UAE: Fisherman nets Dh50,000 fine in Abu Dhabi for overfishing

Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued an environmental violation at a fish landing site, imposing a fine of Dh50,000. The penalty was imposed after a recreational fisherman exceeded the permitted daily catch limit, having caught more fish than allowed. This action aligns with ongoing efforts to protect Abu Dhabi’s marine resources.

The issuance of the fine is part of EAD’s ongoing efforts to safeguard marine resources and ensure their sustainability for future generations. EAD has urged recreational fishermen and leisure boat owners to strictly comply with regulations to help preserve fish stocks.

In Abu Dhabi, recreational fishing boats that exceed the daily catch limit are required to obtain a commercial fishing licence, which they typically lack. Fishing without this licence constitutes an environmental violation punishable by a fine of Dh2,000. Repeat offenders face stricter penalties: a second offense results in the boat being impounded for a month, while a third offence leads to the suspension of the boat’s licence.

By enforcing these regulations, EAD aims to maintain the health and sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s marine resources, ensuring their long-term viability for future generations. The agency has also urged leisure boat owners to comply with all regulations and support environmental conservation efforts to prevent further violations and protect marine life.

Fishing seasons and regulations

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has designated specific months for fishing different fish species, taking into account their breeding seasons. These periods are categorized as “open season” and “closed season,” with the regulations as follows:

1. The fishing of shark species listed in Annexes (1), (2), and (3) of Ministerial Decision No. (43) of 2019 is prohibited year-round. Additionally, the possession and use of gill nets (Halaq) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai waters, as well as the use of gargoor traps in Abu Dhabi’s fishing waters, are banned throughout the year.

2. Fishing for anchovies and sardines is prohibited in July.

3. The use of gill nets (Halaq) is banned in the waters of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah from June to October.

4. The fishing and trade of Emperor fish (Bedah) are prohibited in Abu Dhabi’s fishing waters during April and May.

5. The fishing of shark species not listed in Annexes (1), (2), and (3) of Ministerial Decision No. (43) of 2019 is prohibited from March to June.

Regulation of recreational fishing in Abu Dhabi

EAD, as the competent environmental authority, recently issued a resolution to regulate and protect the environment in Abu Dhabi. The resolution, Board of Directors Decision No. (4) of 2023, governs recreational fishing in the emirate. This decision aims to support recreational fishing activities and promote marine sports in Abu Dhabi. The provisions of the resolution apply to recreational fishers and organizers of fishing competitions in Abu Dhabi’s marine waters. The resolution strictly prohibits recreational fishing and the organization of fishing competitions in Abu Dhabi’s waters without prior authorization from EAD.

The decision outlines that recreational fishing can be carried out either by individuals on foot or using leisure boats. Approved recreational fishing equipment includes fishing lines and rods, or spearfishing guns used while free diving (Hayari), as well as any other methods specified by EAD. The organization of fishing competitions is restricted to legal entities engaged in marine activities.

Recreational fishing and fishing competition licensing requirements

The resolution also sets the conditions for obtaining a recreational fishing licence, including:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Those under 18 may accompany an adult who holds a valid recreational fishing licence.

• Applications must be submitted to EAD via the “TAMM” government services platform, including all required documents for annual or weekly licences.

For fishing competition permits, the resolution mandates that the organizing entity must ensure safe event management by providing necessary safety equipment and any other requirements specified by EAD. Applications must include details such as the proposed location, date, and time of the event, targeted fish species and quantities, fishing methods, number of participants, and plans for handling the caught fish and marine life.

Licenced individuals must comply with all terms and conditions set by EAD regarding the number of people per trip, fishing locations, permissible fish species and quantities, and environmental, health, and safety requirements.

Additionally, when using spearfishing guns, the internationally recognized dive flag must be displayed. At least three individuals must be onboard (a driver and two licenced spearfishers) when engaging in spearfishing. Fishers must also report the details of their catch, including species and quantities, to EAD through designated reporting channels. Recreational fishing licences or fishing competition permits must be presented upon request by EAD officials or other relevant authorities. Furthermore, those engaging in spearfishing must hold a valid international freediving certification, which must be shown when requested.

The resolution strictly prohibits:

• The use of recreational fishing licences or fishing competition permits by unauthorized individuals.

• The sale or disposal of caught fish before returning to shore or reaching an anchorage or designated fish landing area.

• The retention of marine life for ornamental purposes.

Regarding allowable species and quantities in recreational fishing, the resolution mandates compliance with Ministerial Decision No. 580 of 2015, which prohibits the capture, sale, and marketing of undersized fish. The decision also enforces adherence to permissible fish lengths, seasons, and daily catch limits for 24 fish species, applicable per individual and per leisure boat, as outlined in the resolution’s annex.

Furthermore, the resolution prohibits the fishing, trading, retaining, or harming of the following marine species:

• Farsh fish

• Yellow-spotted trevally (Ashnino)

• Red coral fish

• Seahorses

• Parrotfish (Qeen)

• All shark and ray species

• Sea turtles

• Whales and dolphins

• Dugongs

• Coral reefs

By enforcing these regulations, EAD continues to strengthen its efforts to conserve Abu Dhabi’s marine biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of fish stocks for future generations.