UAE and Bahrain renew marine resources pact

Abu Dhabi: Marine resources, including fish stocks in UAE-Bahrain waters, are expected to improve with the joint measures due to be taken under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Abu Dhabi and Bahrain authorities in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening, officials said.

The MoU, signed by the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the General Directorate for the Protection of Marine Resources (GDPMR) of Kingdom of Bahrain, envisages cooperation in the fields of wildlife, fisheries and marine environment.

Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD and Jassim Al Qaseer, Director General of GDMPR, signed the MoU.

Marine resources including fish stocks, especially the endangered and migratory species, will improve through the joint efforts to be taken under the MoU which was originally signed last year, Al Mansouri and Al Qaseer told reporters. "We are renewing the MoU which will be effective for four years," they said. Conservation measures of endangered species like dugongs will be enhanced by the joint efforts, Al Mansouri said. "A similar agreement with Qatar also supports such initiatives."

He added Abu Dhabi has been tracking the dugongs and their habitat since 1999 and satellite tracking of three dugongs has given valuable information for conservation efforts.

Al Qaseer said Bahrain will take tips from Abu Dhabi for tracking such endangered species.

The two organisations will cooperate in the conservation and development of fisheries, marine resources and environment in their areas of jurisdiction. They will also develop capabilities and techniques related to the management of biodiversity, particularly marine resources and wildlife and will exchange the experience in the strategies preparation and implementation.

A joint applied research in areas of common interest and establishing integrated databases will be other major steps.

The expertise in the field of legislation on environmental protection, conservation of marine resources and biodiversity will also be exchanged. They will also co-ordinate, particularly in areas related to regional and international conventions.