A Triple Bottom Line Assessment of Ecological, Social and Economic Sustainability of Red Sea Fisheries

This study applies a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework to assess ecological, social, and economic dimensions of the fisheries in Hurghada, Egypt, using spatial habitat mapping and official statistics. Time-series ecological analysis of stock-status data confirms monotonic deterioration across all exploitation categories, with the developing stock proportion declining at −1.04 percentage points per year (CSS) and −1.39 (NSS). Quantitative survey analysis documents that 80% of Hurghada fishing households derive less than 25% of income from fishing, with mean operational costs of USD 454 per trip. Socio-economic analysis shows that Hurghada’s 343-vessel fleet supports approximately 1720 registered fishers, of whom 69% report deteriorating stock conditions. Economic analysis shows that the direct-use value of the fisheries is estimated at USD 26.51 million with multiplier effects; the net present value of fisheries benefits over 2025–2050 ranges from USD 375 million to USD 679 million. These findings indicate that co-management interventions, including effort reduction, stronger enforcement against illegal fishing, expanded habitat protection, and integration of fisher knowledge into governance offer the most credible literature-supported pathway toward long-term fisheries sustainability.