The Ministry of Environment & Water discussed the challenges and difficulties facing the fishing profession with Al –Hamriyah Cooperative Association for Fishermen. These challenges lies in the decrease of fish stock in the recent years and its impact on the income of fishermen, which requires the establishment of necessary procedures and measures for better exploitation of Fisheries in the country. During the meeting, the topic regarding the situation of the fishermen and the services provided for them regionally, was covered. The meeting held in the Ministry in Dubai, was attended by His Excellency Sultan Bin Alwan, the Undersecretary for Water Resources and Nature Conservation Agency, His Excellency Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi, the Undersecretary for Supporting Services, and Mr. Salah Abdullah, the Director of the Fisheries Department at the Ministry.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Mr. Saif Khalifa Al Shamsi, the Head of the Association, praised the efforts and services provided by the Ministry for the fishing sector. He also praised the wise decision by the Ministry regarding withholding the issuance of new fishing boats licenses which specifies the fishing density, and urged the ministry to consider other actions to protect and develop the UAE fish stock.
During the meeting, the importance of fisheries in the United Arab Emirates was discussed, for its the most important natural resource available in the waters of the State. It also represents an economic and social importance through enhancing food security, and as a source of livelihood for segments of society such as the fishermen community and other professions associated with fishing.
Furthermore, the Ministry emphasizes on localizing the fishing profession and encourage national fishermen to continue practicing this ancient profession, through establishing many procedures and measures that would regulate fishing, and would protect and develop the fish stocks available.
The upcoming services provided to fishermen as well as development frameworks for such services were discussed. Since the Ministry is concerned with encouraging full-time fishermen who practice the profession by themselves to maintain and preserve this traditional profession. In addition, the Ministry discussed with the Association the subject of infrastructure development for the fishing sector in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works. That would be established through the equipping fishing ports in the country, to facilitate fishing boats anchoring, to maintain fishermen equipment, and loading and unloading their fishing gear during trips and operations.
The role played by fishermen associations was emphasized for the importance in guiding fishermen and directing them for better exploitation of fisheries and how to conserve it, as well as how to avoid wrong practices and adhere to the provisions of the Federal Law No. 23 for the year 1999 regarding the Exploitation, Protection and Development of Living Aquatic Wealth, its regulations and decisions governing the fishing profession.