Assessing the sustainability of artisanal fishing practices in Mediterranean Lagoons: Insights from Manzala Lagoon, Egypt

This study investigates the fishing activities in Manzala Lagoon, Egypt—a critical ecosystem facing anthropogenic pressures. Data on fishing gear usage, catch composition, and catch per unit effort (CPUE) were collected from 132 traditional fishing boats between September 2019 and October 2021, encompassing a period of ongoing dredging. Diversity indices for key species were analysed. Catches revealed 33 fish species, including the first records of Malapterurus electricus and Hippocampus suezensis in the lagoon. A slight increase in CPUE was generally recorded from 2019 to 2021; however, it varied significantly among gear types. Shifts in gear use likely reflect changes in habitat suitability and fishing efficiency post-dredging, with implications for catch composition and diversity. The persistence of illegal fishing practices, despite dredging efforts, presents a challenge to sustainable management. Integrating fisheries-specific considerations into dredging strategies, including impact assessments, gear regulations, and community engagement, is crucial to balance ecological integrity with the economic benefits of fishing in Manzala Lagoon.