Fishing net rule eased

Abu Dhabi emirate has regulated the use of a seine type of net locally known as 'Halaaq' for fishing migratory species.

According to Environmental Research and Wildlife Develop-ment Agency (ERWDA), the decision to regularise the use of the net, also known as 'Lampara', comes under a decree issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as the Deputy Chairman of the Agency.

"Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the Environmental Research and Wildlife Develop-ment Agency has issued a decree allowing the use of a Lampara net, under a specific regulation to fish migratory species in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," ERWDA announced yesterday.

This Lampara or Halaaq is a kind of seine-net that encircles fish, with floats at the top and weights at the bottom edge usually hauled ashore.

A statement from the agency said: "Fishing by the Lampara is considered an alternative method to the drift net (Al Hayali), famously known as the web of death, which is banned locally, regionally and internationally."

The Al Hayali was banned in 2000 under an Emiri Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in his capacity as the Chairman of the ERWDA.

Al Hayali has devastating consequences, trapping all fish indiscriminately.

The type, which may stretch more than a kilometre, is known to destroy rare and endangered species such as sea turtles, dugongs in addition to damaging the coral reef.

Fishing by Halaaq or Lampara has now been permitted as a less destructive alternative to harvesting migratory species, of which the most important is the Kingfish. Fishermen must get a licence for the use of the net, which is valid for a year from November to the end of April. The specifications of the net include limiting its length to 700 metres or less, with a maximum mesh size of up to 7.5 centimetres.

"During operation, the net should either be used as an encircling net or fixed in place by anchors," the new regulation stipulates.

The use of these nets is allowed only for fishermen carrying valid fishing licences and is limited to four specific areas off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

"Any infringement on this decree will be violation of articles (23) and (26) of the Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 on Apropos Exploitation, Protection and Development of Marine Bio-Resources in the UAE, and offenders will be subject to punishment according to Article 52 under the same law," the statement warned.

All fishermen wishing to operate a Halaaq are advised to contact the ERWDA and submit their applications for the permits. Fishermen from Abu Dhabi should bring two passport size photographs and a copy of their commercial fishing licence.

Fishermen from other emirates also need copies of their passports and their personal identification cards in addition to the two photographs and a copy of the commercial fishing licence.

Last May, Abu Dhabi banned recreational fishing without a licence in order to protect the marine wealth from being exploited. The ERWDA implemented the regulation on May 4 to fulfil the legislative obligations stated in the same law.

Article 25 of the Federal Law No. 23 stipulates: "The following operations may not be carried out except after obtaining a special written permit from the authorities concerned:

- Diving with the purpose of fishing ornamental fish.

- Practice marine sports for fishing contests, or use tools of marine sports which are related to marine resources.

- Establish and invest in marine bio-resource farms."