The Suez and Aqaba Gulfs Branch, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries was established at Suez Governorate to monitor, conserve, improve and develop the marine resources in the northern Red Sea and Suez Canal. It is a Governmental research institute that played a vital role in food security and water quality. The Branch is specialized in fisheries and marine governance as well sustainable development of fisheries and coastal areas of the Suez and Aqaba Gulfs and Suez Canal. Also, the Branch is frequently teaming-up with institutions/colleagues from other disciplines in order to develop suitable solutions to the problems that facing the aquatic resources in the country. Three scientific divisions with their labs: fisheries, marine environment and aquaculture are presented in the Branch covering all marine subjects like fisheries management, fish biology, fish stock assessment, hydrobiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, marine chemistry, marine physics, marine geology, aquaculture, coral reefs ecology, marine pollution, …etc.
NIOF Suez Branch Activities
• Carried out environmental studies for desalination plants in different tourist villages along the gulfs of Suez and Aqaba accordance with the requirements of minister of health and population decision.
• Carried out regular analysis of samples from different companies (intake and waste water) around the gulfs of Suez and Aqaba (Power stations, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizers,….)
• Moving rapidly to examine, transport and embalm Dolphins, Whales and Sharks that died on the shores of the gulfs. Also examines and treats the captured marine turtles which possess with the fishermen and return them to their natural habitat.
• It has an important and effective role in solving the drinking water problems in Suez Governorate several years ago.
• Holds training courses and workshops for researchers and their assistants, in which many external participates.
• The focal point of IOI in Suez branch of NIOF, holds different training courses, activities and workshops beside sharing different global events (Awareness of Tsunami Day, Ocean Day, Blue Economy,…)
• Holds the annual Egyptian Fish Migration Day with participate of researchers from NIOF and many external participants.
• Participates in a number of research projects that achieve the NIOF’s strategy 2020- 2021, which include all the specializations beside to some current projects which was funded from external sources:
- Biofolic technology on shrimp funded from STDF
- Environmental monitoring program of Temsah Lake and Bitter Lakes funded from EEAA
- Environmental monitoring project of coastal water of Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. Funded from EEAA
- Environmental studies and monitoring of invasive species migration in Suez Canal funded from Suez Canal Authorization.
- Environmental studies of Red Sea’ ports funded from Red Sea Ports Authority.
