Shark fishing banned in UAE

Sharks must not be caught in the United Arab Emirates until June 30.

The UAE Ministry of Climate and Environmental Change (MOCCAE) has banned shark fishing in the country from February 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018. This period coincides with the breeding period.

Salah Abdullah al-Raisi, director of the Department of Sustainable Fisheries at the MOCCAE, said the ban aims to reduce risks for rare species of sharks. He noted that sharks play a decisive role in maintaining a healthy living environment through the “cleaning” of reefs and hunting for weak and sick fish. This contributes to the conservation of coral reefs and marine populations.

“Up to 30 shark species live in the UAE’s waters, which are classified as threatened or already on the brink of extinction. Illegal fishing methods, the global spread of unethical and uncontrolled fishing methods, as well as increased shark fin trade, cause some shark species to become vulnerable. threat of extinction. Common efforts should be aimed at preventing this from happening, "Al-Raisi emphasized.

Ordinance No. 500 of 2014 restricts shark hunting in waters to at least five nautical miles from the shores of the UAE and at least three nautical miles from the islands of the UAE. It also prohibits fisheries listed in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species. The resolution also spelled out a mechanism for permitted catch.

Watch the video: IFAW Conducts Workshop in the UAE to Help Fight the Illegal Shark Fin Trade (March 2024).