The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has commenced the implementation of the Ministerial Decision No 501 of 2015 regulating the fishing and trading of Arabian Sheri (emperor fish) and Safi (rabbitfish) during the breeding period starting from 1st March to 30th April 2018.

The decision stipulates that trading of local or imported Sheri and Safi fish is prohibited in fish markets and outlets during the breeding season of every year in the country. Importing and re-exporting of these fish in any form (fresh, frozen, salted, smoked, packed) is also not allowed during this period. 

The decision is in line with MOCCAE’s strategic goal of enhancing food diversity, as it helps sustain the stock of Sheri and Safi, which are among the most important local fish that are hugely draining due to uncontrolled fishing during breeding season, which in turn denies the opportunity to rebuild its natural stocks.

MOCCAE works side-by-side with its strategic partners from federal and local entities, environmental authorities and fishermen societies, to implement the decision and raise awareness among the targeted segment of the importance of sustaining fish stocks by banning fishing of certain species during their breeding seasons.

To achieve the goal of the decision, MOCCAE urges fishermen and beachgoers to send Sheri and Safi fish back to water if they are caught in their fishing gear by mistake.