A mini-review on fish mass kills within the Egyptian fisheries and aquaculture sectors: Impacts and proposed solutions

Abstract

Mass fish kills are abrupt events in which a significant number of fish of different ages and species perish in a specific aquatic region. Dramatic waves of mass kills have involved a large variety of economic fish species in both Egyptian fisheries and the aquaculture sector. Several episodes of mass mortalities of various infectious and noninfectious aetiologies have targeted a wide spectrum of freshwater and marine fish in both open-water and captive environments. Kafr El-Sheikh, Sharkia, Dakahlia, Fayoum, Alexandria and Giza were the most affected Egyptian provinces. The Mediterranean basin, Lake Manzala, Lake Mariott, Lake Burullus, River Nile, and some provincial water streams and municipal water drains were all reported to have had one or more episodes of mass kills over the past two decades. These mass kills were mainly attributed to different types / magnitudes of aquatic environmental pollution, which was explicitly aggravated by poor aquaculture / fishing practices. Further, the frequent absence of veterinary guidance has had a great negative impact on providing possible solutions for this disaster in the near future. Ultimately, adopting Good Aquaculture Practice (GAP), competent biosecurity strategies, and regular veterinary supervision will be the most practical solutions that ensure the reliable growth and sustainability of both Egyptian fisheries and aquaculture sectors.