New fishing law takes effect tomorrow

Federal Fisheries Law No. 23 for 1999 on protection and development of marine resources comes into force tomorrow after one year's grace for fishermen to put their matters on order.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Fishing Regulatory Committees will join hands to reinforce the law, issued by President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and sanctioned by the Federal National Council after consultations with concerned bodies and with the assistance of international experts.

Ahmed Al Genahi, head of Fisheries Department at the Ministry, said the law would help streamline fishing procedure and preserve and develop the country's marine resources and environment by encouraging traditional methods of fishing.

"The new legislation serves interests of local fishermen, encourages more nationals to join the commercially viable fishing industry, curb malpractices like fishing small fishes, over fishing and using fishing methods that are harmful to fish stock and marine environment," he said, adding that new rational fishing methods would be introduced to serve purposes of preserving and developing fish reserves and meet local demand.

The 64-article law is a very importance step towards emiratisation of the fishing profession. Committees have already been formed in all emirates to ensure smooth enforcement of the law. The committees, comprising representatives the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Communications, Coast Guard and Fishermen's Society, will keep records of various types of fishing boats, their size, manufacturing date, navigational equipment and safety measures on board.

Article No. 31 of the law stipulates that no UAE fishing boat shall be allowed to sail without a national captain or owner at the helm. The law also bans fishing during breeding seasons. Types and size of fishes not to be caught and duration of the ban will be determined by the ministry and the local authorities concerned.

"Fishing of sea turtles, collecting their eggs, and fishing of whales, dugong and other endangered species are prohibited," an article said.