In a bid to preserve the UAE's marine heritage, a decree was issued on 18 April, 2007 forbidding commercial fishing boats from operating in Abu Dhabi waters, without the boat owner on board.
The decree was issued by H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and is effective immediately. A period of 3 months will be given to owners of Tarads, while 6 months will be given to owners of Lanshes, to carry out the necessary arrangements to comply with this decision. The decision emphasizes compliance with Article (31) of Law No. 23 for 1999 pertaining to the Protection and Development of Marine Resources of the UAE.
However, the decree takes into consideration that the boat owner may be an elderly person, a widower or children who have inherited ownership of the boat from a deceased parent. Therefore, the decision states that only in these cases may the Nokhatha (Captain) or a close relative substitute for the boat owner on board.
The participation of foreign fishermen and the non-involvement of national boat owners in fishing activities has directly contributed to the problem of over-fishing and irresponsible fishing practices.
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure the preservation of and sensible utilization of the fish resources in the emirate and to develop a responsive and well regulated policy and institutional environment for the fishery sector consistent with the principles of sustainable development.
By issuing this decree, the Government hopes to encourage UAE national fishermen and allow them the opportunity to become active partners in the conservation, protection and sustainable exploitation of the fishery resources. These efforts are also aimed at establishing that commercial fishery is being carried out in a manner respectful of the environment.
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For Further Information, Please Contact:
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Environmental Education and Awareness Division
Laila Y. Al-Hassan or Sobhia El Masri
T: +9712 693-4638/637
F: +9712 681-7359
E: lalhasan@ead.ae or selmasri@ead.ae
www.ead.ae
© Press Release 2007
