An economic study on the axes and constraints for Lake Manzala development

Abstract

Lake Manzala undergoes a decline in its fish production in recent two decades. The present work aims to assess the axes and constraints for development of its fisheries. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were conducted for its production during the period from 1995 to 2016. The results revealed that Manzala Lake produced 59.6 thousand MT (14.6% total fish production in Egypt) during 1995 and declined to 42.3 thousand MT (3.4%) during 2016. Statistically, data revealed that estimated model at 10% change in tilapia production led to 78% in the lake total production, 10% change in catfish led to change in 17% of the lake total production and about 93% of annual production leads to changes in fish species. The annual increment in productivity per boat was estimated as 1.14 MT, with estimated 6% rate of change during period from 1995 to 2016 based on the linear regression of average productivity per boat. In addition, productivity per fisherman indicated that there was a progress trend estimated at 7.5 MT per year, with a rate of change estimated at 4% during the study period. And, the average productivity was slightly increased from 313.7 to 384.6 kg between 1995 and 2016, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests some solutions for constraints which are negative affecting the lake development.