RAK Fishermen Warned Against Using Unauthorised Fishing Nets

The ministry is keen on protecting marine life and the use of fine fishing nets to catch small and young fish was prohibited in the emirate’s waters, said the Director of Environmental Protection Department, Engineer Mohammed Saleh Al Makhrazi, after a meeting with fishermen from the emirate on Monday.

“The reserved areas of the sea, which are clearly demarcated and are known to all the fishermen in the emirate, must be spared by fishermen for preservation of environment.

Anyone caught by the Coast Guards while fishing in such areas or using unauthorised fishing nets would face legal action,” warned Al Makhrazi.

The meeting was intended to plan stringent measures and chalk out strategies on protecting the marine life.

According to Al Markazi, all the fishing nets used by fishermen in the emirate’s waters should have the approval of the Fisheries Department in Ras Al Khaimah.

Al Markazi said the fine fishing nets trap the small fish and other small creatures, thus posing a danger to their existence.

Only select types of fishing nets, especially those with wider netting, are allowed for fishing since they allow the small fish to flow through, he pointed out.

Ahmed Saeed, who heads the Fisheries Department in Ras Al Khaimah, said fishermen, who accidentally catch the young fish, should release them into the sea before they die.

Ahmed Saeed also urged the fishermen and the members of the public to avoid dumping plastic materials and other non-degradable materials in the water because they harm the marine environment.