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Use of Nylon Fishing Nets will Draw Stiff Penalties

RAS AL KHAIMAH — The Ras Al Khaimah authorities have warned that they will impose tough penalties against fishermen caught using fishing nets made of nylon in the restricted areas of the sea.

The authorities have also urged the public to avoid dumping all forms of wastes in the sea.

The move followed the fishing law passed recently by the Ministry of Environment and Water, which also banned the use of nets made of nylon in natural reserved areas, fish breeding and nursery areas, along the beaches, areas used for military training and shootings, and areas where oil and gas pipelines and telecommunication lines pass through.

Mubarak Ali Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Municipality and head of the emirate’s Fishery Committee, said the officials have intensified measures to control the fishing activities and to ensure that all fishermen abide by the laws.

Besides controlling fishing, the new law is intended to protect and preserve the baby fish and the country’s fish stocks. “We have deployed more patrol boats in different areas of the sea, especially the restricted areas,” said 
Al Shamsi.

The RAK Fisheries Department in coordination with the Ministry of Environment has also prohibited the use of fine nets used by some fishermen for catching small fish.

Catching of baby fish is the major cause of fish droughts in the emirate’s waters and fishermen need to avoid random fishing, which includes angling for baby fish, added Al Shamsi.

According to him, officials have received reports about some fishermen and others living near the beaches dumping wastes in the sea violating the country’s environmental laws.

Besides polluting the emirate’s waters, such wastes affect the aquatic life.

Al Shamsi said the municipality has designated areas for dumping wastes.

The sea is not a dumping area for any kind of garbage.

Stiff penalties including fines would be imposed on those violating the laws.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com