Dubai fishing buffs told to get licences

Dubai Municipality has asked all fishing enthusiasts in Dubai who use the hook and line to fish near the beaches and Creekside to obtain a 'recreational fishing licence' in line with a federal law aimed at protecting marine wealth.

Redha Hassan Salman, Head of the Environment Protection and Safety Section at the Environment Department, said the licence would be issued free of charge and the procedures are simple.

He noted that the move was aimed at organising recreational fishing in terms of the areas and timings that are allowed for hook-and-line-fishing.

Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 pertaining to the use, protection and development of the marine wealth and Articles 20 and 22 of the bylaw suggest that competent authorities in each emirate shall take appropriate measures to implement provisions of the law.

"Dubai Municipality, being the body responsible for implementing this law in the emirate, has introduced this move so that we first get the data of all recreational fishing enthusiasts.

As there are a large number of people who practice this hobby right now in Dubai, we want to organise this by laying down certain conditions such as the areas and the timings of such fishing in order to protect the marine wealth. For instance, such fishing will not be allowed in the fish reproduction season," said Mr. Salman.

Applicants must submit copies of their passport, vehicle registration, driving licence, labour card (expatriates) and two small photographs, along with the application form which is available at the Marine and Sanctuaries Unit of the section (Tel: 04-2064260).

Salman added that the licence is valid only for hook-and-line-fishing. The licence holders are not allowed to fish in protected areas, areas designated for swimming, shipping lanes, and near private properties.

They are also not allowed to catch crabs, squids, and small fish. Littering will be punishable under the law.

The original licence should be retained with the holder at the time of fishing and should be produced to a municipal official upon request. The safety of others should also be taken into consideration while using the hook and line.

The municipality has made it mandatory for recreational fishing enthusiasts who use boats to obtain a licence from the section. This licence is also free of charge.