Red Sea fish market assessments indicate high species diversity and potential overexploitation

In many parts of the world, particularly remote and underdeveloped regions, reports fisheries catch, effort, landing data are limited. order to implement effective fishing regulations protect natural stocks, understanding pressure, key target species, catch composition, value each species is vital. regions where published limited, sampling numerous small boats sites not feasible, fish market surveys represent an opportunity obtain data. This study therefore aims species-specific prices composition for landed in central Red Sea by surveying local markets. We conducted 11 at two major markets ascertain metrics using as a proxy Results indicate that high proportion generated 46 from six family-level groups, Serranidae, Labridae, scarine labrids, Carangidae, Lethrinidae, Lutjanidae, contributing 87 % total biomass. Species-specific values ranged 4.50 USD/kg 26.44 USD/kg, with highlighting economic three serranid species: Plectropomus pessuliferus marisrubri , areolatus Variola louti all valued more than 25 labrid: Cheilinus undulatus USD/kg. The Serranidae family represents 47 biomass 55 potential revenue market, while also indicating potentially overfished reefs due occurrence smaller undersized individuals higher priced species. Many high-valued serranids were below size sexual maturity. Target exhibited body decreasing abundance, “shrinking baseline” scenario occurring Saudi Arabian artisanal coral reef fishery. These results introducing legislation management necessary longevity sustainability reef-based fishery Sea. Implementing quotas, limits, seasonal restrictions mechanisms could be used facilitate positive change within this vulnerable