On Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Statement issued by the meeting of fishermen's cooperatives in Lebanon

The fishermen's cooperatives in Lebanon, in the presence of fishermen, held a general meeting at the headquarters of the Cooperative of Boat Owners and Professional Fishermen on the Mount Lebanon coast. Also present were the Fisheries Committee of the National Meeting of Agricultural Bodies and the Agricultural Movement, and a representative of His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture. Several issues related to the marine fishing sector were discussed, with a primary focus on the draft law on fishing and aquaculture in Lebanon, and the need to study its direct impact on professional fishermen and those working in this sector.

Following the study, explanation, and discussion of several articles of the draft law, it was agreed to form a committee to follow up on the proposed law and submit appropriate observations and recommendations regarding it.

In the first phase, the participants reached a number of recommendations, most notably: submitting a request to postpone the approval of the draft law to allow for extensive discussion with fishermen and relevant stakeholders, ensuring the protection of the rights of workers in the marine fishing sector and safeguarding their interests.

The necessity of clearly distinguishing between marine fishing and aquaculture on the one hand, and fish farming on land and in artificial ponds on the other, given the different nature of each activity and the challenges associated with them.

The report highlighted a gap in the agricultural registry, where recognition is limited to boat owners only, neglecting a broad segment of workers in the fishing sector, including:

Those involved in net maintenance and repair, and supporting workers employed by fishing professionals. This deficiency necessitates rectifying the issue to ensure the inclusion of all active workers in the sector.

In conclusion, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its work on this matter, engaging with relevant authorities, and striving to reach a fair legal framework that safeguards the rights of fishermen and supports the sustainability of the official fishing sector in Lebanon.