(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Daghwa fishing has been banned in parts of Ras Al Khaimah, by the emirates Environment Protection and Development Authority.
The move is meant to protect the UAEs marine life, particularly the smaller species. This type of surface fishing, in which a big net with small holes is thrown into the sea close to the coast, and then dragged in by fishermen or a vehicle at the beach, is so dangerous for young fish, Dr Saif Al Ghais, Director of the Environment Protection and Development Authority, RAK, said. The ban enforced along the coasts of the emirate from Al Rams Creek to the Red Island was issued as per decision No 471/2016, initially issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Daghwa fishing will be permitted for only licensed fishermen all year around. Fishermen support the ban
Sultan Al Shamsi, an Emirati fisherman, said the community is happy with the decision which puts an end to our suffering for over 10 years, during which we lost more than 600 Karkurs and Mashads two simple, local ways of fishing. Fixed or stationary fishing nets and structures on the seabed were destroyed by Daghwa fishing, he added, saying, the coral reefs, small fishes, and other marine creatures were badly affected by this indisciplined fishing. The ban is also being enforced on a vital area known for its large numbers of seabed fishes, Al Shamsi pointed out. The ban will help develop fish wealth in this area and boost reproduction in a clean environment. Yusuf Mohammed, another fisherman from Muairidh area, said the fishing ban has been much awaited. The national fish wealth suffered a sharp drop in the last few years from such illegal practices, he said. The stretch where the ban is effective is rich in coral reefs. The decision will protect these fragile reefs which attract different small types of fish, mainly during reproduction period, at low depths, Mohammed noted. Ibrahim Al Shehi, an Emirati fisherman, said Daghwa fishing is now only allowed on the coast stretching from Al Rams Creek to Al Jeer area, where the water is quite deep. This type of fishing, which drags in fish from the seabed, has almost entirely killed off some popular local fish species, including Al Yamah and Al Suli, he said.
Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.