Assessing The Environmental, Social And Economic Impacts Of The Sea Cucumber Fishery In The Red Sea Of Eritrea

Abstract

This research is an attempt to assess the social, economic and environmental impacts of the sea cucumber fishery in the red sea of Eritrea. In this research both primary and secondary data have been used and expressed in quantitative and qualitative form. Sea Cucumber fishery has been practiced in Eritrea since 1960. It is one of the most important economic activities of the coastal people as it creates employment opportunities and generates their income. It plays a very crucial role in shaping and maintaining societal betterment and has significant contribution to national GDP. In Eritrea the effective management measures is limited like other developing countries. The government of Eritrea along the Ministry of fisheries adopted some management strategies for the preservation and sustainability of marine resources. But the adequate and effective management measures specifically for Sea Cucumber fishery is very limited. The fishery is being practiced through traditional methods and some of the methods like Net trawling is very destructive to marine life and their habitats. Most of the fishers in Eritrea are not well trained and have little information about the statues of the Sea cucumber species and they do not have adequate knowledge about marine bio-diversities and their habitats. Their main objective is only to maximize their profit. Hence, they do not care about marine resources and the marine ecosystem has been disturbed by such fishery. Therefore, these kinds of fishing practices have an adverse impact on marine ecosystem and the sustainability of Sea Cucumber fishery. These impacts could be economic, social and environmental that could hamper the development of the fishery. This research may be a milestone for the planners, policy makers and the government as well for the future planning of sea cucumber fishery in Eritrea.