Fisheries Cooperatives in Lebanon, with the participation of fishermen, held a meeting at the headquarters of the Cooperative of Boat Owners and Professional Fishermen on the Mount Lebanon Coast. Attendees included the Fisheries Committee of the National Gathering of Agricultural Bodies, the Agricultural Movement, and a representative of the Minister of Agriculture. Discussions focused on the maritime fishing sector, specifically the draft law on aquatic fishing and aquaculture and its direct impact on professional fishermen and workers.

Following discussions, it was agreed to form a follow-up committee to study the proposal and submit recommendations.

Key Recommendations:

• Requesting a postponement of the law’s approval to allow for broader discussion and ensure protection of workers’ rights.
• Establishing a clear separation between maritime fishing/aquaculture and land-based fish farming due to the different challenges involved.
• Addressing the gap in the Agricultural Registry to include all workers, such as net maintenance and support staff, rather than limiting it to boat owners.

Conclusion: The committee will continue its work to reach a fair legal formula that supports the sustainability of the maritime fishing sector.

Agricultural Movement Notes:

• The Minister’s representative promised to request the law’s withdrawal and emphasized that fishermen’s participation in joint committees when drafting any new legislation is essential.
• The law is currently in Parliament; withdrawal can only occur through the Agriculture and Tourism Committee or by the Speaker returning it for further study.