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Two fishermen nabbed with 539 banned Sheri fish in RAK

Ras Al Khaimah - Up to 400 Sheri fish were seized from the first fisherman, and 139 with the second one.

The Environment Protection and Development Authority, Ras Al Khaimah, has nabbed two fishermen with 539 Sheri fish while getting out of the Fisherman's Wharf.
"Up to 400 Sheri fish were seized from the first fisherman, and 139 with the second one," said Dr Saif Al Ghais, director-general of the Environment Protection and Development Authority, RAK.
Fishing and selling Sheri and Safi fish are banned in March and April annually, he added. "They will be allowed to catch these local fish from May 1."
A hefty fine has been slapped on the erring fishermen, he pointed out. "As per the cabinet decree, the licence of the erring fishermen can be suspended."
The confiscated fish have been sent to the labs for necessary tests, he said. "All fishermen are strictly observing the two-month fishing ban of Sheri and Safi fish, though.
"The three-month ban started from March 1 and will end on April 30," he said. "The environment patrols are keeping an eye on the coasts of the emirate and go for inspections on a regular basis."
The ban decisions are for fishermen's interest, he explained. "They help sustain their income, particularly with the reported drop of some types of fish as is the case with Sheri and Safi fish."
As per a recent study, some types of local fish, including Sheri and Safi need to grow to reproduce, and reach certain size and weight, Dr Ghais elaborated. "It is the responsibility of us all to keep the fish wealth for new generations."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com