Eritrea’s Red Sea coast stretches across an arid, volcanic plain of rocky shores, coral reefs, sandy beaches, and mangrove-lined creeks. The climate is extremely hot and dry, and freshwater is scarce, so coastal communities rely heavily on groundwater.
The coast supports coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests that shelter fish, sea turtles, and migratory birds. Artisanal fishing with small boats is a main livelihood, while larger vessels fish offshore waters.
Since the mid-2000s Eritrea has developed a coastal policy and an Integrated Coastal Area Management framework aimed at balancing development with conservation. Threats include coastal development, overgrazing, fuelwood collection, pollution, and the effects of climate change on reefs and shorelines.
Related coastal coverage: Adriatic coastal management in Montenegro, coastal resource management in Guinea-Bissau, and Red Sea ecosystems study in Djibouti.

