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Ministry allows use of Al Halag

DUBAI — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Saeed Mohammed Al Raghabani yesterday issued a Decree No. 8 of the year 2006 permitting the use of a long fishing net locally called Al Halag ‘Al Tahweet’ at the middle district — Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain.

The 700-metre-long fishing nets, to be used for catching fish, should be at a six-mile distance from the sea coast. As per the decree, fishermen who have licences and approval by the fishing organising committees are allowed to use the fishing nets from October 1 to April 15. Al Halg fishing nets should be used to catch immigrant fish only.

The guidelines for fishermen include details on types of fishing nets and cages to be used for catching fish, details of protected and reserved areas, fishing season and endangered species such as turtles, dolphins, dugong etc. prohibited for fishing among others.

Fishermen have also been directed not to target endangered and protected species or create any sort of hindrances to the general public. Besides, sea surfers and skaters have been told not to interfere with fishing areas, fishing gears, harbour signal buoys, shipping channels, marine reserve areas, oil exploration activities, military training and shooting areas. The fishermen should submit statistics about their fishing activities.

The Fishery Resources Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries should supervise the implementation of the decision which will be effective from September 14, 2005.

• UAE