What happened to the fishing industry due to the construction of the Aswan Dam?

The construction of the Aswan Dam in Egypt had significant repercussions on the fishing industry, leading to a severe impact and decline. The dam altered the natural flow of the Nile River, which historically enriched the surrounding ecosystems with nutrient-rich sediments critical for aquatic life. This disruption led to a decrease in both the quantity and quality of fish populations in the river and the adjacent Mediterranean Sea due to changes in water salinity and habitat availability.

While the dam was intended for water management, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation, it unintentionally created environmental challenges that the fishing industry could not thrive within. Consequently, fishermen faced reduced catches and economic hardships as their livelihoods were directly tied to the health of aquatic ecosystems that were compromised by the dam's impact. This situation highlights the balance required in infrastructural development versus environmental sustainability where multiple sectors, including fishing, must be considered.