Suez: In an effort to protect wildlife and prevent the illegal trade of protected bird species, the Egyptian Ministry of Environment has confiscated pelicans from fish shops in Suez and South Sinai.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Suez and South Sinai branch of the Environmental Affairs Agency carried out extensive field campaigns that resulted in the seizure of several pelicans from local fish shops, the Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment Dr. Manal Awad stated that an inspection committee confiscated a pelican from a fish shop in Ras Sudr, South Sinai Governorate, after it was found inside the establishment in violation of wildlife protection laws. Another pelican was seized from a fish shop in the Faisal district of Suez Governorate. The case was handled in accordance with established environmental procedures to ensure the bird's safety and prevent any harm.

Dr. Awad stressed the seriousness of possessing or displaying protected wildlife without a license, noting that such actions constitute an environmental crime punishable under Article 28 of Environmental Law No. 4 of 1994 and its amendments. The law prohibits the hunting, killing, or capturing of birds and wild animals listed in its executive regulations, as well as their possession, transport, display, or sale-whether alive or dead.

She affirmed that the Ministry will continue conducting field campaigns, in coordination with relevant authorities, to identify and halt any cases involving the trafficking or illegal detention of protected birds or wildlife. These efforts are part of the broader national framework for preserving biodiversity and protecting wildlife across all governorates. The Ministry of Environment has urged citizens to promptly report any environmental crimes or violations involving protected species.