The Ministry of Environment and Water has met with a group of fishermen in Khan, Sharjah, to discuss the current status of fisheries in the UAE and ways to organize their use and develop the fishing profession in order to reduce the depletion of this natural resource. The visit falls in line with the strategic directives of the Ministry to achieve food security and maintain the fishing profession.

Salah Al Raisi, Director of Fisheries, Ministry of Environment and Water, mentioned at the beginning of the meeting that the Ministry is committed to extend full support through cooperation and ongoing collaboration with end-users such as fishermen, to help preserve and develop fisheries in the country and maintain the sustainability of this vital resource which has a high economic and social significance for all individuals of this profession or other relevant professions. Al Raisi further confirmed that the continuity of the fishing profession is subject to sustainability of fisheries.

 The meeting highlighted the latest updates in the field work and the status of fishing in the region, also the need to promote the capabilities of workers to continue to fish and at the same time upkeep their fishing tools. The meeting also touched on several other aspects such as ministerial decisions concerning the regulation of fishing profession and explaining the terms and conditions, namely the Ministerial Decision No (656) of 2014 for regulating fishing by nets. The decision was updated based on Ministerial Decision No (482) of 2013 which identifies the features of nets to be used, and also classifies fishermen in accordance to their fishing tools either by nets or fish cages. The new decision was issued in line with efforts to regulate the use of fisheries wealth while taking into consideration the economic feasibility of fishermen and contributing to sustainability of fish resources. A large segment of the society depends on fishing by ‘Al Halak’ nets and stops working by end of season, while another segment works year-long and thereby requires finding a balance between them and enabling all fishermen to make best of their profession.

 Al Raisi added that the ministry is intensifying its efforts to promote sustainability of the fishing industry in the UAE and increase its contribution to national food security by launching regulations, decrees, initiatives and projects to stop the continuing deterioration of fisheries. Al Raisi added that decisions regulating the fishing profession will have a positive impact in the coming years by contributing to enhancing fish reserves in the country, which will be of great benefit to the fishermen.

 At the end of the meeting, Rashid Boukraa thanked the Ministry for their visit and communication with the fishermen. The meeting was attended by Ibrahim Al Abdouli, Khamis Al Shahi, Khaled Al Muhairi, Hazim Al Falahi, Naser Al Suwaidi and other fishermen. Ashraf Al Gergawi, fishery researcher, was present at the meeting, representing the Ministry.