The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water in partnership with the Co-operative Associations for Fishermen in Dibba, the UAE Coast Guard, and the Committee of Fishing Organization in Fujairah, held today (Sunday, 2 November, 2014) a forum for fishermen in Fujairah to discuss the current situation of fishing as well as listen to their views and proposals. The meeting comes in line with the Ministry’s keenness to support the continuity of the fishing profession and maintain the sustainability of living aquatic resources such as fisheries in the region as an embodiment of the UAE Vision 2021.

The meeting began with an opening note by H.E. Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary of Water Resources and Conservation, UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, who welcomed H.E. Abdullah Ahmad Al Dally, Chairman, Committee of Fishing Organization in Fujairah; Suleiman Rashid Khamis Al Khadim Al Antaly, Vice President, Cooperative association for Fishermen in the UAE and President of the Association Council; representatives of protect vital installations; the UAE Coast Guards; and all the fishermen for attending the forum.

H.E. Alwan emphasized that the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water is keen to extend its support to UAE fishermen and help them maintain their profession. It also seeks to develop fisheries through continuous cooperation and coordination with various cooperative societies for fishermen in the country. During the session, the Ministry listened to the views and proposals along with the requirements of the fishermen and praised their efforts to protect fisheries. He pointed out that such meetings are vital for strengthening partnership and cooperation between fishermen and the concerned officials for the development of their profession for future generations while maintaining a sustainable national reserve of fisheries, one of the most important living resources.

During the meeting, H.E. Alwan reiterated that the Ministry will provide complete support to fishermen to ensure that their requirements are fulfilled and at the same time highlighted the importance of regulating the profession to ensure continuity. He further pointed out that the Ministerial decision to regulate the fishing process is within its framework to preserve the marine environment and ensure the sustainability of living aquatic resources.

The forum discussed Ministerial Decree No. (656) for the year 2014 released in October regarding organizing fishing using fishing nets, with some fishermen calling for an amendment of the decision in accordance with their needs and work realities. H.E. Alwan explained that the Ministry wants to involve fishermen and listen to their needs before and after the issuance of legislation. He assured that the Ministry’s Technical Teams are studying and evaluating the legislation and will soon come up with their report in order to find solutions that will satisfy all parties, especially fishermen. He also added that the Ministry is working on several projects to enhance the sustainability of the fishing profession and living aquatic resources.

H.E. Alwan said that the Ministry issued Ministerial Decree No. (656) for the year 2014, which had been developed according to the requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (482) for the year 2013, to determine the type of nets used and classify fishermen according to the type of fishing gear such as net or fishing traps. The decision was taken to slow down the depletion of fisheries and organizing the fishing profession, taking into account the feasibility for fisherman from the fishing operation.

 During the meeting, the ‘Vice Captain’ issue was also discussed. H.E. Alwan confirmed the UAE policy implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Water regarding the localization of the fishing profession to maintain the practice among citizens and preserve fishing wealth. The citizens exclusively benefit from being the Vice Captain. Law No. 23 of 1999 deals with the exploitation, protection and development of living aquatic resources. The regulation states that excluded groups are entitled to run boats through a citizen designated as a Vice Captain. Among the fishermen groups covered are the elderly, the disabled, and survivors, in addition to special cases such as the escorting patients. This was clarified after viewing the topic on fishing regulation committees. In addition, Vice Captain has to be 18 years old, of good health and behavior, knowledgeable in marine navigation, and has frequented the sea.