Final report : Eritrea coastal and marine resources assessment and project identification

Artisanal fishing in the Red Sea, particularly in the Dahlak Islands Archipelago, could provide employment to several thousand fishers, add to the domestic food supply, and bring in substantial foreign exchange through exports to regional markets; the Eritrean coast also has strong tourism potential, again, particularly in the Dahlak Island region. The main constraint to the sustainable development of Eritrea"s fisheries and tourism industries is the lack of a well-staffed coastal and marine resources management system. The assessment presents a detailed, comprehensive plan for a much-needed, 3-year, donor-supported project to help Eritrea"s Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) establish and maintain a fisheries assessment and management system for its Red Sea fishery, an integrated coastal resources management system, beginning with the Dahlak Islands Archipelago, and a regional multiple use marine resources management plan for the Archipelago. The project design is modular, so that each of the major components could be addressed separately or sequentially. In addition to this large, multi-year program, the assessment describes several small, targeted, high-payoff activities which could help the MMR begin establishing its capabilities to monitor, regulate, and manage its coastal and marine resources, as well as identify potential private or international donor investment prospects. Includes references and a list of contacts. (Author abstract, modified)