Fishing rules in Egypt
Fishing status in the Red Sea, Gulf of Suez, and Gulf of Aqaba is not a single open or closed rule. Multi-year restrictions affect specific activities, annual closures apply separately, and protected areas have their own boundaries. The Mediterranean and freshwater follow separate rules and seasons. Check the current written decision before every trip.
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Status by water
| Water | Status |
|---|---|
| Red SeaRestricted | Multi-year restrictions affect specific fishing activities, alongside annual closures and protected areas. Check the current written decision before fishing. |
| Gulf of SuezRestricted | Seasonal and method-specific closures apply. Do not rely on a blanket open or closed label without the current decision. |
| Gulf of AqabaRestricted | Seasonal closures, protected-area boundaries, and local restrictions apply. Check the current decision and exact zone. |
| MediterraneanNormal rules | Normal rules apply, including size limits, closed seasons, and governorate regulations. |
| Nile & lakesNormal rules | Normal rules apply, with separate closures on some northern lakes. |
| Lake NasserNormal rules | Licensed safari operators arrange permits, subject to current seasons and designated areas. |
Before you fish
- Use a licensed charter or safari and confirm which permits cover the trip. Do not assume shore fishing is licence-free; requirements depend on the exact area and current decision.
- Marine parks & famous dive sites (Ras Mohammed, Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone, Wadi El Gemal, the Sharm area) are no-fishing zones.
- Never take sharks, rays, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, dugong/dolphins, sea cucumbers or coral — protected, with fines and possible jail.
- GAFRD's Red Sea closed season changes every year — check the current dates before you go.
- Dynamite and poison fishing are illegal; spearfishing is heavily restricted — assume it's not allowed unless a licensed operator confirms otherwise.
Licences and permits
- GAFRD (General Authority for Fish Resources Development) issues fishing licences, under the national fisheries Law 146/2021.
- Permit requirements depend on the location, fishing method, vessel, season, and protected-area boundary.
- On charters and Lake Nasser safaris, the licensed operator should arrange the trip permit and port clearance. Bring photo ID for the manifest.
- Foreign visitors should confirm that the boat and captain hold the required current permits before departure.
- Rules vary by governorate, including South Sinai, Red Sea, Suez, and Aswan. Confirm the current written requirements with the operator, marina, or competent authority.
Marine protected areas
| Protected area | Rule |
|---|---|
| Ras Mohammed National ParkSinai tip | No fishing inside park boundaries; permit & fees apply for access. |
| Giftun Islands (Mahmya)Hurghada | Protected reef system — no-take zones; follow marked areas. |
| The Brothers, Daedalus & ElphinstoneOffshore Marine Park | Offshore marine protected area — restricted, permit-only access. |
| Wadi El Gemal National ParkMarsa Alam | Protected coast & islands — fishing restricted, check permits. |
| Nabq & Abu GalumGulf of Aqaba | Managed protectorates — local fishing rules apply. |
Protected species — must be released
| Species | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| All sharks & rays | No-take (banned) | Egypt prohibits catching, landing and selling sharks and rays in the Red Sea. Release immediately if hooked. |
| Humphead (Napoleon) Wrasse | Protected (CITES II) | Slow-growing reef giant, heavily overfished. Internationally protected — must be released. |
| Sea turtles | No-take (protected) | All marine turtles are protected. Never take, harass or hook deliberately; release with care. |
| Dugong | No-take (endangered) | Critically threatened in the Red Sea. Strictly protected — keep your distance. |
| Corals & giant clams | No-take / no damage | Taking, breaking or anchoring on coral is illegal. Giant clams are protected. Use mooring buoys. |
| Grouper on spawning aggregations | Avoid (seasonal) | Groupers gather to spawn and are wiped out fast if targeted then. Avoid known aggregation sites in season. |
Closed seasons
- GAFRD announces an annual Red Sea closure tied to spawning — but the exact dates and affected gear CHANGE EVERY YEAR (no fixed date).
- A rough pattern is a spring–summer/early-autumn closure, but it shifts; always check the current-year GAFRD decree or ask your operator.
- Mediterranean and lake fisheries have their own separate closures and management measures.
- Lake Nasser safaris mainly run Oct–Apr (for weather) and strongly promote catch-and-release.
Banned methods
- Dynamite, poison or any explosive/chemical fishing — serious crime.
- Spearfishing while on scuba (and spearfishing is banned in most protected areas).
- Fishing inside national parks / no-take zones without a permit.
- Anchoring on coral reefs — use mooring buoys instead.
- Taking, selling or transporting protected species (sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, coral).
Enforcement and penalties
- Enforced by the coastguard/navy (ports & at sea), GAFRD inspectors (licensing) and EEAA rangers (protected areas & coral).
- Taking protected species under Law 146/2021 can bring fines and possible imprisonment.
- Fishing/spearfishing inside protected zones draws fines plus gear and catch confiscation.
- Dumping toxic/chemical materials and destructive fishing carry prison terms and heavy fines.
Fishing responsibly
Guidance, not law.
- Keep only what you'll eat — release the rest, especially big breeding fish.
- Use barbless or single hooks and wet hands when releasing.
- Avoid the largest groupers and snappers — they carry higher ciguatera risk and are key breeders.
- Let undersized and slow-growing reef fish go to fight another day.
- Crush your barbs, carry out all line and lures — lost tackle kills wildlife.
Sources
Common questions
Is fishing allowed in Egypt?
It depends on the exact water, date, fishing method, and zone. The Red Sea, Gulf of Suez, and Gulf of Aqaba have overlapping multi-year restrictions on specific activities, annual closures, and protected-area rules. The Mediterranean and freshwater have separate rules and seasons. Check the current decision before every trip.
Do you need a fishing licence in Egypt?
Requirements depend on the location, method, vessel, and protected-area boundary. A licensed charter or safari operator should arrange the trip permits and port clearance. Do not assume shore fishing is licence-free; confirm the current local requirement before fishing.
Where is fishing prohibited in Egypt?
Fishing is prohibited inside the marine protected areas: Ras Mohammed National Park, Giftun Islands (Mahmya), The Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone, Wadi El Gemal National Park, Nabq & Abu Galum.
Which species are protected in Egypt?
All sharks & rays, Humphead (Napoleon) Wrasse, Sea turtles, Dugong, Corals & giant clams, Grouper on spawning aggregations — all protected and must be released immediately. Taking them can bring fines and possible imprisonment under Law 146/2021.
When is the Red Sea closed season?
The dates change every year and are announced by decree — there is no fixed date. Do not rely on previous years; check the current-year GAFRD decree or ask your operator.