Questionnaire-based assessment of Mediterranean fishing ports, Nile Delta, Egypt

- Extent of pollutants, sedimentation, deterioration of infrastructure, and lack of offered facilities were common issues.
- There is a clear absence of commitment to the environment rules and policies within fishing ports.
- Unsatisfactory management efforts increase the gap between the main stakeholders of the Egyptian fishing ports.
- Major challenge is lack of specific standards or guidelines for planning, design, and management of Egyptian fishing ports.

The fisheries sector is a significant contributor to the Egyptian economy. Recently, issues relating to fishing ports have been highlighted in port planning, availability of facilities, management, and environmental issues. Additional problems include Egypt's lack of specific guidelines for planning and design of fishing ports. This paper aims to assess the current status of five fishing ports (both natural and artificial) located along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Data were collected via a questionnaire supplied directly to the fishermen. The questionnaire contains two sections that cover information regarding the fishermen and fishing vessels. There are sections to assess the degree of satisfaction of the fishermen regarding economic, environmental, planning, facilities, and managerial issues. 250 fishermen received the questionnaire. The data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results confirm that the fishing ports are negatively affected by a number issues, as well as management deficiencies, resulting in several weaknesses. The main issues include pollution, sedimentation, deterioration of infrastructure, and lack of port facilities. It is recommended that decision-makers should develop monitoring tools and improve infrastructure and services. Recommendations are made for future development to enable the expansion in the fishing industry and improve the sustainability of fishing ports.