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Ras Al Khaimah - The RAK marine patrols of the department of public works and services here have finally nabbed a gang of illegal fishermen while catching a large amount of banned shells, locally known as 'Dook'.
According to a top official, staff inspectors of the 'Raqib Khiran' or 'Monitor Creeks' patrols seized up to 620kg of shells, worth Dh30,000, from the gang late on Wednesday night.
Eng Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director of the RAK Public Works and Services Department, said the whole amount has been confiscated whereas the fishermen were referred to the RAK Municipality for legal action.
"The civic body has slapped a hefty fine (unidentified) on the erring fishermen who proved to be Asians and were all referred to the RAK Public Prosecution for tough penalty."
Ahmed Al Shehi, manager of public services at the department, said it would not have been possible to catch the 'Dook Mafia' without the sincere assistance from a group of Emirati nationals here.
"When alerted, the marine patrols tracked down the illegal fishermen until they got out of the beach to sell the amounts of shells collected somewhere else, and apprehended them red-handed."
This is actually the first time to seize this big amount of shells which were caught in violation of set rules and regulations, he added. "The public are urged to report any illegal practices like these to the department hotline (8008118)
Khalifa Al Muhairi, head of the RAK Fishermen Cooperative Society, said 1kg of banned Dook shells costs Dh50 in black market. "This is due to the high quality of the Emirati Dook shells, as well as their delicious taste and numerous health benefits."
The seized 620kg of Dook shells, valued at over Dh30,000, poses a grave risk to marine life and balance, he added. "This big amount has only been confiscated in one operation."
Illegal fishermen adopt misleading techniques to avoid surveillance and trade in the banned shells and marine creatures, Al Muhairi warned. "They directly sell most of the good quality shells to hotels and restaurants."
Dr Saif Al Ghais, executive director of the environment protection and development authority in Ras Al Khaimah, said the Dook shells play an important role in purifying the water of the sea. "Limited fishing of shells is only allowed in specific seasons, excluding their reproduction periods."
Late in November 2014, Shaikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, ordered the formation of the first of its kind marine environment patrols to curb illegal fishermen and protect the natural marine sanctuaries of the northern emirate.
"The marine patrols are working 12 hours a day in the first phase from 5pm to 5am. These hours have seen the most fishing violations in the RAK creeks over the last period," said Al Hammadi.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
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