In line with ongoing efforts to support the UAE’s fisheries sector, His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, today met with members of the fishermen society in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and listened to their key concerns and challenges. The meeting is in line with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in his Letter of the New Season, to ministers and government officials to be seen working on the field to resolve the issues people face.
During the meeting at the Environment Protection & Development Authority (EPDA) of Ras Al Khaimah, the Minister reiterated the importance of preserving the country’s fish stocks and protecting fishing, one of the oldest professions in the region and a key contributor to the UAE GDP.
His Excellency commended the fishermen’s contributions to the national economy, and assured them of the Ministry’s support and commitment to creating a productive and enabling work environment for them in addition to equipping them with the tools and skills they need to practice their profession.
Furthermore, His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi highlighted the importance of adhering to the ministerial decrees and commended the fishermen’s contribution to achieving MOCCAE's sustainable development strategy. Emphasizing the Ministry’s keenness in protecting natural fish reserves in the country, he also outlined the significant steps taken to creating safe breeding grounds for marine life as part of its policy framework.
Speaking on the visit, Salah Al-Raisi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Aquaculture Sector at MOCCAE, said: “The Ministry’s efforts at following up and supporting diverse sectors is part of a well thought-out strategy to streamline operations and promote their overall productivity. Such efforts help ensure optimal efficiency and sustainability across all sectors in line with the goals of the UAE Vision 2021.”
For his part, Dr Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, Director General of Environment Protection & Development Authority of Ras Al Khaimah, said: “This meeting reinforces the efforts of MOCCAE and EPDA to work for the well-being of the emirate’s fishermen, and further enhance ties between the fishermen, the government, and other key stakeholders of the fisheries sector.
“In line with the commitment of MOCCAE to provide the country’s fishermen with best-in-class services in a convenient and transparent manner, the Ministry routinely implements and revises laws related to the fisheries sector to increase its productivity and contribute to its long-term sustainability.”
Following the meeting with the fishermen, His Excellency Dr Al-Zeyoudi visited the fish market in Ras Al-Khaimah, accompanied by His Excellency Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary, Regions Sector at MOCCAE, Salah Al Raisi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary, Biodiversity & Marine Life Sector at MOCCAE, and His Excellency Munther Al Zaabi, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality. The Minister was briefed on the improvements made to the fish market in keeping with the latest standards of health and food safety.
His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi directed MOCCAE officials to extend the necessary assistance to the fishermen and traders to overcome the challenges they face and ensure their ability to continue practicing their profession in compliance with the laws of the country.
As direct beneficiaries of the country's marine wealth, the fishermen and traders conveyed their dedication to abiding by the relevant legislations that aim to boost marine sustainability and ensure food security for present and future generations in line with the UAE Vision 2021.