ABU DHABI, 1st April, 2014 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Environment and Water, MoEW, has announced that it will be imposing tighter and stricter penalties for those caught violating the country?s fisheries laws and regulations.
Sultan Abdullah Alwan Al Hebsi, Assistant Under-Secretary of External Audit, MoEW, revealed that the Ministry will be submitting its amendments on the provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. 18 for 2012, which covers administrative sanctions, penalties and fines that regulate activities related to the fishing industry. The move is part of MoEW?s efforts to introduce tighter sanctions for those who violate the laws and impose a threat on the fisheries resources and the marine environment.
Al Hebsi added, "The imposition of stricter penalties is the result of a number of stakeholder meetings that the MoEW conducted. The research shows that local fishermen themselves have pointed out that the current penalties are insufficient as each fisherman can afford to pay these fines readily. The Ministry remains steadfast in its efforts to protect local living aquatic resources from over exploitation and environmentally damaging practices like the use of prohibited fishing gear and methods." The MoEW will also be imposing a fine of AED 5,000 for fishermen caught using nylon-type fishing nets or any kind of unauthorised nets. If the offense is repeated, the Ministry has the right to suspend the issued boat license for a period not exceeding six months, and after this period can also decide on cancelling the license entirely.
Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2014.
