The Supreme Committee for the Exploitation, Protection and Development of Living Aquatic Resources held its second meeting of this year, presided over by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
The event drew the participation of Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, Her Excellency Asilah Abdullah Al Mualla, Director-General of the Fujairah Environment Authority, His Excellency Dr Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, Director General of the Environmental Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, Her Excellency Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Her Excellency Aisha Mohamed Belharfia, Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and Eng Khalid Moeen Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Public Health and Environment Sector at Ajman Municipality and Planning Department. His Excellency Dr Nasir Sultan, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector, and Ahmed Alzabi, Director of the Fisheries Sustainability Department, represented the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
The Council members reviewed the latest developments on issues related to fishermen and their services. The agenda featured presentations on Abu Dhabi’s experience in regulating fishing activities, suggestions for empowering women in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, and regulations for exporting certain aquatic species.
During the meeting, Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri pointed out that aquatic resources are essential for the country’s food security – a priority for MOCCAE that has taken on new importance given the current global situation. She also noted the key role of the Committee in safeguarding the sustainability of local fish stocks – one of the most important food sources in the country.
The Minister stressed that the UAE has implemented multiple initiatives aimed at enabling women to succeed in diverse fields, noting the efforts of the Ministry and its strategic partners to boost the participation of Emirati women in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Her Excellency commended the contributions of all federal and local government entities across the country concerned with the sector to enhancing the sustainability of living aquatic resources and strengthening food security. She also thanked the Committee members for their cooperation and encouraged them to continue to propose recommendations to ensure alignment and to promote the conservation and sustainable use of living aquatic resources in the UAE.