Trawl Nets Research Articles

Law Enforcement on Fishery: Prohibition of Trawl Nets as an Effort to Protect Small Fisherman Fairly

The sea and its resources, especially fishery resources, are a gift from God Almighty for the welfare of all Indonesian people. Based on the state's right to control the earth and the natural resources contained therein, which originates from Article 33 paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, the government must regulate fishery resources for the greatest prosperity of all people. The use of fishery resources is carried out with various legal products ranging from laws, government regulations, and presidential decrees to ministerial rules. Regulations on using fishery resources include prohibiting using trawl nets to catch fish in certain waters. This prohibition aims to prevent damage to the marine environment, ensure the sustainability of fishery resources, and protect small fishermen. However, in its implementation, it is still hampered by the problem of law enforcement, which is hindered by disharmony of regulations, the availability of professional law enforcement officers, and the lack of support for facilities and infrastructure considering the vast area of law enforcement. One thing that is no less important in enforcing the law on the prohibition of the use of trawl nets is the low legal awareness of fishing communities, especially industrial fishermen who only care about themselves without paying attention to the preservation of marine ecosystems, the sustainability of fishery resources, and the protection of small fishermen or traditional fishermen.

Sex differentiation via the relationship between some morphological measurements of Mystus albolineatus caught from Cai Rang - Can Tho and Long Phu - Soc Trang

This study supplements the gender determination methodology based on the relationship of some morphological indicators in Mystus albolineatus. A total of 229 specimens were caught by trawl nets at Cai Rang – Can Tho and Long Phu – Soc Trang in four months from April to July 2023. After collection, the samples were transferred to the laboratory to determine the total length (TL), standard length (SL), eye diameter (ED), eye distance (DE), body height (BH), head length (HL), and mouth diameter (MD) before surgery to determine the sex based on the gonad. The results showed that the TL-SL regression relationship could be used to determine the sex of this fish. Besides, TL-BH and TL-MD growth relations were relatively balanced in females versus males. In addition, based on SL, DE, and MD, it was also possible to determine whether the sampling time was the wet or dry seasons. These findings form the basis for the initial study of the biological characteristics of this fish in the Mekong Delta.

Ovarian traits, spawning pattern and season, length at first maturity, and batch fecundity of Caragobius urolepis (Bleeker, 1852) caught from the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Caragobius urolepis has a wide range of distribution, from brackish to freshwater water, ranging from India to the Philippines and Fiji, including the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), where it lives mainly in the coastal regions and plays a vital role in food supply. Our preliminary observation showed that its population tended to decline, but little is known about this species. This study, therefore, was conducted to provide data on the ovarian structure, spawning pattern and season, length at first maturity, and batch fecundity of this fish. The study of 306 specimens caught with trawl nets from April 2022 to March 2023 in two coastal areas of VMD—Dong Hai, Bac Lieu (DHBL), and Dam Doi, Ca Mau (DDCM)—showed that this goby spawned more than once because the oocytes in stage IV ovary showed different stages of development. It could release eggs monthly during a 12-month study, with a peak in July–September since stage IV ovaries were found monthly during the study period and the GSI exhibited a high value in July–September. The fish length at first maturity and batch fecundity varied with the site, as they were 18.8 cm and 3,757–9,187 (6,142 ± 707 SE eggs/female) in DDCM and 20.5 cm and 3,760–11,118 (5,634 ± 750 SE eggs/female) in DHBL. The findings provide valuable foundations for exploiting their resources and serve as a basis for studying artificial reproduction. It is suggested to avoid catching these fish species during the breeding season to ensure sustainable exploitation in the future.

Fishery and stock dynamics of ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone

The fishery and stock dynamics of Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) were studied in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for the period 2014-2019. The average annual landing was 2,09,285 t and varied from 1,77,259 to 2,39,355 t. Trawl nets were the majorgear, contributing more than 85% with an average annual catch rate of 4.56 kg h-1. The annual catch rate decreased over the years from 5.40 to 3.85 kg h-1. Landings (23,155-40,354 t) and catch rates (4.24-8.67 kg h-1) were highest during the post-monsoon months (September-December). Around 63% of the landings (1,32,072 t) were from the north-west coast, with Gujarat alone contributing three-fourth (98,296 t) of it, followed by the south-west coast (17%, 36,017 t), the south-east coast (12%, 25,322 t) and the north-east coast (8%, 15,875 t). The von Bertalanffy’s growth equation was Lt = 143.8 [1-e–0.48 (t + 0.03285)]. Natural mortality, Exploitation ratio and Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) were 0.76; 0.65 and 1,59,504 t respectively. Recruitment was substantial throughout the year with a single modal peak during June-October. With lower lengths at first capture and recruitment and with exploitation above the maximum permissible level and landings higher than MSY; the species appears to be overexploited along the Indian coasts. The present study is the first holistic report on the population parameters and stock status of T. lepturus from the Indian EEZ. Keywords: Cutlass fishes, Management, Recruitment, Stock dynamics

Four new species and two new records of deep-sea Amphipoda (Crustacea: Peracarida) from Potiguar Basin, north-eastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Deep-sea amphipods constitute an important part of the ocean benthos, although their species richness is far from fully known. During a survey of the project ‘Avaliação da Biota Bentônica e Planctônica na porção offshore das Bacias Potiguar e Ceará’ (BPOT), four new species and two new records of amphipods were reported from north-eastern Brazil. The material was collected by bottom trawl nets at depths from 150 to 2057 m in the Potiguar Basin. The species Adeliella debroyeri sp. n., Alexandrella cedrici sp. n., Epimeria colemani sp. n. and Tectovalopsis potiguara sp. n. are established based on morphological comparisons with their congeners, properly illustrated and discussed. We present the first record of the family Adeliellidae Lowry and Myers, 2017 and genus Adeliella Nicholls, 1938 for the South Atlantic Ocean and the first report of the family Stilipedidae from Brazil. The species Cyphocaris johnsoni Shoemaker, 1934 is herein first recorded from Brazil, providing a geographic and depth range extension, and Parandania boecki (Stebbing, 1888) is reported for the first time in the Rio Grande do Norte state. Additionally, identification keys are provided for global species of Adeliella, Tectovalopsis J.L. Barnard and Ingram, 1990, and Alexandrella Chevreux, 1911, and one for Atlantic species of Epimeria Costa in Hope, 1851. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7DFBCE52-0E35-4933-AE61-9D8A42BE9B50

Biological and Fishery Aspects of Hake (Merluccius gayi, Guichenot, 1848) Caught with Trawl Nets in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Biological and Fishery Aspects of Hake (Merluccius gayi, Guichenot, 1848) Caught with Trawl Nets in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Microplastic Content in Fish and Sea Water at Air Tawar Coast, Padang City, Indonesia

Every year, millions of tons of plastic contaminate marine ecosystems, disrupting the natural balance and endangering marine life. Marine debris, especially plastic, is exposed to sunlight and repeated physical activities in the ocean, eventually breaking down into microscopic particles known as microplastics. This research aims to identify the presence of microplastics in fish and seawater at Air Tawar Coast, Padang City, Indonesia, based on their shapes, colors, and sizes. Seawater samples were collected at 3 stations using purposive random sampling along the direction of net trawling. Water samples were collected using a plankton net and filtered horizontally at the sea surface. Fish samples were obtained from the catches of fishermen, using trawl net (maelo pukek). The fish sampled were Selar and Kembung fish. Microplastics found in seawater and fish exhibited various shapes, including fibers, films, fragments, and pellets, with pellets and granules being the most dominant shapes. The colors of microplastics found in this study were black, brown, red, orange, blue, yellow, green, and purple, with dark colors (black and brown) being the most dominant. The abundance of microplastics at station 1 was 140.12 particles/m3, at station 2 was 151.27 particles/m3, and at station 3 was 129.61 particles/m3. The number of microplastic particles found in Kembung was higher than in Selar. On average, Selar fish contained 228 particles/individual, while Kembung fish contained an average of 267.5 particles/individual. The smallest particle size was found in pellet form, with a size of 8.12 µm, while the largest particle size was found in film form, measuring 174.56 µm.

Selectivity-based management for reversing overexploitation of demersal fisheries in North-western Mediterranean Sea

Bottom trawling in the Mediterranean Sea has compromised the availability of demersal fishery resources, primarily due to decades of overexploitation beyond sustainability thresholds. Low selective bottom trawl nets have exacerbated this situation by catching large numbers of under-sized or immature individuals of targeted and not-targeted commercial species that are subsequently discarded. EU legislation requires EU Mediterranean countries to recover demersal fish stocks to sustainable levels by January 2025. This is a challenging requirement under current management scenarios that mainly focus on reducing fishing hours, compromising the activity of the fleets. While social networks among fishing fleets and fisherman associations are essential for facilitating the transition to sustainable exploitation, improving the selectivity of bottom trawl gears is proposed as a viable option beyond reducing fishing hours. This study presents the benefits of improving bottom trawlers net selectivity in multi-species NW Mediterranean coastal and deep-sea fisheries to reduce the catch of non-commercial sizes and discards. Data from selectivity experiments and literature review, fish market landings and a regional monitoring program in the FAO geographical sub-area 6 were used. Results indicate that in the short term, enhanced selectivity leads to an increase in the proportion of fish that are closer to their minimum conservation reference sizes or sizes at maturity, while minimising the impact on commercial catches. Sustainability may be achieved, though beyond 2025, with measures complementing selectivity. These include the adoption of semi-pelagic otter doors to mitigate the impact of trawlers on the seabed and the expansion of no-take marine reserves to ensure habitat recovery and spillover effects.

A Study on the Selectivity of Different Fishing Gear

The selectivity of fishing gears plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems and fisheries sustainability. Through a comprehensive examination of trawl nets, gill nets, and longlines, this paper delves into the factors influencing selectivity, including gear design, selectivity criteria, selectivity terminologies, selection curves, and impacts. Drawing upon scientific research, empirical evidence, and case studies from around the world, this paper highlights the effectiveness of different selectivity measures in balancing the extraction of target species with the conservation of non-target species and habitat integrity. By synthesizing current knowledge and emerging trends in fishing gear selectivity, this review paper offers valuable insights for policymakers, fishers, scientists, and conservationists striving to navigate the complex interplay between human exploitation and ecological resilience in aquatic environments.

Assessing nine devices to reduce bycatch in the pink shrimp Penaeus paulensis fisheries: Lessons from field experiments with fyke nets

The adoption of bycatch reduction devices (BRD) has been widely used to reduce bycatch in several fisheries worldwide, especially in trawl nets targeting shrimps. However, the efficiency of these devices has rarely been assessed in passive nets, such as fyke nets using light attraction. This study tested the efficiency of nine BRDs in a passive fyke net fishery performed in southern Brazil, targeting the pink shrimp Penaeus paulensis. The abundance of fishes, swimming crabs and shrimp was compared using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) testing protocol across 1) three different light attraction colours; 2) two fisheye models; 3) two square-mesh models, and; 4) two grid models. A significant reduction in bycatch was recorded when using fisheye and square mesh, however it was also noticed an important reduction in target species. A reduction in total bycatch biomass was also recorded for both grid models (85 % for a grid angle of 50° and 61 % for a grid angle of 32°), with no significant reduction in target species when using grid angle of 32°. The extensive testing performed supports the ecological benefits of BRDs adoption and tools for management in small scale fisheries.

The Impact of the Use of Sodo and Tiger Trawling Gear on Communities in Tambakrejo Fishers' Village, Semarang

Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Number 2/PERMEN-KP/2015, sodo and trawlers are fishing gear prohibited from being used, especially by small fishers, because they are not environmentally friendly. However, many fishers still use this tool, one of whom is a fisherman who looks for fish in the waters of Tambakrejo, Semarang, which significantly disrupts the activities of Tambakrejo fishers. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic profile of Tambakrejo fishers, analyze the impact of using sodo and trawlers in Tambakrejo waters, and analyze strategies for handling the effect. This study uses primary data from semi-structured and in-depth interviews. The number of respondents in the study was 60, as determined by the purposive sampling method. This study uses a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis in the form of descriptive analysis is needed to answer the first and second goals. At the same time, quantitative analysis is used to answer the third objective with the help of the Atlas.Ti tool. This study's results show that most fishers use traps and bamboo clumps. The dominating use of sodo and trawlers in Tambakrejo waters has an economic aspect in the form of reduced catches and damage to traps and clusters, as well as social aspects, namely the conflict between Tambakrejo fishers and fishers who use sodo and trawl nets. To deal with this impact, government intervention is needed in the form of water police patrols and strict action against fishers who use sod and trawl fishing gear. The results of this study are expected to be considered in formulating policies, especially fisheries policiesKeywords: Impact, trawlers, sodo, fishers, Tambakrejo

Trophic Fish Structure Along the Beaches of The Brazilian Amazon River

Purpose: This study analyzes fish communities' diet and trophic structure on beaches along the Amazon River. Methods: 41 beaches were studied, and fish were collected with 12x3m trawl nets and 5mm mesh between nodes. The stomachs were analyzed using the frequency of occurrence and points method. The dietary index was calculated using the preponderance index (PI). Using IP values, the following trophic categories were established: detritivore, hematophagous, herbivorous, benthic invertivore, pelagic invertivore, terrestrial invertivore, scavenger, and piscivore. Species richness and abundance of fish in trophic categories were related to the longitudinal variation of the sampled sites through linear regression 1,166 stomachs from 119 species were analyzed. Results and discussion: The abundance and richness of detritivore species and the richness of scavengers showed a negative relationship throughout the floodplain, while the number of aquatic invertivore species showed a positive relationship. Implications of the research: The existing differences in beach water quality create a longitudinal conductivity gradient, transparency, and suspended material, gradually altering the environment and composition of the ichthyofauna and the trophic structure along the Amazon River. Originality/value: Ecological studies relating the trophic structure of fish to a large-scale longitudinal gradient are scarce in the Amazon River floodplain, which makes this article an essential piece for better understanding Amazonian systems by characterizing the trophic structure of fish from beaches in a longitudinal gradient of the Amazon River in Brazilian territory.

The reproductive biology of Ellochelon vaigiensis from the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.

The Squaretail mullet, Ellochelon vaigiensis, is a commercial fish species distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species tolerates wide variations in salinity, having been reported from both freshwater and marine habitats. Although economically significant, there is little information on its reproduction, especially in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), where it is heavily extracted. Our study elucidates the breeding pattern, seasonality, first length at maturity, as well as potential and relative fecundity of this species. Fish specimens were collected by trawl nets from November 2020 to October 2021 at four estuarine sites within the VMD. We found this species to be a synchronous spawner, with peaks in reproductive activity from June to September. In the populations we surveyed, there was significant dominance of males (1.26:1.00) based on 942 fish samples (526 males and 416 females). The length at 50% maturity for females was significantly higher than for males at all sites and ranged from 10.6 to 19.3 cm. The diameter of the eggs examined for this species exhibited slight variation, from 0.43 to 0.54 mm. The potential fecundity ranged from 246,254 ± 35,878 to 411,970 ± 54,370 eggs, corresponding to female length and weight of 26.7-32.6 cm and 102.97-234.19 g, respectively. Relative fecundity values were highest at Thanh Phu, Ben Tre (6388 ± 605 eggs), and Dong Hai, Bac Lieu (6461 ± 637 eggs), followed by Tran De, Soc Trang (4729 ± 408), and were found to be lowest at Duyen Hai, Tra Vinh (3117 ± 223 eggs). Information on reproductive behavior in this species has far-reaching impacts on sustainable extractions, stock conservation, and aquaculture.

Experimental target strength measurements of pteropods and shrimp emphasize the importance of scattering model inputs

Abstract Shrimp and shelled pteropods are ecologically important organisms that can produce significant amounts of water column backscatter. Few studies have experimentally measured both target strength (TS) and scattering model inputs for individual shrimp and shelled pteropods, especially from the meso- and bathypelagic. We captured animals from net trawls throughout the northeast Pacific and northwest Atlantic continental shelves between 2016 and 2020. We measured morphology, density and sound speed contrasts, and broadband TS (35–75, 110–230 kHz) from tethered individuals at sea and on land in scientific aquaria. Experimentally measured TS was used to test scattering model performance. Differences in measured mean length-to-radius ratios and density contrasts of epipelagic shrimp (10–13 and 1.02–1.03) were statistically greater than for mesopelagic species (8–9 and 1.04–1.05). Differences between predicted and measured shrimp TS averaged over measurement bandwidths were <2 dB, which is similar to previous studies. Conversely, pteropod TS model predictions differed from measurements by >4 dB, with species with elongated shapes having larger differences, likely due to shell shape and uncertainty surrounding material properties. Widely used physics-based acoustic scattering models may significantly underestimate uncertainty in TS predictions for these animals.

Size at sexual maturity estimation for 36 species captured by bottom and mid-water trawls from the marine habitat of Balochistan and Sindh in the Arabian Sea, Pakistan, using maximum length (Lmax) and logistic (L50) models.

The aim of this study was to estimate the size at first sexual maturity (Lm) for 36 species belonging to 24 families from the marine habitat of Balochistan and Sindh in Arabian Sea, Pakistan through maximum length based an empirical and logistic model using commercial catch during June 2020 to May 2021. Individual total length (TL) was noted up to 0.1 cm using measuring broad. The Lm was calculated using two formulae; (i) log (Lm) = - 0.1246 + 0.9924 * log (Lmax) for Elasmobranchs and (ii) log (Lm) = -0.1189 + 0.9157* log (Lmax) for ray-finned fishes. The minimum Lm was recorded as 10.27 cm TL for Caranx malabaricus and 108.38 cm TL for Isurus oxyrinchus, respectively. Around Lm with 58.33% species were ranges from 19.00 cm to 25.00 cm TL. This study was estimated 16 newly Lm which is globally absent and rest 20 Lm are absent in the Arabian Sea (Pakistan coastal habitats). Therefore, the results will be helpful for the sustainable management and conservation of these marine fishes through the establishment of mesh size of trawl nets based on the size at sexual maturity (Lm).

Multiple ocean parameter-based potential fishing zone (PFZ) location generation and validation in the Western Bay of Bengal.

A new conceptual framework based on satellite data, including chlorophyll (CHL), sea surface temperature (SST) fronts, relative winds, current vectors, Ekman transport, and eddies, has been developed to identify potential fishing zones (PFZ) in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). The framework aims to provide persistent forecasts, even under cloudy conditions, based on feature propagation. The validation of the PFZ was carried out using fish catch data collected by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) between 2016 and 2018. Hooking rates (HR) from longlines and catch per unit effort (CPUE) from trawl nets were used to analyse the data points in hook rate categories (1.0-3.0 and > 3.0) and CPUE categories (50-100 kg and > 100 kg) and interpret them with the PFZ maps. The analysis showed that the high fish catch locations were consistent with persisting features in the BoB, such as high chlorophyll patches, SST fronts, and cyclonic eddies. The high fish catch locations based on hook rate and high CPUE were found to be collocated with the high chlorophyll persisting features and thermal gradients in the BoB. The regression analysis shows that availability of the food (CHL) had the strongest correlation with fish catch, followed by the comfort condition (fronts and eddies).

The Escape Intensity and Its Influencing Factors in Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Passing through Large Mesh at the Front End of a Commercial Trawl

The purpose of this study was to comprehend the escape intensity and its influencing factors in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) that escaped through large mesh located at the front end of commercial trawl nets. Two pocket nets were employed to collect escaped krill that passed through the mesh opening in the first section (400 mm mesh size, without liner) and second section (16 mm mesh size liner) of the trawl body. The results show that krill escape primarily took place in the first section of the trawl body. Meanwhile, there was almost no krill escape observed in the second section of the trawl body, primarily attributable to the presence of a 16 mm mesh size liner. In terms of body length composition, the average PSI (percentage similarity index) was 67.31 (95% CI: 61.86–72.87) for krill from the pocket net on the larger mesh part and the codend. In addition, the PSI was significantly different (p < 0.05) between the day (60.96, 95% CI: 55.68–66.71) and night (83.62, 95% CI: 76.80–89.46). The escape intensity of krill ranged from 20.83 to 213.13 g·m−2 per ton per hour in the area at the front end of trawl body, with a mean value of 76.52 (95% CI: 55.22–101.09) g·m−2 per ton per hour during the daytime, and 144.66 (95% CI: 110.44–180.03) g·m−2 per ton per hour at night. These results indicate that krill can see and avoid contacting the netting easily during the day, particularly for larger individuals. This provides insight into the design of krill trawls, specifically on the arrangement of liners, which should be integrated from the front part of the trawl body.

Some biological aspects of indian mackerel (Rastelliger kanagurta Cuvier, 1817) in Bali Strait waters

Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta Cuvier, 1817) is a small pelagic fish species which is the main catch commodity in purse seine and jukung fleets in the Bali Strait waters. Sustainable management is urgently needed for indian mackerel populations in Bali Strait waters to remain sustainable fishery. The availability of basic information such as biological aspects is very important as a fundamental resource in the management of indian mackerel in Bali Strait waters. The aims of this study were to reveal several biological aspects of mackerel such as growth patterns, condition factors, sex ratio, and size at first maturity of indian mackerel in Bali Strait waters. Sampling was carried out in May-September 2018. Samples of fish were taken from purse seine and jukung fleets using trawl nets and gill nets. Fish sample was measured, weighed and dissected to observe the sex and the gonadal maturity stage. The total number of indian mackerel samples was 167 individuals. Mackerel in the Bali Strait waters has a positive allometric growth pattern with fish in good condition. The sex ratio was in an unbalanced condition with the number of male fish being more than the female fish. The size at first maturity was 19.34 cm for male fish and 19.76 cm for female fish.

Incidental mortality of seabirds in pollock trawl fishery in the northwestern part of the Bering Sea

Purpose of the work: Estimation of average annual number of seabirds that die as a result of lethal strikes with fishing gear in the specialized pollock trawl fishery by large-tonnage fleet in the West Bering Sea zone.Methods used: The article is based on materials collected by ornithologists on large freezer trawlers in the summer and autumn periods in 2020 and 2021. To record bird deaths we used inspection of warps, net sonar wire third cable, net trawl, codend during trawl retrieval and count of bird lethal collisions with fishing gear during observation sessions at all stages of fishing operations. The total mortality was estimated by extrapolating the mean catch-rates (number of dead birds per vessel day) to fishing efforts of large-tonnage fleet in the West Bering Sea zone in 2020 and 2021.Novelty: The annual average mortality of birds in large-scale trawling was determined for the first time for domestic fisheries and an expert assessment of its potential risk to populations of the catched species was carried outResults: The death of 203 birds was recorded during 139 vessel days. The total estimated mortality in fishing gear was 8,355 (CI 5259–11451) birds per year: 4,717 northern fulmars, 1,667 short-tailed shearwaters, 1,006 Laysan albatrosses, 822 black-legged kittiwakes, 48 slaty-backed gulls, 48 Vega gulls, and 47 red-legged kittiwakes. Comparison of these estimates with the global or regional number of birds suggests that mortality in fishing gear in 2020 and 2021 did not have a significant negative impact on the state of species (proportion of dead birds was 0.005–0.085% of their population estimates). Despite the regular presence of short-tailed albatrosses near trawlers in the Navarin area, no deaths in fishing gear were recorded.Practical significance: The results are necessary for the process of ecological certification of the specialized pollock trawl fishery in the West Bering Sea zone.

Biodiversity of macro-benthic invertebrates in the Eastern Egyptian Mediterranean coast

The present research paper aims to study the biodiversity of macro-benthic invertebrates caught by bottom trawl nets along the eastern 180 km of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. A total of 21 hauls were collected seasonally from July 2017 to May 2018. A total of 10765 individuals representing 118 taxa were collected during the study, affiliated with eight phyla. The maximum diversity (70 taxa) was recorded in spring; meanwhile, the highest abundance (3856 individuals) was registered in winter. Mollusca was the most diverse phylum with 46 species, while Arthropoda was the most dominant, constituting 87.89% of the total amount of benthos. The stomatopod Erugosquilla massavensis was the most prevalent species (about 41.8% of total benthos). Of the 118 recorded taxa, 11 species were regarded as new records in the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea. The maximum diversity index value (Hˊ=2.81) was estimated for haul 10 (autumn); meanwhile, a minimum value of (0.26) was estimated for haul 15 (winter). Excluding the 10 taxa identified at the genus level, there were 71 indigenous species (66%). In contrast, alien, or non-indigenous species (NIS) contributed a relatively high number (37 species), constituting 34% of the total number of identified species. Additionally, 24.2% were of Indo-Pacific and Indian origin. So, planned comprehensive national monitoring programs for biodiversity and NIS in the study area are recommended for recording any new alien species.