The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has issued a ban on fishing for specific species of fish during their breeding season.
The ban prohibits the fishing of Gold lined Seabream (Rhabdosargus Sarba) and King Soldier Bream (Argyrops Spinifer) across the UAE from 1 to 28 February for the next three years (2021, 2022 and 2023). Fishermen that do happen to accidentally catch these fish during this timeline need to let them back into the ocean.
The sale of these species of fish is also prohibited during this period.
Due to the high demand of Arabian Safi (Rabbitfish) and Sheri (Emperor) in the UAE, a ban for five years had been previously put in place for these fish during their breeding season. The validity of the ban has now come to an end.
Halima Al Jasmi, Head of the Fisheries Section at MoCCAE said, "The Resolution is part of the Ministry’s efforts to regulate commercial fishing to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in UAE waters with the aim of enhancing the country’s food security. During the ban period, these species will be able to replenish their stocks to a sustainable level."