Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Regional Status of Coral Reefs in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden
(damselfishes) were the most abundant family (16-26 species across all sites), followed by
20 species of Labridae (wrasses). The most common damselfish was Chromis dimidiata,
and the most common wrasse was Labricus quadrilineatus. Parrotfishes were least
abundant with only 9 species; Hipposcarus harid and Scarus ferrugineus were the most
common. Red Sea fisheries contribute approximately 11-14% of the total annual Egyptian
fish production, with 44% of this from coral reefs. Large fishing boats generally fish in
southern Red Sea waters, but land most of their catch in Suez. Fisheries are regulated by the
General Authority for Fish Resources Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, which aims
to increase fish catches to 70,000mt by 2017, but there is currently no active management
of the Egyptian Red Sea fisheries. Over 7% of the national workforce are involved in
fisheries, with 78% of marine fish landings occurring through Suez. There are 27 commercial
reef fish species, but 5 constitute over 48% of the 22,000mt annual. The balance is made
up of crustaceans, offshore pelagic fishes and demersal fishes (in equal proportions). Fish
catches increased in 1993, and then decreased steadily.
Jordan
There are no recent data on reef fish biodiversity. Commercial and artisanal fishing is based
in Aqaba with about 85 fishermen and 40 boats. Total catch in 1995 was 15mt, down from
103mt in 1993 and the maximum of 194mt in 1966. There are no cold storage facilities and
catches are sold on landing.
Saudi Arabia
There are no recent data on coral reef fish fauna for the Red Sea, and past records vary
greatly from 776 species in 1971, to 1,000 species in 1984, to 508 species in 1987, and 325
species in 1988. The differences reflect what definition of ‘reef fish’ was used. The fishery in
Saudi Arabia was almost exclusively artisanal from small boats and larger Sambouks until
1981. Coral reef fisheries occur along the Red Sea, with most fishing boats in the south,
many of which are prawn trawlers and pelagic fishing boats. Fishery statistics do not
distinguish specific reef fisheries, or between Red Sea and Gulf fisheries. Reliable long-term
catch and effort data are required to implement specific management for reef fish.
Somalia
Reef fish are diverse and abundant, with the presence of large schools as well as large
fishes, which all indicate low exploitation. The reef fish community differed considerably
from the eastern Arabian Peninsula to the north eastern Africa to the south, and the Red Sea
to the west, particularly for the families Chaetodontidae, Acanthuridae and Balistidae.
Fishing is limited and almost entirely artisanal, with scattered landing sites (Caluula, Xabo,
Qandala, Laas Qoray, Berbera, Lughaye, and Saylac). These fisheries are essential for the
livelihood of much of the coastal population. Somali fishermen target demersal stocks and
some reef fish using basic fishing gear. Lobster are taken on nearshore reefs in the south
east, and most commercial operations are through illegal foreign vessels (mainly from
Yemen), that provide no statistics. The small northern Somali fishing industry is located at
Berbera, Siyara and Karin using gill nets and hook and line methods from small canoes.
Turtles are harvested opportunistically, both by harpooning at sea and capturing nesting
turtles. There are permanent gill nets around the coral reefs at Siyara to catch sharks for the
sharkfin export. The potential yield of small pelagic fish has been estimated at 70,000 to
100,000mt for the entire Somali coast.
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