Two held for fishing in Kalba mangrove area

Stiff penalties await anyone disturbing the fungal life in the sanctuary.

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Published: Thu 24 Oct 2013, 9:53 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 4:16 AM

The Environment and Natural Reserves in Sharjah has caught two intruders, both Asian, from the Mangrove Protected Area of Khor Kalba for fishing some rare crabs, crustaceans and seashells, which are protected species by law.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Natural Reserves in Sharjah, said the incident happened a week ago when the Coast Guards, using a sophisticated radar device, spotted a rubber boat crossing the wave breaker of Kalba from the sea in the direction of the sanctuary.

Special night cameras were installed across the natural shelter, and a trap was set for arresting the intruders in collaboration with Kalba police and Coast Guards.

“The intruders were apprehended red-handed along with fishing tools and the rubber boat, which were all confiscated.”

She said the suspects did not pay heed to the fencing surrounding the sanctuary or the 18 warning sign boards in Arabic and English around the protected area. “Admission is only allowed with advance permission from the Environment and Natural Reserves in Sharjah. Rules and regulations must also be observed to protect fungal life inside the sanctuary.”

The suspects violated Article 64 of the Federal Law 24/1999 and the Sharjah Executive Council decision 09/2012 streamlining the protection of environment and the council decree No9/2012. “As such, each infiltrator would be slapped with a fine of Dh10,000, apart from a possible jail term of four months to one year.”

Stiff penalties await anyone disturbing the fungal life in the sanctuary. “As per law, earth moving, damaging green areas, cutting durable and non-durable trees, and disposing technical and production wastes, and those of construction and demolition in wild areas, are strictly prohibited,” Al Suwaidi said.

“Disposal of waste water and used oils in sewer systems, overgrazing, leaving animals unattended, killing and harming wild animals, destroying geological formations, driving randomly over weeds and green areas, dumping wastes, and leaving foods and barbecue wastes behind are also banned.”

In November 2012, 14 infiltrators of different Asian nationalities were caught from the Mangrove Protected Area of Khor Kalba.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

Published: Thu 24 Oct 2013, 9:53 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 4:16 AM

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