THE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSESSMENT OF AQUACULTURE PROJECTS IN EGYPT

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the economic and environmental impacts of aquaculture activities in Egypt. And Analysis of the economic and environmental benefits of best fish farming practices, And evaluate the ability of these projects to be sustainable with the economic changes and environmental impacts from these practices, and to achieve this goal, the Descriptive and analytical approach was used and Cost-benefit analysis in the economic evaluation of the activity, and the potential environmental impacts of the existing aquaculture activities, and the impact of the expansion of fish farming activities on the surrounding environment. The results indicated that fish farming activity in Egypt has become one of the most important sources of national income and influences the gross domestic product, in addition to the expansion of best practices in farming, which will contribute to providing greater opportunities along the value chain. The results also indicated that the expand in the intensive system led to the reduction of negative environmental impacts, and the maximization of the economic return by increasing production, as well as maximizing the return from the water unit, as it depends on recycling water, as it is the best system , especially with lack of water resources. The most important research recommendations are: Encouraging the planned expansion ofaquaculture activities, to development national economy, provide greater job opportunities during the stages of the value chain, contribute to reducing the imports from fish production, and provide a sustainable supply of food to cover the gap between local production and demand for fish. Encouraging the injection of new investments, by providing facilities, represented by insurance for aquaculture activities , providing loans and necessary credit especially for young people in order to be able to enter this field, providing a database for new investors, to facilitate the investment decision and overcome All obstacles to starting the implementation of the project. Encouraging expanding in intensive aquaculture systems, in order to achieve greater economic return and positive effects on the surrounding environment. The aquaculture activity strongly needs continuous follow-up of the latest farming methods, the environmental assessment of the project at close intervals, and the provision of training and guidance from the concerned authorities for all farmers, to make them aware of the importance of the environmental dimension.