Panel set up to regulate nylon net fishing

A new committee has been formed to regulate fishing using the "Al Dhagwa" (nylon) fish net and protect stock. The committee was formed by the Ministry of Agricul-ture and Fisheries and fishermen's associations in the East Coast.

The Kalba Fishermen's Associa-tion yesterday held a meeting to discuss the new rules for Al Dhagwa fishing. The nylon nets have tighter weaves some of which can even net the fingerlings.

The meeting was attended by Ibrahim Abdul Rahman, Director of the Eastern Agricultural Zone in Fujairah and head of the fishing organising committee in the East Coast, Sulaiman Al Kabouri, Director of the Khor Fakkan Fishermen's Association, Sulaiman Al Khadeem, Director of the Dibba Al Fujairah Fishermen's Association, Saif Saeed Hammad, Director of the Kalba Fishermen's Associa-tion, Lt. Col. Yousuf Darwish Al Harmi, Commander of the Marine Forces in Murbeh, Ibrahim Salem, Head of Fish Wealth at the Eastern Agricultural Zone, and other government officials and fishermen from the East Coast.

The officials decided to form a committee which starts activities tomorrow at the Al Ghurfa Fishermen's Association in Fujairah. Abdul Rahman highlighted the importance of cooperation between the authorities to benefit UAE national fishermen and protect fish stock.

He said: "It is important to discuss matters relating to the improvement of our fishing profession to keep alive a profession of our ancestors and enhance working conditions of national fishermen without harming stock."

Hammad stressed the need to activate cooperation between fishermen's associations in the East Coast, municipalities and marine forces to protect stock.

"We urge national fishermen to cooperate with each other, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to enhance their working conditions. We encourage them to continue with this noble profession," said Hammad.

Fishermen and other officials discussed the negative effects of Al Dhagwa fishing and suggested solutions to minimise its threat to fish stock.

Al Dhagwa is a big, long fishing net with very small holes. Fishermen used to fish with these nets at night and very close to the beach. The nets trap fish of different sizes. Fishermen used to pick the big fish and throw the small ones on the beach.

Salem said many meetings were arranged for the fishermen to enhance their awareness on how to use these nets.

Ahmed Juma Al Hora, Head of Sharjah Municipality's branch in Kalba, said the Al Dhagwa fishing net should not be longer than one kilometre with holes not narrower than two inches. The committee will hold meetings with fishermen on the amendments made to rules for Al Dhagwa fishing.