Ministry of Environment and Water Undersecretary H.E Abdel Rahim Mohammed Al Hammadi recently met with the president and members of the UAE Fishermen Cooperative Association to discuss the best ways to develop the fishing profession and address the needs of fishermen this 2016. The meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai comes in line with its efforts to unify the roles of all relevant parties to develop and conserve the sector for future generations. Such meetings aim to strengthen communications with the fishing industry to ensure the continuity of the fishing profession and maintain the sustainability of fish stocks. This is in accordance with the Ministry’s strategic goals of achieving food safety and promoting the sustainability of domestic production as key elements of UAE Vision 2021.

In welcoming the association, H.E. Al Hammadi commended the president and members for their efforts to preserve fisheries in the UAE. He also emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to support the fishing profession and develop domestic fish stock and living aquatic resources in coordination and collaboration with its key strategic partners.

H.E. assured that the Ministry will help fishermen face challenges, find solutions that serve the public’s best interests, and establish a balance between the sustainability of fisheries and the continuity of the profession. He pointed out the importance of working as a team with the local fishermen to ensure environmental sustainability. He expressed gratitude for the group’s   support for all Ministry-issued regulations and resolutions. He specifically cited Ministerial Resolution No. (501) for 2015 on regulating the fishing and selling of lethrinus nebulosus and siganus canaliculatus during their reproductive season from March 1 until April 30 of each year.

H.E. Ali Al Mansouri, President of the UAE Fishermen Cooperative Association and President of the Abu Dhabi Fishermen Cooperative Society, said: “We would like thank the Ministry of Environment and Water for its continued support and close cooperation with the local fishermen. Such collaboration will ensure that our needs will be met for the benefit of the entire fishing industry. All fishermen cooperative societies in the UAE renew their commitment to work in line with the national efforts aimed at preserving fishery resources though adherence to relevant Ministry resolutions and regulations.”   

The meeting also discussed the important role of regulations and their enforcement in preserving living aquatic resources and developing the standards and services offered to the fishermen such as the provision of fishing gears and equipment. The regulations will promote the economic and social significance of the fishing sector, reduce fishing costs, and support the fishing profession.

The meeting was also attended by H.E. Suleiman Al Khadim, Vice President of the UAE Fishermen Cooperative Association, along with other members of the association.