Although salted fish is traditionally eaten during certain holiday periods, salting is expected to decline as internal transport and marketing improves. Processing facilities include units for freezing, canning, and smoking fish. Canned sardines are sold locally and exported. The General Authority for Fish Resources Development, a state agency, is responsible for the development of the fisheries sector in Egypt. People in southern Egypt prefer big freshwater fish while people in coastal areas prefer mullet, sea bream, shrimps and crabs.
Carp tends to be less popular.
The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, belonging to the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. The Fisheries Research Centre at Ismailia, Suez Canal University. Other universities, such as the University of Alexandria and the University of Al Azhar, are engaged in academic and applied research. Of particular mention are the Oceanography Department and the Fish Technology Centre at the University of Alexandria. The Central Department of Scientific and Applied Research of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development, which is engaged in applying the results of some academic research in Governorates, such as the New Valley Governorate and the Matrouh Governorate.