The department of public services in Ras Al Khaimah has reported 114 cases of excessive fishing and illegal collection of shellfish from the northern emirate's creeks this year.

Ahmad Mohammed Al Hammadi, director-general of the department, said they have intensified inspection raids on all the creeks. "The creeks are natural sanctuaries where fish reproduce and grow."

Official records show that most of the violations were recorded in April which saw 21 breaches. "These are in comparison to 20 in September, 19 in August, 14 in January, 12 in July, 11 in June, seven in March, five in May and February."

The department, as per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, strictly protects the emirate's fisheries and cracks down all types of excessive fishing. The department has also launched several campaigns to develop amateur fishermen's awareness at the RAK creeks. "The ban spans all types of fishing and shellfish collection at specific areas in the RAK creek, Al Muairidh, Al Jazirat Al Hamra, and Al Rams."

Ahmed Hamad Al Shehi, an advisor to the department, said they have enforced several penalties against violators. "Fines ranging between Dh500 to Dh5,000 will be enforced on violators."

Special patrols have been launched to monitor and control any illegal fishing in the creeks, he added. "Such raids have helped cut down violations that create a negative impact on the emirate's fisheries. All the marine areas in the emirate are under stricter monitoring to prevent any violations.

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