Illegal fishing in Abu Dhabi on the rise

An official at the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD) said fishing — both occupational and recreational — needs to be licensed.

“There are clear-cut rules and regulations regarding how, where and when you can go fishing. Fishing is pretty much regulated, but some people get away with it because their activities go unnoticed,” said the EAD official who requested not to be named.

Punishment

According to Federal Law number 23, people must get a licence issued by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. The penalty for fishing without a licence could range from a fine to confiscation of the fishing gear, and possibly a jail term.

But most anglers are not aware of the rules. “Today is a good day to catch fish because of the weather. Fishing is easy when the waters are choppy,” said Malim Khang, a worker from Vietnam.

Khang and many others like him said they didn’t know that one needed a licence for recreational fishing in Abu Dhabi.

“Is it illegal? I have fished here many times. How come no one ever stopped me,” asked Filipino Joseph Santos, 34, as he expertly baited a hook and threw the line into the water.

The Ministry of Environment and Water has announced a two-month ban from April to June on catching Al Badah, a popular variety of fish consumed in the UAE. Such regulations are in place to protect several dwindling species like hamour, farsh and sheri.