The Ministry of Environment and Water has affirmed its continuing commitment towards the protection and development of the UAE’s aquatic resources and the efficient management of the local marine environment—ensuring the full protection of fish livestock against overfishing and the extinction of certain fish species. The shark, in particular, is one of the species that have been given top priority by the Ministry of Water and Environment’s Fisheries and Biodiversity divisions in terms of protection against the adverse impacts of bad fishing practices. The shark plays an important role in the local marine ecosystem along with mangrove trees, coral reefs and sea grass. The Ministry has placed great importance on the preservation of the shark species and has committed to keeping the animals healthy, strong and to enable healthy reproduction for future generations.

Salah Al Raisi, Director of Fisheries, Ministry of Environment and Water, explained the Ministry’s string commitment towards the protection and development of the country’s living aquatic resources. He shared that the Ministry of Environment and Water issued a decision to regulate the fishing and trading of sharks and the requirements needed for catching certain shark species--along with the accepted fishing tools and allowable number per fishing expedition. The decision also covers the identified specific locations to catch sharks, which must be no less than five nautical miles from the shores of the country and about three nautical miles from the offshore islands. The Ministry has also identified specific shark species based on a list from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) that are not allowed to be captured and sold. Lastly, the decision has also included new guidelines and standards on the importation, trading and re-exporting of sharks. In line with this, the Ministry has urged local fishermen to comply with the country’s set standards, regulations and approved regulatory decisions of the fishing industry in order to preserve local fish stock and protect it from further depletion.