Qarun Lake fisheries; Fishing gears, Species composition and Catch per unit effort

Qarun Lake is a closed salty basin located about 90km southern Cairo Egypt, cover an area of 230km² with annual production of about 3000 tonnes. The present study assessed the lake fishery for better management purpose. Data, information and samples were collected through 42 field trips and 311 fishermen interviews during fishing season (2010-2011). The lake was divided into three sub-areas, east, middle and west. It was found that the fishing gears used in the lake were; 1-Trammel nets with four types differed in their dimensions, mesh sizes and mainly targeting Mugil cephalus, Tilapia zillii, Solea spp. and Liza spp. 2- Seine nets with three types that were targeting M. cephalus, anchovy and shrimp. 3- Others fishing methods (Fishing aggregation system, traps and hooks) targeting mainly T. zillii. For each gear and methods used, the species composition (target and by-catch) and catch per unit effort were estimated according to sub-area and season. It is realized that middle area was more productive with higher species diversity. The present study recommends prohibiting traps in spring and all seine nets except Gahzl Zardina during summer in west and improving the fish catch and effort statistics for sustainable management of this valuable resource.