UAE minister urges fishermen to follow regulations to preserve fish stocks

Abu Dhabi - Minister highlights need for fishermen to follow regulations to preserve fish stocks.

Ismail Sebugwaawo

Published: Tue 9 Feb 2021, 3:58 PM

Last updated: Tue 9 Feb 2021, 4:03 PM

The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has been working with local authorities to develop laws that will regulate commercial fishing to protect marine life and preserve fish stocks, the country’s environment minister said on Tuesday.

Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, told members of the Federal National Council (FNC) that currently, the ministry has been implementing bans on catching young fish or selling some fish species during certain periods to help protect marine life, ensure the sustainability of fish stocks, and boost food security.

“It was necessary to intensify campaigns to educate fishermen on the importance of adhering to the fishing regulations, and to realise that any decisions taken in this regard is mainly in the public interest and to protect the fishermen’s source of livelihood,” Al Nuami said.

He added: “In formulating these regulations, the ministry takes into consideration the interests of fishermen, but the top priority is given to the interests and security of the UAE and the sustainability of its food stocks, which are more important than the fisherman’s access to small fish as live bait.”

The minister was responding to a question from FNC member Shatha Saeed Al Naqbi on what the ministry was doing to protect marine life in a way that doesn’t affect the fishermen’s livelihoods.

To support fishermen, Al Naqbi presented a proposal to compensate fishermen during periods when they are not allowed to catch certain fish.

Last month, the MOCCAE issued a decision, regulating the fishing and trade of certain species of fish during their breeding season.

The decision prohibits the fishing of goldlined seabream (Rhabdosargus sarba) and king soldier bream (Argyrops spinifer) across the UAE from February 1 to 28. It also bans the sale of these species, regardless of their origin, in all fish markets and retail outlets over the same period.

“The decision to regulate commercials fishing primarily aims to protect marine life and preserve fish stocks to ensure food security, especially the ban on small and young fish as there are various other suitable ways of fishing. During the ban period, these species will be able to replenish their stocks to a sustainable level,” Al Nuaimi said.

In 2019, the MOCCAE banned the fine-fishing nets locally known as ‘Gargoor’ from the waters of Abu Dhabi to mitigate the degradation of demersal fish stocks and promote efforts to achieve sustainable fisheries.

The move was part of a comprehensive plan to ensure the protection and recovery of fisheries in Abu Dhabi emirate and in line with the recommendations, studies and monitoring programs of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com