal fishing according to national regulations;

Law 86/LR of 3/5/1939"Safety of maritime navigation and observance of health conditions on ships"	Article 6 definition of small vessels (<10 tons)
Law of 10/2/1948 "Amendment of one article of law ‎‎86/LR of 3-5-1939 related to safety ‎of navigation and health onboard ‎vessels"	Article 7 safety certificate issuance. <25tons
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal fishing"	Article 32 free inspection of boats <2 tons
Decree 16225 of 13/6/1957 "Definition of maritime navigation"	Article 8 types of fishing: coastal, medium and grand

- Specificity of the SSF fleet;

- Exceptions applicable to the artisanal fishing sector

Law 70/LR of 18/6/1930 "Regulation of Coastal Fishing"	Article 1 fishing in territorial waters forbidden for foreign vessels
Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal ‎zone scope and penalties related to ‎the infringement of fishing rules"	Article 1 fishing zone 6nm from coast
Maritime Trade Law of 18/2/1947	Article 4fishing reserved to Lebanese vessels
Law 86/LR of 3/5/1937 as amended by Law of 10/2/1948 "Amendment of one article of law ‎‎86/LR of 3-5-1939 related to safety ‎of navigation and health onboard ‎vessels"	Article 7 exemption from certification agency if <25 tons
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal fishing"	Article 32 If < 2 tons Exemption from inspection by Inspection committee
of Legislative Decree 144 of 12/6/1959 "Income Tax" and its subsequent amendments	Article 5 exempted agricultural cooperatives and agricultural investors from income tax except if products are processed
Law 379 of 24/12/2001 "Value Added Tax" and its subsequent amendments	Article 17 section 1 " live fish and agricultural food items that are sold in their natural state" are exempted from VAT
Decree 7341 of 31/1/2002 "Determining the particulars of ‎application of the provisions of ‎Law No. 379 of 12/14/2001 (Value ‎Added Tax)	Exemption in Article 17 of the Value Added Tax law are the deliveries of the goods and items listed below within the Lebanese territory and their importation: live fish intended for eating."

Relevant projects and programs:

• FAO MedFisis Project (2004); " Census of Lebanese Fishing Vessels and Fishing Facilities"
• FAO EastMed Project (1999-2021)
  • Socio-economic surveys
  • Fishing Licensing System – FLS
  • Catch and Effort Data Collection Utility-Flouca Web
  • Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and the development of management plan for the Lebanese Sardines Purse Seine Subsector
  • Collection of biological data and stock assessments
  • Design of a steel small-scale fishing vessel

• FAO TCP/LEB/2703 "Assessment for Replacement of Illegal Fishing Gear in Lebanon" (2020/21)
• (GFCM) Strategic Roadmap in Support of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Lebanon (2014)
• GFCM/FAO/MOA preparation of the new draft Fisheries and Aquaculture Law (2014).
• FAO Lebanon: design of a certified modern fishing vessel for Lebanon and for the modernization of small scale fishing fleet. TCP/LEB/3701 C1. (2019)
• Two studies on Lebanese seafood markets. TCP/LEB/3601 C2. (2017)
  • Assessment of the Commercial Seafood Chain in Lebanon.
  • Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Consumer Behavior Survey and Restaurant Sector Study.

• GFCM: General Aquaculture Census. Including the provision the MS Access data entry tool. (2020/21)
• GFCM: Assessment of discards on fishing vessels. (2019-21)
• UNDP provision of three ice plants and refrigerated vans to three small-scale fishers' cooperatives. UNDP. (2019)
• GFCM: Socio-economic survey. (2019/20)
• GFCM Pilot Logbook trail. (2020/21)
• GFCM Pilot trials with VMS for small-scales vessels. (????-????)
• EU ENPI CBC Program: R.E.A.D.Y. MED. FISH (Requalification of Employment And Diversification for Youth in the Mediterranean Fisheries sector) (2013-2016)
• EU ENPI CBC Program: FISHINMED (Mediterranean Network of Sustainable Small-Scale Fishing Communities). (2012-2016

Although Multitasking e.g. pesca tourism, itti tourism, charter fishing, etc. are being practiced to some extent, particularly charter fishing and fishers' restaurant at one fishermen port, yet there is no legal instrument that governs these practices. The ENPI CBC Project Ready Med states the ground rules for these activities by drafting the necessary legal texts to be issued when the new Fisheries and aquaculture Law is passed by Lebanese Parliament.

Recreational fisheries

- Definition of recreational and sport fishing according to national regulations including the necessary authorizations; no definition yet;

Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, fishermen and fishing ‎boats"	Article 3 Amateur fishers or use their catch for their family food only
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine ‎fishing"	Article 33 licensing of on-foot fishers with rod and line with two hooks Article 34 subject to rules and regulations
Minister Decision 317/1 of 24/8/1967 "Organizing the sport of scuba diving fishing"	Repealed
Minister Decision 1/136 of 13/5/1968 : Amending some provisions of Resolution No. 1‎‏/‏‎317 of ‎‎24‎‏/‏‎8/1967, relating to the regulation of the sport of fishing ‎diving under water "	Repealed
Minister Decision 347/1 of 11/12/1972 "Organizing the sport of scuba ‎‎diving fishing"	Article 2 definition, licensing and equipment Article 3 apnea fishing Article 4 prohibitions
Minister Decision 254/1 of 8/12/1995 "Regulating fishing-diving sport ‎institutes" elaborated conditions to grant license, formation of testing committee (Article 1) and prohibitions
Minister Decision 255/1 of 8/12/1995 "Regulating fishing-diving sport ‎institutes" sets conditions to establish diving teaching institutes
Minister Decision 156/1 of 20/3/1996 "Forming the Examination ‎Committee to settle the situations of ‎amateur scuba divers"
Minister Decision 234/1 of 20/5/1996 "Defining medical form needed to ‎practice scuba diving"
Minister Decision 324/1 of 22/7/1996 "Amending Minister Decision No. 156/1 of ‎‎1996 & Decision 254/1 of ‎‎8/12/1995
Minister Decision 50/1 of 6/3/1998 "Regularization of the status of divers who hold diving certificates"
Minister Decision 93/1 of 14/3/2014 "Regulating scuba diving" that states license requirements and prohibitions.

- Specificity of recreational and sport fishing;

Lebanon is undergoing a study under GFCM Project “Handbook for data collection on recreational fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea”, (2020/21)

Access regime to fisheries resources

Lebanese Constitution of 23/5/1926 (amended by Constitutional Law 18 of 21/9/1990)	Article 89 "It is not permissible to grant any obligation or concession to exploit a resource of the country's natural wealth, or an interest of public interest, or any monopoly, except by virtue of a law and for a limited time."
Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, ‎fishermen and fishing boats"	Article 1 set conditions for them to obtain personal "marine fisher permit" Article 2 also mechanic Article 3 exempted persons using rod and line if they were amateur fishers or fishing to feed their families Article 4(Article 4 amended by Law 2981 of 22/1/1930) duration of license 1/1-31/12 Article 5 fees on fishing permit Article 6 & 7 regulates fishing vessels and the fees levied on them
	Articles 8 and 9 penalties for infringements
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal Marine Fishing"	Article I definition of marine fishing Article 4 competent MCS authorities Article 6 Prohibitions Articles 9-16 definition of fishing gears Articles 20-22 prohibition of harvesting seaweeds Article 23 prohibition of catching juveniles Article 24 minimum fish size (15cm) Articles 25 and 26 prohibits use of explosives, poisons, guns, etc. Articles 27-19 vessel registration conditions Articles 30 & 31 vessel operation Article 32 vessel annual inspection Article 35 fishing license fees Articles 39-51 penalties
Law 3178 of 18/6/1930 "The wandering of foreign fishing ‎vessels not covered by the French ‎Mandate"	Article 2 vessel markings
Maritime Trade Law of 2/18/1947.	Article 5 vessel markings
Law 70/LR of 5/5/1937 "Regulation of Coastal Fishing"	Article 1 prohibition of foreign  vessels from fishing in territorial waters of French Mandate territories of Syria and Lebanon
Maritime Trade Law of 2/18/1947	Article 4 only the Lebanese ships have the right to fish in the coasts Article 133 the ship’s provider shall employ only Lebanese navigators for fishing in the Lebanese coast
Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939 "Regulating Sponge Capturing"	Articles 1-6 rules Article 7 license fees Articles 9-28 prohibitions and penalties for infringements
Minister Decision 63/1 of 16/3/1993 and Minister Decision 281/1 of 19/11/1998 "Ban on capturing of sponge for 5 ‎years"
Law Subjecting Riverine Fishing to Licensing of 19/11/1947
Decree 11882 of 3/6/1948 "Regulation of fishing in rivers"	Article 1 fishing season Article 3 fishing time Article 4 mesh size Article 5 Prohibitions Article 6 riverine fishing license Articles 6 & 7 exceptions

Authorizations and licensing schemes

- Characteristics of authorizations

- Reference to authorizations for SSF

Marine Fisherman License
Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, ‎fishermen and fishing boats"	Article 1 Every person who engages in fishing(plus mechanic) at sea must hold a personal license as a marine fisherman Article 2 obligatory for people who fish on the seashore Article 3 exempt amateur fishers and those who fish to feed their families Article 4 competent authority and duration
Annual Vessel Inspection
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "monitoring Costal Marine Fishing"	Article 32 yearly inspection
Law 86/LR of 3/5/1939 "Safety of maritime navigation and ‎health conditions on ships"	Article 3 Navigation license (valid 1 year) Article 7 Safety Certificate by certification bureau if >25 tons
Marine Coastal Fishing License
Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal ‎zone scope and penalties related to ‎the infringement of fishing rules	Article 1 fishing limited to 6nm
Decision 32/N of 24/3/1994 "Organization of sailing of fishing ‎and recreational vessels within the ‎territorial waters and beyond" and Decision 77/N/96 of 10/7/1996 "Organization of sailing of fishing ‎and recreational vessels within the ‎Lebanese territorial waters	Article 1 fishing limited to 6 nm
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal Marine Fishing"	Article 27 permit for all gear except trawling nets. License particulars Article 35 fees payment
Maritime Trade Law of 18/2/1947	Article 41 fishing license but does not specify competent authority
Reference to authorizations for SSF	No reference
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal Marine Fishing"	Article 32 if <2tons inspection is free
Law 86/LR of 3/5/1939"Safety of maritime navigation and observance of health conditions on ships"	Article 7 <25 tons requires inspection
Rod & Line Fishing License
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal Marine Fishing"	Article 33 license requirement (I year license)
Scuba Diving
Minister Decision 317/1 of 24/8/1967 "Organizing the sport of scuba diving fishing"	Article 1 annual license plus certificate of proper use
Minister Decision 347/1 of 11/12/1972 "Organizing the sport of scuba ‎‎diving fishing"	Article 2 license if obtain annual certificate from recognized club Article 5 scuba diving clubs
Minister Decision 147/1 of 23/5/2001 "Delegation of signing of the amateur scuba diving licenses‎"	Article 1 requirement for diving certificate from a diving institution Article 2 annual license
Minister Decision 93/1 of 14/3/2008 "Regulating Scuba Diving"	Article 1 must hold officially recognized diving certificates Article 2 two medical reports
Minister Decision 255/1 of 8/12/1995 "Regulating fishing-diving sport institutes"	Article 5 levels of divers certificates Articles 5-8 conditions to train on diving
Minister Decision 317/1 of 24/8/1967 "Organizing the sport of scuba diving fishing "	Article 3 apnea speargun license
Minister Decision 347/1 of 11/12/1972 "1972 "Organizing the sport of scuba ‎‎diving fishing"	Article 3 annual underwater apnea speargun license
Minister Decision 42/1 of 24/3/1999 "Organization of the hobby of underwater fishing "	Article 4 annual underwater apnea speargun license
Minister Decision 126/1 of 23/5/2001 "Regulating scuba diving sport"	Article 4 annual underwater apnea speargun license
Riverine fishing
Law of 19/11/1947 "Subjecting riverine fishing to ‎licensing"	Article 1 annual license
Decree 11882 of 3/6/1948 "Regulation of fishing in rivers"	Article 1 prohibited times Article 3 time of day Article 4 mesh size Articles 5-7 Prohibited locations
Sponge capturing
Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939 ""Regulating Sponge Capturing"	Article 4 license particulars Article 7 fees
Minister Decision 63/1 of 16/3/1993 and Minister Decision 281/1 of 19/11/1998 "Ban on capturing of sponge for 5 ‎years"

Fishing opportunities

There is no provision in Lebanese regulations that allow to control the capacity of the fishing fleet or quantities of landed fish or fishery products.  However, MOA can issue temporary fishing restrictions as per Article 6 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 that states that "it is possible to temporarily ban some types of fishing in the times, places and conditions that it considers necessary in the interest of fishing in general or to preserve the water resources in the French mandated countries."

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Resolution GFCM/37/2013/2 on Guidelines on the management of fishing capacity in the GFCM area of application

Conservation and management measures

Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal ‎zone scope and penalties related to ‎the infringement of fishing rules"	Article 6 that "It is forbidden to throw all materials that may spoil the water or irritate, intoxicate and poison fish This prohibition also applies to factories located on the coast regarding their emptying of their wastes, which can be emptied into the sea, except in accordance with the conditions of the permission that they must request."
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal Marine Fishing"	Article 6 Annual closed season for whaling and that "it is possible to temporarily prevent some types of fishing in the times, places and conditions that are considered necessary in the interest of fishing in general or to preserve water yields Articles 10,12 &15 stationary and trawl nets and traps minimum mesh size is 20x20 mm Articles 20-22 conservation of seaweeds Article 23 prohibits collection of juveniles Article 24 stresses that it is prohibited to capture Fish or mollusks that "have not reached a length of 15 centimeters Article 26 further stresses that factories established along the coast are "prohibited to pour into the sea or into the salty section of rivers, brooks and canals their waste water that was used for the needs of their industry and the residues that result from them without a license" Article 34 Amateur fishers are also subject to same prohibitions
Law 64 of 12/8/1988 "Conservation of the environment ‎against pollution from harmful ‎wastes and dangerous materials‏.‏"	Article 9 defines polluters of environment Article 10 violations are "shall be punished by imprisonment from three months to three years, and a fine from five thousand to five hundred thousand pounds
Law 444 of 29/7/2002 "Protection of the Environment"	Article 22 environmental impact assessment study for any extraction or addition of natural resources Article 29-34 protecting the coast and marine ecosystems from pollution Articles 35-37 to protect internal waters, springs and rivers Articles 47-48 the preservation of biodiversity

Area and time restrictions

Decree 5246 of 20/6/1994 "Organization of Ministry of Agriculture"	Article 100 one of the roles of Department of Fisheries and Wildlife to "regulating aquatic fishing, determining the times of permit and prohibition, and defining protected areas
Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal ‎zone scope and penalties related to ‎the infringement of fishing rules"	Article 5 It is forbidden to fish inside ports and docks
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal Marine Fishing"	Article 6 prohibited fishing in estuaries, protected areas, and 500m from fixed constructions. Furthermore, it permitted "Temporary prohibition of some types of fishing in the times, places and conditions that are deemed obligatory in the interest of fishing in general or to preserve water resources"
Law of 19/11/1947 "Subjecting riverine fishing to ‎licensing"	Article 2 prohibited fishing with all kinds explosive. It also prohibited throwing narcotics and foods that would lure fish to gather and eliminate them, and to put barriers in waterways, streams, and their branches, and to put traps that would obstruct the passage of fish and collect them in closed waters"
Law 64 of 12/8/1988 "Conservation of the environment ‎against pollution from harmful ‎wastes and dangerous materials‏.‏"	Article 9 detailed the offense of polluting the environment Article 10 violations shall be punished by imprisonment from three months to three years, and a fine from five thousand to five hundred thousand pounds
Law 444 of 29/7/2002 "Protection of the Environment"	Article 22 provision of environmental impact assessment study for any intervention in the natural environment Article 29-34protecting the coast and marine ecosystems from pollution Articles 35-37 to protect internal waters, springs and rivers Articles 47-48 the preservation of biodiversity
Decree 11882 of 3/6/1948 "Regulation of fishing in rivers	Article 1. States that fishing in Lebanese lakes and rivers, except Assi River, is permitted all year except April and May. fishing in Assi River is permitted from 15 May until 30 September Article 3 specifies that riverine fishing can take place during daylight.
Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939 "Regulating sponge capturing".	Article 2 Sponge collection season is open from 1 June until 30 September Article 9 prohibited to collect, buy, sell or transport the white thin sponge whose circular diameter is less than 5 centimeters and the thick sponge whose circular diameter is less than 12 centimeters."

- No fishing zones

Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal ‎zone scope and penalties related to ‎the infringement of fishing rules"	Article 5 banned fishing inside ports and docks, except for rod & line.
Minister Decisions 60 "Defining the specific conditions for the use of Kerkari ‎‎(Cianciolo) nets"‎ and 61 of 31/7/1995 "Defining the specific conditions for the use of Sardine nets ‎‎(Lux)‎"	Articles 1-4 ban on use within 500m from coastline and at depth of less than 25 fathoms. Closed season was in July and August
Minister Decision 290/1 of 19/11/1998 "Defining the use of the sardine nets ‎within specific conditions	Article 2 ban on use within 1000m from coastline. Mesh size of the nets to be a minimum 8x8 mm
Minister Decision 291/1 of 23/11/1998 "Restricting the use of Kirkari nets (purse seine) to specific ‎conditions"	Article 1 ban on use within 1000m from coastline Article 2 ban on use at depths <35 fathoms Article 3 banned in July and August Article 4 purse nets that go deeper than 30 fathoms called Kirkari
Minister Decision 43/1 of 24/3/1999 "Restricting the use of Sardine and "Cianciolo" nets to ‎specific conditions"	Article 1 ban on use within 1000m from coastline Article 2/3 minimum depth of 20-25 fathoms Article 4 closed season July-August & January-March
Minister Decision 78/1 of 29/6/1999 "Amending article 4 of Decision No. 43/1 of 24/3/1999 regarding restricting the use of the sardine and Cianciolo ‎nets to specific conditions"	Article 1 closed season July-August & January-March
Minister Decision 346/1 of 15/7/2010 "Regulating and defining some ‎fishing types and gears"	Article 1 closed season 1January – 15 April Article 3 Ban if <500m from coastline
Minister Decision 8/1 of 4/1/2012 Regulating and defining some ‎fishing types and gears‎"	Fyke nets
Minister Decision 385/1 of 26/11/1997 "Prohibition of fishing in river ‎estuaries along the Lebanese coast"	Article 1 prohibited marine and riverine fishing at the estuaries of all rivers Article 2 the limits of this prohibition include a distance of 500 meters on both sides of the estuary of the river, a distance of 2 kilometers within the maritime territorial waters, and 500 meters upstream in the river."
Minister Decision 183/1 of 27/10/1994 "Ban of fishing in Lake Qaraoun "	Article 1 fishing was banned for 3 years
Minister decision 796 of 22/10/2018 "Banning fishing in Lake Qaraoun and in the main course of the Litani River"	Article 1 fishing is banned , until it is proven that it is not polluted, based on the recommendation of the Litani River Authority, and its suitability for human consumption and until the problem of pollution in Lake Qaraoun is addressed
Decree 11882 of 3/6/1948 "Regulation of fishing in rivers"	Article 4 defines. Nets' mesh size of 3x3 cm Article 7 forbidden to catch riverine fish at a distance of fifty meters from each side of the bridges, causeways or the like, dams and installations built on rivers or within the lakes

Restrictions on fishing nets

Minister Decision 62/1 of 16/3/1993 "Ban of Sardines nets within ‎specific conditions"	Article 1 prohibited, for a period of five years, to use sardine nets (purse seines) in fishing activities known as “lux fishing” at a distance of one 1000m from the coastline
Minister Decision 280/1 of 19/11/1998 "Prohibiting to fish with beach ‎seines along the Lebanese coast"	Repealed by Minister Decision 122/1 of 21/9/1999, and Minister Decision 267/1 of 27/11/2000.
Minister Decision 88/1 of 14/3/2003 "Prohibition of fishing  by beach seines along the Lebanese ‎coast"	Repealed by Minister Decision 127/1 of 9/5/2003, Minister Decision 321/1 of 31/10/2003 and Minister Decision 352/1 of 3/10/2005.
Minister Decision 346/1 of 15/7/2010 "Regulating and defining some ‎fishing types and gears	Article 5 ban of beach seines
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal fishing"	Article 9 closed season 15 May-15 September

- Biological rest zone / period

- Nature/Marine Reserves or Protected Areas

Minister Decision 129/1 of 23/10/1991 "Establish a national maritime protected zone at the ‎Oceanographic & Fishing Institute in Batroun"	Article 1 A national marine protected zone is established at the Oceanographic and Fishing Institute in Batroun. This protected zone includes, in addition to the beach, the adjacent territorial waters
Law 121 of 9/3/1992 "Establishment of two nature ‎reserves (in some of the islands in ‎front of Tripoli Coast‏(‏"	Article 4 prohibited marine fishing "at the shores of Palm Island, Sanni Island and Ramkin Island, or within a distance of less than 500 meters from the borders of the two reserves"
Law 708 of 5/11/1998 "Creation of Tyr Coast Nature ‎Reserve in Jaftlak Ras Al Ain – ‎Tyr Real Estate Zone"	Article 1 the Reserve includes the territorial water adjacent to the coastline Article 3 sections that must be completely protected, such as harbors for fish and marine animals, hatching places for endangered sea turtles, birds and marine and terrestrial plants

List of fisheries restricted areas
Decision/Article	Provision	Duration
Article 3 Minister Decision 346/1 of 15/7/2010	banned all fishing within 500m from coastline	N/A
Article 4 of Law 121 of 9/3/1992	prohibited marine fishing "at the shores of Palm Island, Sanni Island and Ramkin Island, or within a distance of less than 500 meters from the borders of the two reserves"	N/A
Article 7 of Decree 11882 of 3/6/1948	It is forbidden to catch riverine fish at a distance of fifty meters from each side of the bridges, causeways or the like, dams and installations built on rivers or within the lakes	N/A

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Resolution GFCM/43/2019/1 on the mapping of measures applicable to fisheries restricted areas in the GFCM area of application
• Resolution GFCM/37/2013/1 on area-based management of fisheries, including through the establishment of Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs) in the GFCM convention area and coordination with the UNEP-MAP initiatives on the establishment of SPAMIs
• Recommendation GFCM/29/2005/1 on the management of certain fisheries exploiting demersal and deep-water species and the establishment of a fisheries restricted area below 1000 m

Minimum sizes

Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal fishing"	Article 24 prohibited to capture fish or mollusks that "have not reached a length of 15 centimeters, measured from their eye to the beginning of their tail, unless they are migratory species or of the type of fish whose length does not exceed this measurement at maturity"
Minister Decision 15/1 of 21/1/2004 "Legal sizes relating to fishing, transporting, buying and ‎importing fish, shellfish and crustaceans in Lebanon "	Never implemented
Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939 "Regulating sponge capturing".	Article 9 prohibited to collect, buy, sell or transport the white thin sponge whose circular diameter is less than 5 centimeters and the thick sponge whose circular diameter is less than 12 centimeters."

Fisheries minimum size
Commercial name	Scientific name	Minimum size
	Consult the ASFIS list of species for the purposes of fisheries statistics (link)	…………..cm
European anchovy	Engraulis encrasicolus	15
White seabream	Diplodus sargus	17
Little tunny	Euthynnus alletteratus	45
Round sardinella	Sardinella aurita	15
Spinefeet	Siganus spp	16

Protected species

Protected species are listed national legislations covering those protected by the GFCM Recommendation. The article 1 of the Minister Decision 279/1 of 19/11/1998 "Ban on catching sea turtles" is banning catch of sea turtles. Furthermore, Minister Decision 125/1 of 23/9/1999 "Prohibiting fishing of whales, seals ‎and marine turtle is banning the whaling and capturing seals and sea turtles and article 2 is banning trade of banned products.

Law 571 of 11/2/2004 "Permitting the Government to join ‎the Agreement to preserve ‎cetaceans in the Black Sea, ‎Mediterranean and the Contiguous ‎Atlantic Area".
Minister Decision 1163/1 of 12/12/2013 and Minister Decision 396/1 of 12/5/2014 "Ban on catching seabirds "
Minister Decision 1044/1 of 25/11/2014 "General conditions to protect ‎cetaceans"
Minister Decision 1045/1 of 25/11/2014 "General conditions to catch sharks"

- Definition of protected species according to national regulations: N/A

Marine protected species
Name	Scientific name
	Consult the ASFIS list of species for the purposes of fisheries statistics (link)
Sea turtles	N/A
Cetaceans	N/A
Whales	N/A
Seabirds	N/A
Sharks and rays	Galeorhinus galeus Isurus oxyrinchus Lamna nasus Leucoraja circularis Leucoraja melitensis Rhinobatos cemiculus Rhinobatos rhinobatos Sphyrna lewini Sphyhrna mokarran Sphyrna zygaena

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Recommendation GFCM/29/2005/1 on the management of certain fisheries exploiting demersal and deep-water species and the establishment of a fisheries restricted area below 1000 m
• Recommendation GFCM/30/2006/2 on the establishment of a closed season for the common dolphinfish fisheries using fish aggregating devices
• Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/2 on the exploitation of red coral in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/5 on fisheries measures for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/36/2012/1 on further measures for the exploitation of red coral in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/36/2012/3 on fisheries management measures for conservation of sharks and rays in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/1on a multiannual management plan for European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in the Mediterranean
• Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/3 on a multiannual management plan for sustainable trawl fisheries targeting giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp in the Levant Sea (geographical subareas 24, 25, 26 and 27)

Fishing gear and methods

Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "‎"The determination of the coastal ‎zone ‎scope and penalties related to ‎the ‎infringement of fishing rules"‎	Article 5 permitted the use of rod and line in ports and docks Article 6 prohibitions Article 7 ban aggregating by water disturbance
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of Coastal fishing"	Article 9 described the types of fishing nets o   Category 1: Stationary Nets that are fixed to the bottom by pegs, ropes or weights e.g. wide nets and whaling nets. o   Category 2: Floating nets: are placed in the upper sea layers and moves according to the airways, waves or currents without touching the bottom e.g. seine nets for catching sardines. o   Category 3: Trawling nets: has two types: ·         Those pulled by a vessel e.g. bottom trawls ·         Nets that are pulled by hand from sea to land or boat and those that sinks into the bottom of sea and immediately pulled out like cast nets Article 10 mesh size > 20x20mm or if used to dredge the bottom. Trammel nets should have mesh size of outer layer three times the inner layer Article 11 does not set any prohibition on mesh size for floating nets. Article 12 trawl nets minimum mesh size of 20x20 mm, cannot fish within three kilometers from coastline and can be used during daylight only Article 13 Trawl nets are also prohibited to fish at a depth less than 20 m Article 15 mesh size of traps at 20mm if square and 30 mm if triangular mesh. Articles 25 and 26 also prohibited in the use of explosives, poisons, firearms Articles 33 & 34 regulate the use of rods and lines to be on foot only.
346/1 of 15/7/2010 "Regulating and defining some fishing types and gears "	Article 1 purse seine (lux) nets must be: •     ‎"Maximum height of net set at 25 fathoms‎ •     Ban on use of nets in sea depth of less than 25 fathoms •     Ban on use of nets from dawn to dusk •     Permit four lights (lux) carriers for each net with maximum power of 500 Watts •     Ban on use of electricity generators onboard vessels.‎ •     Closed season from 1 January until 15 April."‎
Decree 11882 of 3/6/1948 "Regulation of fishing in rivers	Article 3nets and lines cannot be kept all night in rivers and water Article 4 the minimum mesh size of nets used in riverine fishing is 3x3cm
Minister Decision 317/1 of 24/8/1967 "Organizing the sport of scuba ‎diving fishing"	Article 3 amateur fishers are licensed to dive underwater to catch fish with spearguns without using the diving equipment Article 5 "It is forbidden for amateur underwater fishers: to come close to a distance of 200 meters from boats that practice fishing, as well as from marked nets, capture of marine animals caught with the equipment and nets of other fishermen, fishing of crustaceans with spearguns and harpoons, use of lights, approach up to 500 meters from officially authorized swimming pools, keep loaded spearguns out of the water, sponge capturing, and fishing between sunset and sunrise."
Decision 347/1 of 11/12/1972 ""Organizing the sport of scuba ‎‎diving fishing"	Articles 3 & 4 ditto
Minister Decision 42/1 of 24/3/1999 ""Organization of the hobby of underwater fishing "	Article 4 & 5 ditto also ban hookah
Minister Decision 126/1 of 23/5/2001 "Regulating scuba diving sport"	Articles 4 & 5 ditto
Minister Decision 20/1 of 15/1/2009 "Defining types of marine fishing gears "	Article 3 ditto
Minister Decision 346/1 of 15/7/2010 ""Regulating and defining some ‎fishing types and gears"	Article 4 prohibited use of spearguns with diving apparatus Article 6 ban of hookah through an air compressor ‎
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine ‎fishing"	Articles 9 and 12 defined and regulated beach seines
Minister Decision 280/1 of 19/11/1998 "Prohibiting to fish with beach ‎seines along the Lebanese coast"	Repealed by Minister Decision 122/1 of 21/9/1999, and Minister Decision 267/1 of 27/11/2000.
Minister Decision 88/1 of 14/3/2003 "Prohibition of fishing  by beach seines along the Lebanese ‎coast"	Repealed by Minister Decision 127/1 of 9/5/2003, Minister Decision 321/1 of 31/10/2003 and Minister Decision 352/1 of 3/10/2005.
Minister Decision 346/1 of 15/7/2010 "Regulating and defining some ‎fishing types and gears	Article 5 ban of beach seines
Minister Decision 8/1 of 4/1/2012 Regulating and defining some ‎fishing types and gears-Fyke Nets	Article 1 set conditions for its licensing Article 4 closed season (15 May – 15 September), mesh size (40x40 mm minimum), dimensions (maximum 200m) and depth (minimum 25fathoms).

Prohibited fishing gear and methods
Prohibited gear	Prohibited methods
Beach seines	N/A
Spearguns	Prohibited with compressed air cylinders
Purse seines	Net height <25 fathoms, 4 lights sets per set, daylight fishing, closed season (1 January-15 April)
Fixed nets	Minimum mesh size 2x2cm for marine fishing and 3x3cm for riverine fishing
Fyke nets	Mesh size (minimum 40x40mm), dimension (200m), depth (≤25 fathoms)
Trammel nets	Outer layers mesh size at least 3 times inner layer

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/2 on the minimum mesh size in the codend of demersal trawl nets

Bycatch

There is no definition or regulation of bycatch in Lebanese legal texts

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/3 on reducing incidental bycatch of seabirds in fisheries in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/4 on the incidental bycatch of sea turtles in fisheries in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/5 on fisheries measures for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/36/2012/2 on mitigation of incidental catches of cetaceans in the GFCM area of application

Trade and market measures

- Market access

Decree 2896 of 16/12/1959 "Organization of the Ministry of Economy and Trade" and its subsequent amendments	Article 13 The Commerce Department is in charge of internal and external trade affairs
Law enacted by Decree 6821 of 28/12/1973 "Determining the tasks and cadres of the Ministries of ‎Economy, Trade, Industry and Oil"	Article 1 Ministry of Economy and Trade with all the affairs of internal and external trade
Decree 4461 of 15/12/2000 "Customs Law"	Article 25 fish and fishery products have "Non-preferential origin of goods"
Law 304 of 24/12/1942 "Terrestrial Trade Law"	Articles 6-8 defines commerce Articles 24 & 25 requirements to register a merchant Articles 26 & 27 registration of commercial company in the Commerce Register is a prerequisite to practice merchandizing and commercial activities
Decree 1604 of 9/4/1945 "Determining the conditions for importing from overseas"	Article 1 the conditions and procedure for overseas imports that include an import permit
Decree 2298 of 19/1/1946 "Designation of materials subject to import license"	Article 2 Preserved fish are subject to import permit/license
Decree 2298 of 19/1/1946 "Designation of materials subject to import license"	Article 2 Preserved fish are subject to import permit/license
Decree 2299 of 19/1/1946 "Designation of materials subject to export license".	fish and fishery products are not included in the list of items requiring export permit
Minister Decision 94 of 6/5/1940 "Banning the export and re-export of fish fat and its wastes".	Article 1 the export of liver and oil and fats of fish and marine living organisms is banned
Minister Decision 6669 of 21/3/1949 'Liberalization of export of local agricultural, industrial and animal products, with the exception of livestock ‎and animal ghee".	liberalized the export of local agricultural and animal products
Minister Decision 15/1 of 28/2/1990 "Organizing Agricultural Calendar".	fish and fishery products were never included in any Agricultural Import/Export Calendar
Minister Decision 239/1 of 16/5/2009 "Determining the conditions for importing animal products"	Article 1 imported from country of origin or port adjacent to it Article 2 conditions and necessary documentation or the import of animal products Article 4 can import from third country free zone Article 6 ban on import of any consignment not originally targeted to Lebanon if its entry to other countries was refused
Minister Decision 720/1 of 8/8/2011 "Conditions for importing processed and prepared animal ‎products" and its amendment Minister Decision 787/1 of 12/8/2013	Article 1 defined the products, Article 2 permitted import directly from country of origin or adjacent country port if the bill of lading states that Lebanon is the destination of the products Article 3 necessary documentation Article 4 4 set expiry period of 3 years for processed products and 2 years for prepared products. Article 5 that importing establishments be required to register with Ministry of Agriculture Article 6 Conditions for importing re-exported products Article 7 permits transit shipment of such products Article 8 that "it is prohibited to receive any shipment of animal products if it is proven that it was destined for another country, and that it was not unloaded there, whatever the reasons
Decree 5735 of 29/9/1994 "Establishment of a public institution called the General ‎Organization for Consumer Markets and Consumer ‎Protection"	Article 3 mandated to establish consumer markets Central Fish Auction and Market

- Trade in fish and fishery products

Lebanese Customs data (http://customs.gov.lb/home.aspx) show that Lebanon was importing more than 33 thousand tons of fish and fishery products until 2019, however, this dropped to 16 222 tons in 2020 due to Covid 19 lockdowns and downturn in Lebanese economic and financial systems.

Description	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Live fish	7	6	7	7	7	9	9	2
Fish, fresh or chilled	9 110	9 550	10 429	12 157	12 761	14 101	12 613	5 705
Fish, frozen	3 528	3 871	2 858	3 299	3 381	3 633	1 713	1 395
Fish fillets	5 133	4 829	4135	4 280	3 740	3 985	3 269	1 650
Fish, dried; salted; smoked fish	16	9	11	17	10	13	7	3
Crustaceans	1 312	2 048	1 853	1 876	2 152	2 516	1 946	482
Molluscs	581	600	604	780	899	922	957	75
Aquatic invertebrates	17	7	12	3	4	4	11	0
Prepared or preserved fish	9 938	11 581	10 108	10 883	11 154	11 537	9 088	6 533
Crustaceans/Molluscs preserved	943	1 040	1049	1 174	1 015	1 192	1 154	377
Total	30 585	33 541	31 066	34 476	35 123	37 912	30 767	16 222

Lebanon exports peaked in 2014 to reach 670 tons; however, it was in the 300-400 tons range mainly through, re-export of frozen fish and export of smoked/sliced salmon.

Description	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Live fish	4	1	1	3	2	0	0	6
Fish, fresh or chilled	33	35	26	48	64	75	113	29
Fish, frozen	99	269	170	6	16	4	1	5
Fish fillets	8	5	3	6	32	36	42	24
Fish, dried, salted; smoked fish	27	12	7	4	10	17	16	12
Crustaceans	24	8	3	5	1	5	4	1
Molluscs	0	0	2	1	0	6	1	2
Aquatic invertebrates
Prepared or preserved fish	341	336	216	252	179	173	238	264
Crustaceans/Molluscs preserved	1	4	0	1	13	15	13	24
Total	537	670	428	326	317	331	428	367

Communique  on 26/2/2000 Minister of Economy and Trade	Article 1 to clearly separate and label local and imported fish
Othman Era through Regulation of 16/9/1904 "regulation of brokers and auctioneers"
National Production Protection Law of 8/12/2006 and its organizational Decree 1204 of 18/3/2008	Anti-dumping law. Was never used in case of fish and fishery products.
Law 360 of 16/8/2001 "Investment Promotion in Lebanon"	Article 3 established the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) that is mandated, among other things, to "Assisting in supporting, promoting and marketing Lebanese products, especially agricultural products, materials used in food processing in Lebanon, and Lebanese agricultural products".

- Quality and safety of fish and fish products

Consumer Protection
Decree 8664 of 8/11/1967 "Reorganizing the Consumer Protection Department in the ‎Ministry of National Economy and modifying its cadres"	Article 2 & 8 establish  Protection from Fraud Department and Consumer Protection Department
Consumer Protection Law 659 of 4/2/2005 (and its amendment by Law 265 of 15/4/2014	Article 1 scope is "Consumer protection, health, safety and quality of goods and services" Article 3 Consumer rights Article 4 producer is supposed to provide true and comprehensive information about the product Article 7details of information on label Articles 35-47 Products and services safety Article 35 necessitates adherence to related specifications Article 37 adequate labelling Articles 38-40 specifications conformity certification Article 41 testing laboratories ( Articles 44 and 45 confiscation and withdrawal of hazardous products Article 60 established a National Council for Consumer Protection Article 63 Directorate for Consumer Protection is established Article 64 role of Directorate for Consumer Protection Articles 71-81 describe inspection procedures of infringements Articles 105-120 penalties.
Food Safety
Legislative Law 71 of 9/9/1983 "safety of all kinds of foodstuff	Article 1 provides for sample taking from markets to be tested at Ministry of Public Health laboratories Article 2suspected consignments are to be garnisheed for maximum 5 days Article 9) Penalties
Decree 4962 of 13/3/1982 "Determining the laboratories licensed to carry out the ‎necessary research, examinations and analyses	The names of competent laboratories that have jurisdiction before the courts in relation to carrying out the necessary research, examinations and analyzes for foodstuffs and other commercial goods"
Minister Decision 469/1 of 28/5/2012"Regulating the method of taking, transporting and ‎examining the sample for imports"	Article 1 included fish in the list of products to be tested Article 2 Sampling process Article 3 sample transport procedure Article 9 permits the merchant to enter into country of fresh products like fish, but he cannot dispose of the products before test results are out
Minister Decision 264/1 of 23/3/2013 "Conformity of fish label with attached documents‎"	Article 1 that "The label on the fish packages must bear the name of the fish species, and the name must be identical in the Arabic and foreign languages, the scientific name, and in all the attached documents, especially the health certificate, the certificate of origin and the invoice, under premise of refusal to enter the goods.
Law 35 of 24/11/2015 "Food Safety Law"	Article 1 the scope of the law that includes all agricultural products. Articles 4 and 5 definition of Food safety. Articles 7 and 8 duties of processors and farmers. Articles 9-11.  Food transport Articles 12 and 13 Food display Article 14-17 highlight traceability of the foodstuff. Article 18 Labeling Article 22 establishes the Lebanese Food Safety Authority LFSA Article 29 scope of LFSA Article 32 organization of LFSA. Articles 32-36. Crisis Management Articles 37 and 38 Monitoring carried out by competent inspectors
Minister Decision 573/1 of 22/12/2009 "Obligation to provide the log of refrigeration temperature ‎for the duration of charging"	Article 1 It is required to submit an electronic data record for the refrigeration temperature throughout the shipping period for refrigerated or frozen foodstuffs
Minister Decision 964/1 of 26/10/2011 "Regulating the import of chilled and frozen fish and ‎aquatic resources".	Article 1 does not apply to processed and prepared products as well as live animals, broodstock and fish eggs Article 2 the registration of importing establishment with Directorate of Animal Resources Article 3 permits import either directly from country of origin or a third country under certain conditions Article 4 specifications of imported products e.g. chilled at temperature of 0-2 C and frozen at temperature of -18 C and that they should be packed in transparent packages with label containing information about production and expiry dates and brand name. Article 6 details inspection procedure.
Minister Decision 952/1 of 26/10/2011 "Hygienic regulations for fresh, chilled and frozen fish ‎transport vehicles"	Article 1 & 4 need prior inspection and approval by Ministry of Agriculture Article 3 general conditions Article 5 need for cleanup and disinfecting the vehicle Article 6 hygiene of fish handlers
Storage Facilities
Minister Decision 540/1 of 15/6/2012 'Conditions of sanitary registration for food warehouses of ‎animal origin"	Article 3 that all facilities to be registered with Ministry of Agriculture Article 5 General conditions are set in Article 6 prevents presence of pets and need for pest control Articles 7 and 8 Cleanup and detergents Article 11 Products are to be stored in original packages while repackaging is prohibited Articles 13 and 14 Personnel hygiene and health Articles 15 -23 Temperature maintenance and recording Article 24 Thawing and refreezing products are prohibited Articles 25 and 26 Traceability and record keeping Articles 27-29 Disposal of expired product
Processing plants
Minister Decision 897/1 of 22/9/2012 "Sanitary registration requirements for factories ‎of food products of animal origin".	Article 3 necessities registration and approval of all plants with Ministry of Agriculture & required documents Articles 5 and 6 describe revocation and reinstating conditions Article 9 comply with the conditions and design Article 10 Conditions for raw materials Articles 11-13 Hygiene and sanitary conditions during production Articles 14-17 Responsibility of manager of production plant and self-control Articles 18 and 19 Product labelling Article 20 traceability and record keeping
Minister Decision 576/1 of 21/6/2011 "Conditions for importing agricultural products and inputs ‎from Japan in terms of radioactivity" and Minister Decision 637/1 of 27/7/2011 "Re-permitting the import of agricultural, plant and animal ‎products from Japan under specific conditions"
Minister Decision 572/1 of 26/11/2020 "Import of agricultural, plant and animal products from ‎Japan"	Article 2 required a radiation-free certificate issued by the relevant Japanese authorities
Minister Decision 195/1 of 30/3/2020 "Procedures to be followed at fishmongers and fish auctions ‎and markets during a state of health emergency")	Covid-19
Minister Decision 223/1 of 21/4/2020 "Determination of the maximum crew of fishing boats ‎during the period of general mobilization"	Covid-19
Law of 23/7/1962 "Lebanese Standards and Specifications"	Article 4 right to prepare, publish and amend national standards, as well as to grant the Lebanese Conformity Mark NL. It sets elective local standards that can become mandatory by government decision

- Subsidies no direct subsidies for the fisheries sector in Lebanon

Income Tax Law 144 of 12/6/1959	Article 5 of exempts "Agricultural investors, unless they display the yields of their lands, the livestock they raise there, and the produce of these livestock in a place designated for sale, or they sell them after the process them" from paying income tax. Article 11 exempts "wages of agricultural labor" from income tax.
Value Added Tax Law 379 of 14/12/2001 and related Decree 7341 of 31/1/2002 "Determining the particulars of application of the ‎provisions of Law No. 379 of 12/14/2001 (Value Added ‎Tax)	Article 2 Livestock, poultry and live fish are exempted whether these are fresh, chilled or frozen, with the exception of meat intended for temporary preservation for the purpose of sale, such as salted, in brine, salted, smoked, or cooked".

- Trade agreements

Lebanon is party to few trade agreements and has bilateral trade agreements with many countries as per below list:

Agreement	Partner(s)	Entry into force	Scope
The Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) agreement	Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya<, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen,	1/1/1998	All agricultural products became exempt from customs duties and other fees and charges having similar effect
Agreement to Facilitate and Develop Inter-Arab Trade	Arab countries	31/12/1998
REGIONAL CONVENTION ON PAN-EURO-MEDITERRANEAN	EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Faroe Islands	26/3/2012	Fish and fisheries products
Free trade agreement with the European free trade association (EFTA)	EU	24/6/2004	Trade in industrial goods, including fish and other marine products, as well as processed agricultural products.
Partnership Agreement	EU	12/12/2002	Gradual liberalization of trade, trade promotion, economic cooperation
Memorandum of Understanding	Latin America-MERCOSUR	22/1/2015	Trade and economic cooperation
Free Trade Zone	Gulf Cooperation Council GCC	4/2/2005
Trade preference system	Islamic Conference	11/2/2004	Framework Agreement
Most favored country treatment (tariff, transit)	Armenia	November 1998
Promote and develop trade, economic and technical cooperation	Australia	January 1998	Most-favored-nation treatment (tariff), technical cooperation, intellectual property protection
Trade and Economic Agreement	Azerbaijan	March 1999	Most favored country treatment (customs tariffs, transit), economic cooperation (tourism, transport, construction
Cooperation Agreement	Benin	12/3/2003	Agriculture, trade, tourism and environment cooperation
Memorandum of Understanding	Brazil	31/7/2010	Joint committee to promote trade and investment
Trade Agreement	Bulgaria	February 2004	Framework agreement
Commercial and economic cooperation agreement	Belarus	December 2001	Framework agreement
Trade Agreement	Cameroon	February 1964	Most-favored-nation ( sea transport, goods list)
Commercial and Economic Cooperation Agreement	Chile	February 1999	Most-favored-nation, technical cooperation
Trade Agreement	China	August 1974	Framework agreement (promote trade)
Economic, trade and technical cooperation agreement	China	April 2001	Most favored country treatment (customs tariffs and trade procedures)
Memorandum of understanding	China	3/7/2018	Joint promotion of cooperation within the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road Initiative for the 21st Century
Economic and Technical cooperation	Greece	5/11/1998	Framework agreement
Economic, trade and technical cooperation agreement	Croatia	July 2003	Framework Agreement, Most favored country treatment
Economic, trade and technical cooperation agreement	Cuba	March 1998	Most-favored-nation treatment, technical cooperation, trade promotion
Trade Agreement	Ecuador	25 April 2017
Bilateral free trade ‎area agreement	Egypt	February 1999
Framework Agreement (Promotion of Trade and Transit)	Gabon	9 June 2020
Framework agreement	Ghana	3/7/2014	Scientific research, roads and transportation, oil and gas, trade, light industries
Trade and payments	Germany	12 June 1954	Framework Agreement
Economic Cooperation (Tourism, transport, industry, technical training)	Greece	November 1998
Trade Agreement	Hungary	3/7/2014	Economic and technical
Agricultural Agreement	Iceland	15/5/2006	Customs tariffs reductions
Economic, scientific and technological cooperation	Indonesia	August 2001
Cooperation Agreement between Lebanese Investment Development Agency IDAL and Italian National Institute for Foreign Trade ICE	Italy	10/11/2010	Data analysis, investment promotion, promote investment missions
Trade Agreement	Iran	November 1998	Framework agreement
Memorandum of understanding	Iran	16/5/2009	Expositions and trade weeks
Bilateral free trade ‎area agreement	Iraq	June 2002
Economic, trade, scientific and technical cooperation Agreement	Iraq	May 2000	Discounts and customs exemptions, technical cooperation and exchange of experiences
Economic Agreement	Iraq	June 1967	List of exemptions and reductions, treatment of the most favored countries (maritime transport), free trade zones
Trade Agreement	Jordan	January 1993	Customs exemptions, negotiations to establish free trade area
Economic and Commercial cooperation	Republic of Korea	29 May 2005	Encouraging the establishment of economic, financial, banking, industrial, tourism, agricultural, transport and communications projects
Trade Cooperation Agreement	Kuwait	July 1996	Framework Agreement
Economic and Technical Agreement	Kuwait	22/5/2014
Trade Cooperation Agreement	Kuwait	27 October 2017	Customs discounts and exemptions, certificate of origin
Trade Agreement	Malaysia	July 1996	Promote trade and transit, most-favored-nation treatment
Economic and Technical Agreement	Morocco	23 March 1973	Encouraging cooperation in agriculture and industry and establishing joint companies
Memorandum of Understanding	Morocco	5/1/2002	Exchange of trade data and information
Trade Agreement	Nigeria	January 1969	Framework Agreement (promote trade as per lists)
Agricultural Agreement	Norway	15/5/2006	Customs tariffs reductions
Trade Agreement	Pakistan	August 2001	Framework Agreement (Promote trade)
Trade & Economic Cooperation	Poland	April 1994	Treatment of the most-favored-countries (maritime transport, use of port facilities), tax exemptions and exceptions to encourage re-export
Trade and Economic and Technical cooperation	Qatar	April 2001	Framework Agreement (freedom of export and import of industrial, natural resources and agricultural , and animal products)
Trade and Economic cooperation	Romania	December 1995	Treatment of the most favored countries (transit, maritime transport, use port facilities, customs and tax exemptions)
Trade and economic cooperation	Russia	July 1996	Treatment of the most favored countries (customs tariffs, trade procedures, transport), exceptional tariffs for some products
Trade and Economic Agreement	Saudi Arabia	July 2003	Encouraging transit, tourism and capital movement, treating the most favored countries in transportation, customs exemptions table
Trade Agreement	Senegal	February 1964	Framework Agreement (list of traded items e.g. fish)
Trade Agreement	Slovakia	August 2002	Framework Agreement (treatment of most favored nations in transport, promotion of trade and economic cooperation)
Agricultural Agreement	Switzerland	15/5/2006	Customs tariffs reduction
Economic and Social Cooperation	Syria	February 1994	Free zone agreement, economic, social, health and agricultural cooperation, movement of goods and people
Economic and Social Cooperation	Syria	1998	Reduction of customs rates by 25% for industrial products
Trade Agreement	Sudan	February 1971	Promote economic cooperation, list of tariff reductions
Agricultural Calendar	Sudan	25/2/2004
Agreement on Commercial, economic, Industrial, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation	Turkey	April 1992	Framework Agreement
Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement	Ukraine	February 1997	Treatment of the most favored countries (import and export, tariffs and procedures), technical and investment cooperation
Trade Free Zone Agreement	United Arab Emirates	August 2001	facilitating transportation, encouraging economic, commercial and technical cooperation (Table with exemptions and reductions),
Economic, trade and technical Agreement	United Arab Emirates	3/4/2001	Framework agreement
Promotion of Trade and investment	United States of America	22 March 2007
Commercial Agreement	Vietnam	November 2004	Framework Agreement
Economic, Technical and scientific Cooperation	Yemen	May 2000	Framework Agreement (Promote economic cooperation and exchange of expertise)
Memorandum Of Understanding	Yemen	13/1/2005	Trade promotion, exchange of expertise

Monitoring, control and surveillance measures

Monitoring, control and surveillance was among the first issues addressed since the French Mandate for Lebanon. The first Law issued by Resolution by French Higher Commissioner was Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal zone scope and penalties ‎related to the infringement of fishing rules" that stated in its Article 3 that "monitoring and confirmation of violations, to the orders of the competent police in charge of fisheries, is by the captains of the French government ships, the captains of customs and public works ships, and the ships that can be assigned to monitor fishing, etc., with the knowledge of every official who has this right in accordance with the above-mentioned Ottoman regulations. Moreover, violations can be proven whether remotely, onboard the ship or from land. Violations of the fisheries police are proven on land. Every official has the right to draw up a report on the violations to the navigation police in accordance with the aforementioned Ottoman regulations." Furthermore, Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, fishermen and fishing ‎boats" stated in its Article 9 that "Violations of the provisions of Articles 1, 2, 6 and 7 of this Law are verified by seizure report effected by sworn officials from the port presidencies, customs, police and gendarmerie." This culminated in Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing" that stated in its Article 4 that "Marine Fishing Monitoring is performed by the Commercial Maritime and Fishing Inspector. The inspector is assisted in this monitoring by the ports officers and chiefs of the ports (Harbor master), the captains of the boats and boats designated for monitoring fishing, the commissioner of the customs department, the gendarmerie, the police, and all the sworn officials who can be entrusted with the post for this service. The captains of the ships of the French state can also monitor and investigate the violations of the Monitoring of Coastal Marine fishing Law. Violations can be ascertained by the. Use of long-range binoculars or glasses".

In addition, the regulation for sponge capturing, Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939, states in its Article 12 that "Violations of this law shall be done by reports effected by the port officers or port chiefs, the customs officer, the gendarmerie, the police, and the sworn officer of the port offices." Furthermore, Riverine Fishing Law of 19/11/1947 stated in Article 4 that "The officers of the public force, the officers of forestry (rangers) and the watchmen shall effect reports of violations of the provisions of this law".

The Veterinary Quarantine Law 12301 of 20/3/1963 stated in Article 44 that "Directorate of Animal Resources employees are considered to be members of the judicial police in what they are entrusted with from the provisions of this law" who should be sworn by competent court (Article 45. Nevertheless, "the judicial police, gendarmerie and the police can also detect violations of the provisions of this law" (Article 47)

In 1968, a special ‏‎service or squad responsible for ‎monitoring the coast was formed within the Internal Security Forces according to Decree 11541 of 12/12/1968 "Organization of the special‏ ‏‎ service responsible for ‎monitoring the coast within the Internal Security Forces". This service was mandated in Article 6 to "implementing the laws and regulations related to sea beaches, rivers and lakes, and suppressing violations therein, especially building violations, and what is stipulated in the following laws and decrees like Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing" and Riverine Fishing Law of 19/11/1947.

Ministry of Agriculture established in 1951 through Legislative Decree 130 of 12/6/1959 Technical Troupe/Squad to monitor and control ‎forests, hunting and fisheries (Article 1) that was organized by Decree 6349 of 16/3/1961 that mandated it in Article 4 to "Monitoring forests and natural wealth and preventing violations on them with the help of the security forces entrusted with suppressing forest violations, hunting and fisheries in accordance with the current laws." Article 8 further emphasized that "The members of the Forestry, Hunting and Fisheries Surveillance Squad are considered responsible for the violations that fall within the scope of their work if they fail to detect them" and that "they have the right to contact the internal security forces directly and request their support to suppress violations of forest, hunting and fisheries laws". The Ministry of Agriculture was organized through Decree 5246 of 20/6/1994 "The organization of the Ministry of Agriculture and ‎identifying its Cadres" stated in Article 100 that the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife "‎ensures the implementation of the laws and regulations of natural, water and terrestrial resources, in particular the application of Decree 6349 of 1961 (organizing the technical group for monitoring forests, hunting and fisheries)". The Technical Squad of rangers was further organized by Decree 9924 of 20/2/2013 that stressed in Article 1 that it "Monitors forests and natural resources and preventing attacks on them with the assistance of the security forces and all other competent agencies and departments entrusted with the suppression of forest violations and hunting in accordance with the laws in force, especially Article 141 of Legislative Decree No. 138 issued on June 12, 1959". Members of the Squad are sworn by a judge (Article 6). Moreover, article 15 states that "Members of the Technical Squad for the Surveillance of forests, hunting and Fisheries are responsible for suppressing violations that fall within the scope of their work, and they must organize seizure reports against violators." Furthermore. Article 21 permitted the rangers to "contact the security forces directly and request their support to suppress violations."

In addition, violations to vessel markings and registration are monitored by "the captains of ships are responsible for ascertaining the violations committed against the provisions of this decision, as well as the heads of the naval bases of the Syrian Naval Division, the captains of customs ships, the officers and heads of ports, the customs officers, and every government official who has the capacity to write a control paper, all the judicial police officers and the military gendarmerie officers" as per Article 5 of Law 1090 of 29/10/1921 "Regulating the registration of ships in the ports of Syria ‎and Lebanon"

"The harbor masters are entrusted with carrying out the general monitoring of the safety of navigation, and they ensure the implementation of the requirements stipulated in this Law and the system attached to it, and they have the power to organize seizure reports of violations of these requirements." Article 10 of Law 86/LR of 3/5/1939 "Safety of maritime navigation and health conditions on ‎ships"

Article 54 of the Environment Protection Law 444 of 31/1/2002 states that "Violations of the provisions of this law and its implementing texts shall be by means of seizure records organized by members of the judicial police in accordance with the laws in force." Furthermore, Consumer Protection Law 659 of 4/2/2005 mandated in Article 71 it staff to implement the law; in addition to that "The application of the provisions of this law shall also be monitored, each within the limits of his competence: the judicial police who are officially assigned, in writing, the specialized employees in each of the ministries of agriculture, public health, tourism, the interior and municipalities, and the customs administration".

Register and vessel identification

Vessel Register

Regulation of vessel register was done through Law 1090 of 29/10/1921 "Regulating the registration of ships in the ports of Syria ‎and Lebanon" where Article 1 necessitated creating a temporary vessel Register at the ports of Sour, Saida, Beirut and Tripoli for all vessels harbored at a Lebanese port or if more than half of it is owned by a Lebanese or French national. Article 2 specified the required information in the Register to include i- name of vessel, 2- construction place, 3- type of vessel (sail, ship, etc.), 4-vessel dimensions (length, width and depth), 5- vessel weight (gross and net), 6- name and address of owner(s), 7- any changes e.g. ports and owners, 8-reasons for deletion e.g. sunk, destroyed, sold, etc., 9- temporary permit to sail with French flag.

Maritime Trade Law of 2/18/1947 and its later amendments specified in its Article 8 that " A register is established for registration at each of the ports of Tyr, Sidon, Beirut and Tripoli. Every page of this register is numbered and signed, and its number will be the registration number of the vessel on which the page is locked up". Moreover, "The ports of Chekka, Byblos and Jounieh are registration ports too". Article 11 specifies the required information for each vessel in the Register as "1-name of vessel, 2-registration number followed by distinguishing letters for port of registration, 3-year and location at which ship was built, 4-type of vessel (sail boat, ship, etc.), 5-dimensions (length, width and depth), 6- net and gross tonnage, 7-kind and power of engines, 8-names of owners and their nationality, name of captain, his nationality and place of residence, 10-changes like port and ownership, 11-reasons for deletion from Register (lost, damaged or sold), and 12-any seizures or insurance." Article 12 further requires presentation of all supporting documents that should be registered too. Articles 13-40 detail application for registration process, objections, omissions and responsibilities in this regard.

It should be noted that Ministry of Public Works and transport that is mandated with vessels registration holds a cumulative registers with no deletion of any vessel. However, Ministry of Agriculture, through its Fishing Licensing System holds a Register of vessels licensed to fish in Lebanese waters for a specific year. This Register includes information on 1-name of vessel, 2- registration number, 3-name of skipper, 4-fishing gear type, number and dimensions  5-engine type and power as per Article 27 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing". This register is what Ministry of Agriculture submits to GFCM as its Vessel Register. 

It should be noted that no Lebanese artisanal fishing vessel has an IMO number.

Vessel Identification

Law 1090 of 29/10/1921 "Regulating the registration of ships in the ports of Syria ‎and Lebanon" first regulated vessel identification and markings in its Article 3 that states that "Lebanese vessels should have the following markings: 1- name of vessel and registration port at its stern in French and Arabic with font of 2cm and height of 10 cm for French letters; and these same marks shall be numbered on the stern of the auxiliary boats of the ship. 2-initials of port of registration at both sides of the front in Arabic and English with 4cm font and 20cm height. 3- Sail boats: In addition, marks should be printed on the back of the large sail. 4- Leisure and touristic vessels; only name of vessel and homeport. 5- If weight of vessel is <2 tons, then sizes of markings can be halved. This was further reaffirmed in Article 28 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing" that also "It is forbidden to erase the letters painted on the boats and on the docks, or cover them or hide them in any way whatsoever." In addition, Article 2 of Law 3178 of 18/6/1930 "The wandering of foreign fishing vessels not covered by the ‎French Mandate" stressed that any foreign sail or engine vessel must "write on it on the outside side and at the back of it its name or its registration number and its liaison port. The letters and numbers must be of sufficient dimensions to facilitate the identification of these vessels. In no case should these numbers and letters be covered, erased or annulled". These vessels should also "raise, while in the waters of the territory of the State, a blue flag at the top of the mast, its height is 65cm and its length is at least 97cm; and to carry at night the legal lights imposed on ships belonging to the countries of the East covered by the French mandate."

This culminated with Maritime Trade Law of 2/18/1947 that defined in its Article 5 that "Lebanese ships must be marked with the signs in Arabic and Latin letters that are limited for fishing vessels to, on each side of the front, the letters distinguishing the port of its registration and the number of this registration". Article 9 reconfirmed that "In no way shall letters, numbers or legal signs be erased, hidden or covered."

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/5 on the establishment of the GFCM regional fleet register
• Resolution GFCM/41/2017/6 on the application of an International Maritime Organization number

Port State measures

Lebanon did not transposed FAO Port State Measures Agreement of 2009.

Lebanon is in process of implementing the Recommendation GFCM/40/2016/1 into national regulations. In particular, Lebanon designated the national contact point for port State measures related issues.

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Recommendation GFCM/40/2016/1 on a regional scheme on port State measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities in the GFCM area of application

Logbook and landing obligations

Obligations for landing in a Lebanese port

There does not seem to be any obligation to land captured fish and fishery products at a Lebanese port; however, this is self-implied since nearly all local vessels are artisanal and wooden. Furthermore, only coastal fishing is allowed in Lebanon whereby vessels can only fish within 6nm from the coastline (Article 1 of Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal zone scope and penalties ‎related to the infringement of fishing rules") and Article 1 of Minister Decision 77/N/96 of 10/7/1996 "Organization of sailing of fishing and recreational vessels ‎within the Lebanese territorial waters.‎" Nevertheless, Article 6 of Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, fishermen and fishing ‎boats" states that "vessels used for fishing, when they stay away from the port in which they are registered, spend the night at sea and transport their catch from port to port, must obtain a travel permit and a manifest." There is no mention here to the nationality of the port although, in 1926, probably no Lebanese fishing vessel could navigate beyond territorial waters unless they are harbored at the borders with Syria and Palestine. Moreover, Article 9 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing" defined trawling nets, which are assumed to be used by larger vessels (whose owners can be Lebanese, Syrians or French). Furthermore, Article 17 of same law talks about whaling; which cannot be performed by the local artisanal wooden fishing vessels. This also assume that the capture by trawl nets and whaling nets is done by larger industrial vessels that can land their capture outside Lebanon. Nevertheless, Article 24 of same Law defines legal sizes of captured fish that prohibits sale, transport or use of fish smaller than 15cm; without mentioning if they are local or imported fish. However, Article 36 permitted "The commercial marine and fishing inspector grants fishing licenses to all foreign boats, whatever gear they use and whatever type of fishing they engage in." which was later repealed by Article 1 of Law 70/LR of 5/5/1937 "Regulation of Coastal Fishing" that states that "It is forbidden to fish in the waters of the territories of the Levant countries covered by the French mandate, on all ships that are not of Syrian or Lebanese nationality" which was later reconfirmed by Article 4 of Maritime Trade Law of 18/2/1947 that stated that "Only the Lebanese ships have the right to fish on the coasts and the right of coastal commercial navigation between the Lebanese ports and the towing of ships to enter and exit these ports."

However, the sale of sponge as regulated by Article 8 of Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939 "Regulating Sponge Capturing" clearly states that "all caught sponge must landed at one of the Lebanese that are open for trade" and it should be presented to harbor master who records the number and weight" Since the Higher Commissioner during the French Mandate for Lebanon clearly obliged sponge to be landed locally, then it can be assumed that since the basic fisheries Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 did not contain such mandatory clause, local captured fish can be landed outside Lebanese ports. Moreover, Article 10 of the Sponge Regulation Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939 prohibits transshipment of sponge which is not stated for fish and fishery products in Law 2775 of 28/9/1929.   

The implementation of the fishing logbook in Lebanon

There is no Lebanese legal text that obliges vessels to comply to Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/1 concerning the establishment of a GFCM Logbook. This is because there used to be no or very few vessels with LOA >15m. Nevertheless, GFCM will be implementing a Pilot Trial on paper and electronic logbook in Lebanon late in in 2021 for some vessels and the result of the pilot phase will support the implementation of a national logbook for the Lebanese fleet.

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Resolution GFCM/43/2019/3 on the implementation of a vessel monitoring system and an electronic logbook in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/1 concerning the establishment of a GFCM Logbook, amending Recommendation GFCM/34/2010/1

Inspection

Very few Lebanese fishing vessels venture beyond the 6nm limit set by law (Article 1 of Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal zone scope and penalties ‎related to the infringement of fishing rules") and Article 1 of Minister Decision 77/N/96 of 10/7/1996 "Organization of sailing of fishing and recreational vessels ‎within the Lebanese territorial waters.‎" for coastal fishing. These vessels obtain derogation from Ministry of Public Works and Transport after presenting a licensed radio communication system. Such vessels are required to register with the Joint Maritime Chamber (JMC) that is composed of mainly the Lebanese Navy and the other competent authorities. The JMC handles all maritime traffic in Lebanon except the coastal fishing vessels and leisure boats. No inspection is carried out at sea beyond the 6nm, which are under the mandate of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The only inspection at sea is done by the Lebanese navy patrols and MOA patrols that perform monitoring and control operations according to laws in force e.g. Article 3 of Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal zone scope and penalties ‎related to the infringement of fishing rules" Article 6 of Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, fishermen and fishing ‎boats", and Articles 4 and 52 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing". It should be noted that the Coast Guard belonging to the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities by Decree 11541 of 23/12/1968 "Organization of the special‏ ‏‎ service responsible for ‎monitoring the coast within the Internal Security Forces" is mandated in Article 1 to monitor "Territorial marine waters and marine public domains located outside harbors, ports, lakes and river banks" and implementation of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing" in Article 6; however, the coast guards did not possess a functional patrol boat for many years now and their role is limited to the terrestrial part of the shore.  

Inspection at ports is mainly carried out by Ministry of Agriculture Rangers. Coast Guard sometimes inspect fishers ports if there is a complaint. Municipal Police can also monitor ports within their jurisdiction in accordance with Articles 49 of Legislative Decree 118 of 30/6/1977 "Municipal Law" that permits them to monitor public facilities. Consumer Protection is carried out at retail facilities and warehouses only. Nevertheless, the Veterinarian Service of Ministry of Agriculture inspects all imported fish and fishery products in accordance with Law 12301 of 20/3/1963 "Veterinary Quarantine".     

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/10 on access to information and data related to monitoring, control and surveillance within the framework of joint inspection and surveillance schemes

Vessel Monitoring System

Lebanon has an SSF fleet with only few vessels with LOA ≥15m to which Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/7 apply. It seems, due to the economic and fiscal problems of Lebanon, that it is prohibitive for the country to invest in a fully-fledged vessel Monitor System; whereby such systems will be oversized for the national needs of Lebanon having regard in particular to the composition of the fishing fleet (exclusively artisanal). Nevertheless, Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture did partner with GFCM to perform pilot studies with various systems; namely VMS, AIS and GPRS in 2012-2018. In 2018, GFCM fielded a mission to install different transponders (AIS and GPRS) and launch a three-month test on MCS of SSF. This trial pointed to the feasibility of endowing Lebanon with an MCS of its own. However, this MCS should be implemented in a phased manner, starting with relevant SSF segments and progressively moving on, as need be, to other segments. Furthermore, an MCS should be accompanied by complementary interventions, such as the enactment of relevant national legislation and the enhancement of the national vessels register. It was concluded that being the Lebanese fleet exclusively SSF, Lebanon does not have to implement a VMS system via the procurement of satellite-based transponders; whereby other technologies can be relied upon in so far as national infrastructures are enhanced. The downfall of Lebanese economy in 2019 and ensuing turmoil prevented the country from contemplating this issue further. However, IUCN is expected to fund a pilot trial with IVMS to be conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture in 2021/22.

It should be noted that all the pilot activities were performed without the establishment of a Fishing Monitoring Center. Moreover, such a system, when established might be under supervision of both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Navy who has the required infrastructure in this regard.

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Resolution GFCM/43/2019/3 on the implementation of a vessel monitoring system and an electronic logbook in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/7 concerning minimum standards for the establishment of a vessel monitoring system in the GFCM area of application

IUU fishing regulations and sanctions

It should be noted that the authorities of the French mandate for Lebanon repealed all previous Ottoman provisions contrary to the laws they issued e.g. Article 7 of Law 1090 of 29/10/1921 "Regulating the registration of ships in the ports of Syria ‎and Lebanon", Article 11 of Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal zone scope and penalties ‎related to the infringement of fishing rules", Article 11 of Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, fishermen and fishing ‎boats" Article 53 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing" that stated that "repeal of all provisions contrary to this law, especially the Ottoman laws related to fishing at sea and fisheries. Issued on December 21 and the first of April 1882".

In addition, except for riverine fishing, all fisheries laws were issued during the French Mandate for Lebanon era. Below is a list of the main IUU-related provisions in Lebanese regulations:

Sanctions
Regulation	Article	Description	Sanction/Fine
Law 1090 of 29/10/1921 "Regulating the registration of ships in the ports of Syria ‎and Lebanon"	6	1.   any ship owner who does not record the data ordered in Article 3 in the places of registration and in the manner provided for in that Article. 2.   on each ship owner who has not provided the required clarifications set forth in the last paragraph of Article 2 to the commissioners of the port in which that ship is registered.	Monetary penalty
Law 1104 of 14/11/1921 "The determination of the coastal zone scope and penalties ‎related to the infringement of fishing rules"	8	Every person who violates the provisions stipulated in: Article 6 (It is forbidden to throw all materials that may spoil the water or irritate, intoxicate and poison fish along the coasts or in the harbors, which are considered a place for sea fishing. This prohibition also applies to factories located on the coast regarding their emptying of their waste into the sea, except in accordance with the conditions of the permission that they must request) and Article 7 (it is forbidden to (a) use of explosive materials for hunting, (b) use of firearms for fishing without special permission. Every firearm found on fishing vessels shall be seized and (c) bringing fish into the nets by disturbing the water by any means whatsoever) of this Law. If the violation applies to the provisions of paragraph of Article 7, the maximum penalty shall always be applied, and the boats shall be seized and sold by public auction at the request of the maritime authority.	-     Monetary penalty -     Otherwise, it is punishable by imprisonment from six days to one month -     In all the aforementioned cases, the fish shall be confiscated and sold spontaneously in accordance with the rules stipulated in the Ottoman regulations in this regard and on condition that the rights granted to the Ottoman public debts are preserved.
	9	Violations to Article 5 " Fishing is prohibited inside harbors and docks, with the exception of fishing with rod and 2-hook line	-     Monetary penalty and Imprisonment from 2-10 days -     Or one of the above penalties -     In all the aforementioned cases, the fish shall be confiscated and sold spontaneously in accordance with the rules stipulated in the Ottoman regulations in this regard and on condition that the rights granted to the Ottoman public debts are preserved.
Law 372 of 25/6/1926 "Regulations relating to navigation, fishermen and fishing ‎boats"	8	-     Violations to Article 1 (Every person who engages in fishing at sea in the waters of Lebanese and Syrian territory as specified in Resolution No. 1104 issued by the High Commissioner must hold a personal license as a marine fisherman, and bearing his photograph), Article 2 (The license of the marine fisherman is obligatory for the sailors of every vessel: a boat, a fishing boat, etc. (including mechanics) fishing in the waters of the Lebanese and Syrian territories. This license is also obligatory for the people who fish on the seashore except for rod and line) Article 6 (The boats used for fishing, when they leave the port in which they are registered and spend the night at sea and transport their catch from port to port, must obtain a travel permit, a manifest, and pay the specific marine fees), and Article 7 (Every boat used for fishing in the immediate vicinity of the port of its registration must hold the compulsory monthly permit imposed on the port vessel).	-     Monetary penalty -     If violation is repeated, penalty is then doubled
Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing"	39	-     Anyone who manufactures or acquires in his home or sells nets, traps, longlines and equipment prohibited by law or who uses them. -     Anyone who violates the special provisions established under the laws relating to the prevention of spoilage of seeds and the preservation of fish that have not reached the legal sizes or to ensure the preservation and reproduction of fish and shellfish. -     Whoever violates the provisions of this law with regard to discharging the wastewater that was used in the factories into the sea or into the salty section of rivers and water channels. -     Anyone who fishes by himself or by others, salt, buys, sells, transports, or uses for a certain need fish seed, fish or shellfish whose sizes do not reach the legal minimum size. -     Whoever, by any means, conceals the letters and numbers drawn on the boats and on the sail, or uses unmarked boats in the places mentioned above.	-     Monetary penalty and imprisonment from one month to one year, or one of these two penalties. -     Upon repetition, the maximum penalty shall be applied.
	40	-     Anyone who uses explosives or prohibited bait. -     Whoever carries or sells fish caught by explosives while knowing of its catch in this form	-     Monetary penalty and imprisonment from six months to two years -     In any case, The vessel used for fishing or transport, fishing equipment, means of transport (vehicles, animals, etc.), and fish shall be confiscated, and the fishing license shall be withdrawn. -     In all cases, when mitigating reasons are granted, the penalty may not be less than two months, and upon repetition, the maximum penalty shall be applied
	41	-     The presence of explosive materials and prohibited types of bait without a license in a fishing boat -     A pedestrian fisherman carrying explosive materials or types of prohibited bait shall be punished with a monetary penalty	-     confiscation of the boat and fish,  and fishing gear and the withdrawal of the fishing license. Confiscate fish shall be sold promptly by the harbor master to prevent its spoilage -     every sailor is fined a monetary penalty
	42	-     Anyone who engages in fishing without having previously obtained a fishing license. -     Anyone who engages in fishing during the prohibited times, seasons and hours, or who fishes before at less than the depths and distances from the shore specified in this law, or within the limits of the ports, docks, sea sections, lakes, and streams that are legally leased -     Anyone who violates the provisions related to the regulation and control of fishing by several boats -     Whoever establishes, sells, rents, buys, or transfers in any capacity without a license a fishing establishment of any kind, and every agreement made in this manner cannot be objected to in front of the administration, and the establishments established without a license shall be destroyed at the expense of the violators. -     Whoever violates the establishment or investment of fisheries according to provisions of this law. In this case the license can be canceled and the establishment demolished at the expense of the violators -     Anyone who refuses to allow carry out an inspection in fisheries, pens, fishing boats, and among sailors, vehicles, baskets and other objects containing fish, as required by the commissioned officials in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of this decision, to conduct the inspection and inspect the violations, and if the violator persists after being warned by the sworn officer or a public force officer. Seizure of all the fish caught in case of violation and gear and handed over to the harbor master or the fishing warden. In addition, they can be ordered to be confiscated by the court. The detaining department is authorized to immediately sell the seized fish as a precautionary measure, with all rights reserved.	-     Monetary penalty and imprisonment from two to ten days, or one of these two penalties only.
	43	-     Violations of the provisions of this decision that are not mentioned in Articles 39, 40, 41 and 42 above	-     Monetary penalty
	44	-     When it is proven that many violations of this law have been committed	-     the maximum penalty will be applied to the violators and nothing else
	45	When repeating the violation with the exception of the case mentioned in Article 40 The violation shall be considered repeated if, in the previous two years, a sentence was issued against the violator	-     maximum penalty of monetary penalty or imprisonment
	46	Other liable persons: -     Owners of fishing boats, or their charterers or recipients, because of the actions of the captains of these boats and their sailors. Also,the investors of the fishing establishments, whatever they may be, because of the work of their subordinates and employees. -     Parents, guardians, spouses, or servants because of the work of their minor children, wives, servants, or subordinates	-     Monetary penalties and civil penalties
Law 3178 of 18/6/1930 "The wandering of foreign fishing vessels not covered by the ‎French Mandate"	3	Violation of article 2: Foreign fishing vessels should: -     To be written on it on each side of vessel side and in the back its name or registration number and port of association. The letters and numbers must be in sufficient measurements to facilitate the identification of these boats and should not in any way cover these numbers and letters or erase or damage -     Vessel must carry official documents from competent authorities to enable ascertaining its nationality, its external markings, and name of owner or captain -     While in the waters of the state territory, a blue flag is raised at the top of the mast at a height of 65 centimeters, at least 97 centimeters long. And to carry at night the legal lights imposed on ships belonging to the Countries of the Levant covered by the French mandate.	-     Monetary penalty and imprisonment from two to ten days or only one of these penalties
Law 70/LR of 5/5/1937	3	Violation of Article 1: It is forbidden to fish in the waters of the territories of the Levant countries covered by the French mandate, for all ships that are not of Syrian or Lebanese nationality	-     Monetary penalty and imprisonment from eight to thirty days or the first of these penalties only. -     The ship is detained as insurance to pay the fine and can be confiscated in case of repeated violation
Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939 "Regulating sponge capturing"	14	Anyone who engages in sponge fishing at the forbidden time or without the license referred to in articles 4 and 7 of this decision.	-     Monetary penalty and imprisonment from six days to one month or only one of these penalties -     The court decides otherwise to confiscate the catch.
	15	Anyone who engages in sponge fishing by unauthorized means other than those mentioned in article 3 of this Law, or who fishes by scavander at depths below 20 meters	-     Monetary penalty and imprisonment from six days to one month or only one of these penalties -     The court decides otherwise to confiscate the equipment used for capturing sponge and the catch and to destroy the prohibited devices.
	16	-     Every person who smuggles or tried to smuggle in the sea, the whole or part of what a fishing vessel had caught from the sponge to send it abroad. -     Every person who puts a sponge on land in a place other than the Lebanese or Syrian ports that are open for trade	-     Monetary penalty -     Otherwise, the court shall decide to confiscate the captured sponge.
	17	-     If a verdict is issued regarding the violations stipulated in Articles 15 and 16 above	-     Revocation of fishing license or licenses
	18	-     Whoever buys, sells or transfers a sponge that does not reach the legal minimum size stipulated in Article 9 (It is forbidden to catch or request catching, buying, selling or transporting the thin white sponge whose circle diameter is less than 5 centimeters and the thick sponge whose circle diameter is less than 12 centimeters) of this decision -     If a verdict is issued in accordance with the provisions of this article and the convicted person is a fisherman, the administration may decide to withdraw the fishing license or licenses	-     Monetary penalty -     Otherwise, the court shall decide to confiscate the sponge that does not reach the legal size.
	19	-     Every person who refuses to show his license to the officials assigned to carry out the maritime fishing police, or refuses to comply with the orders given to him, or to submit to the investigations stipulated in Article 11 of this Law.	-     Monetary penalty
	20	-     Any other violation to this Law	-     Monetary penalty
	21	-     If several violations of the provisions of this Law are committed, only the most severe penalty will be applied	-
	22	-     If the violation is repeated, the stipulated penalties may be doubled. The violation shall be repeated if a verdict is issued against the violators that has acquired a peremptory degree for violating the provisions of this decision during the two years preceding the date of the last violation.	-
Law 153/LR of 19/7/1939 "Prevention of docking, trawling, use of fixed or dredge nets ‎in the area where the marine cable wire between Tunisia ‎and Beirut reach land"		-     Violation of Article 1 (No mooring, dredging, or the use of fixed or trawling nets in the area of the maritime cable wire Tunis- Beirut – coordinates assigned)	-     Imprisonment from six days to a month and a monetary penalty, or one of these two penalties only. -     fine for any damage or defect.
Law of 19/11/1947 "Subjecting riverine fishing to licensing"		-     It is prohibited to fish with explosive materials of all kinds. It is also prohibited to throw narcotics and foods that would lure fish to gather and catch them, and to put barriers in waterways, streams, brooks and their branches, and to put traps that would obstruct the passage of fish and collect them in closed waters so that they cannot get out or force them to leave outlets that lead them to a trap	-     Monetary penalty and imprisonment from one week to six months, or one of these two penalties -     fishing gear of all kinds shall be seized.
Decree 11882 of 3/6/1948 "Regulation of fishing in rivers"	2	-     violation of closed season	-     The river fish caught during the period mentioned in the first article shall be confiscated wherever they are found and sold by public auction for the account of the treasury

It was first mentioned in Article 9 of Law 372 of 25/6/1926 ‎‎"Regulations relating to ‎navigation, fishermen ‎and fishing ‎boats"‎  that " Violations of the provisions of articles of the Law are verified by seizure records organized by sworn officials from the port presidencies, customs, police and gendarmerie"; moreover, the penalties shall be paid to the Ports Presidency Fund in return for a receipt". This was further confirmed in Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing" that states in Article 49 that "Seizure records and prosecutions: The seizure records issued by sworn officials must be signed by these officers. The officers are not obliged to write the seizure records themselves or use the form of proof. However, these seizure records are not considered in court unless the officer confirms their content in the session. Moreover, If the officer does not issue a seizure document, or if the seizure record is insufficient, the violation can be proven by ordinary means. Every prosecution for violating the provisions of this decision shall be brought before the courts according to the jurisdiction of each court. If the violation occurred at sea, the prosecution shall be brought before the court with jurisdiction closest to the point where the violation occurred. In addition, The prosecutions are conducted by the Administration at the request of the public right, and this does not prevent the stakeholders from the Commercial Marine and Fishing Inspectorate from the right to enter into the lawsuit as personal plaintiffs."

It should be noted that Article 50 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 states that "In all violations mentioned in Articles 39, 42 and 43, the Administration has the right to amicably agree with the violators. If the agreement is reached before the final judgment, its result will be the cancellation of the common right lawsuit. If it occurred after the final judgment, it can only be applied to penalties and financial compensation.

It is noteworthy mentioning that Article 47 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 states that "The search for traps or nets, fishing gear and prohibited equipment can be carried out in the shops of sellers, factory owners and fishermen. The trap, nets, fishing gear and its prohibited equipment shall be confiscated, and a judgment shall be issued for their confiscation". Moreover, Article 48 adds, "the confiscation of fish and shellfish that did not reach the legal size are thrown into the sea or, if possible, distributed to charitable institutions. The presence of fish that did not reach the legal size, or female crustaceans that squander in a lot of fish, causes the confiscation of the whole lot in which it is found now." Moreover, Article 1 of Law 2981 of 22/1/1930 "Amending Resolution No. 2775 issued by the High ‎Commissioner regarding the control of coastal fishing" permitted "the harbor master or the fishing warden with whom the confiscated items are deposited shall sell these confiscated items or destroy them, according to the circumstances, within the ten days following the date on which the sentence becomes enforceable." Similar provisions for sponge violations were included in Law 95/LR of 9/5/1939 "Regulating sponge capturing".  

Regarding riverine fishing, Article 4 of Law of 19/11/1947 "Subjecting riverine fishing to licensing" states that "The public force commissioners, forest rangers commissioners and watchmen must organize seizure records of violations of the provisions of this law".

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/8 on the establishment of a list of vessels presumed to have carried out illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the GFCM area of application, amending Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/8
• Recommendation GFCM/41/2017/7 on a regional plan of action to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the GFCM area of application
• Recommendation GFCM/38/2014/1 Roadmap to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated IUU fishing in the Mediterranean Sea
• Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/8 on the establishment of a list of vessels presumed to have carried out illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the GFCM area of application repealing Recommendation GFCM/30/2006/4

AQUACULTURE

Freshwater aquaculture has been practiced since the 1930s. Most production, from the 365 farms, was rainbow trout (1 000 tons in 2018), which are grown in semi-intensive growing systems, mainly along Assi River, that were introduced in 1958. Moreover, the only onshore marine farm in Aabdeh, Akkar producing annually 15 tons of shrimps and starting 2021 starting to produce Tilapia commercially with potential other species.

Administrative authorizations and licenses

This sector is not regulated yet. Ministry of Agriculture has no licensing requirement for the establishment of farms. However, the establishment of offshore marine aquaculture farms is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, which requires an Environment Impact Assessment study as per Decree 8633 of 7/8/2012 "Fundamentals of Environmental Impact Assessment". The start-up of onshore and freshwater aquaculture enterprises is also subject to local authority control whereby such farms are treated as classified enterprises subject to local authority licensing e.g. Municipal Law 118 of 30/6/1977. and Decree 4917 of 24/3/1994  of classifying Institutions considered dangerous and harmful to public health and annoying ” (4917 dated 24/3/1994). However, current related regulations are under revision by the Ministry of Agriculture.

It should be noted that the term "fish rearing" was mentioned in Article 37 of Law 2775 of 28/9/1929 "Monitoring of coastal marine fishing" that states that "The provisions of this Law, relevant to fishing establishments, do not apply to experiments related to fishing and that are legally licensed" without any further details. The first "modern" mention of aquaculture was in 1966 in Article 1 of Minister Decision 111/1 of 30/3/1966 "Selling live fish that live in sweet waters" that lists the prices for live fish produced by aquaculture projects of Directorate of Forestry and Natural Resources of Ministry of Agriculture. Furthermore, although Ministry of Agriculture has a trout hatchery at Anjar (Beqaa Valley) built in the 1960, yet no legal document on its establishment and operation is available. However, a Minister Decision 269/1 of 20/9/1973 "Establishment of an aquaculture fish breeding center on the ‎banks of the Orontes River, Hermel District" was issued that refers to above mentioned Anjar Aquaculture Centre in its preamble and Article 1 and establishes another Aquaculture Center in Hermel. These centers are, as per the preamble, to "secure the supply lakes, water courses and dams with fish fingerlings". It was in 1994 when the term of aquaculture farms was introduced in Article 1 of Minister Decision 28/1 of 16/2/1994 "Determining the conditions for breeding and selling fish ‎fries (trout type)" that states that "Whoever wants to grow trout fingerlings must ensure private ponds according to the general specifications for growing, fed without interruption from the waters of rivers and springs, provided that their location is above 800 meters above sea level". It wasn't until 1994 that the aquaculture role of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife was stated in Article 100 of Decree 5246 of 20/6/1994 "The organization of the Ministry of Agriculture and identifying its Cadres". Article 100 stated that the role of Department of Fisheries and Wildlife "perform applied research related to aquaculture and the establishment of educational and training centers in these fields in the regions and at the Oceanographic and Fisheries Institute in Batroun belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture" which was later confirmed in Article 6 of Minister Decision 381/1 of 25/11/1997 "The activities Programme of the Oceanographic and ‎Fisheries Institute in Batroun" that called for the "establishment of pilot aquaculture station for fish and crustaceans". It is noteworthy mentioning that Ministry of Agriculture established a pilot aquaculture station (fiberglass covered greenhouse with a hatchery and few raceways) at the Oceanographic and Fisheries Institute in Batroun in 1999, which collaborated with the American University of Beirut to conduct few research activities. Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture, stated building a Tilapia hatchery and raceways near Beirut, but the project was never completed because it ran out of funds.

Allocated zones for aquaculture

Law 4810 of 1966 for the exploitation of coast and adjacent water surface.

Relevant GFCM decisions:

• Resolution 36/2012/1 on guidelines on Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZA)
• Recommendation GFCM/41/2017/1 on the reporting of aquaculture data and information repealing Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/6
• Resolution GFCM/41/2017/1 on a strategy for the sustainable development of Mediterranean and Black Sea aquaculture
• Resolution GFCM/41/2017/2 on guidelines for the streamlining of aquaculture authorization and leasing processes

Trade and market measures

No aquaculture specific measures/regulations are available besides those mentioned in the Fisheries section, except for feed and public health safety as per below:

Feed:

Local regulations "prohibits, except for fishmeal, the import, manufacture and use of meat and bone powder, and animal feed and feed additives containing animal proteins" (Article 2 of Minister Decision 884/1 of 16/11/2017 "Conditions to be met in imported feed materials and grains") that should be void of Salmonella spp (Article 2 of Minister Decision 160/1 of 4/3/2015 "Determining the specifications to be available in some feed grains and some other feed materials"). However, Article 4 of Minister Decision 278/1 of 7/12/2000 earlier exempted fishmeal and protein feed additives intended for fish feeding "the import and use of fishmeal and protein feed specially prepared for feeding fish and other aquatic organisms are excluded from this decision, provided that this is clearly stated on the labels of the packages, and on the condition of obtaining a prior permit in the quantity to be imported.

Quality and safety of fish and fish products

It was observed in 2008 that some trout farmers are using the remains of poultry slaughterhouses to feed trout, and in order to preserve the environment and decrease pollution of river waters with remains of slaughterhouses, Minister Decision 229/1 of 12/5/2009 "Prohibiting the use of remains of slaughterhouses as feed ‎for fish" dictated in Article 1 that "It is strictly forbidden to manufacture or import feeds intended for fish farming (trout, carp, tilapia, etc.) that contain animal proteins or the remains of all kinds of slaughterhouses, with the exception of fishmeal". Furthermore, Article 2 states that "the use of slaughterhouse products or residues in feeding aquaculture fish is strictly prohibited". In addition Article 3 indicated that "it is strictly forbidden to throw the remains of slaughterhouses into the streams of rivers and artificial or natural lakes"

Social protection for aquaculture farmers

No specific regulations were issued for the aquaculture

Environmental regulation of aquaculture activities

No specific regulations were issued for the aquaculture except the requirement of EIA study for onshore projects Decree 8633 of 7/8/2012 "Fundamentals of Environmental Impact Assessment". Otherwise, please refer to fisheries section.