Illegal fishing practice kills 20 dugongs in UAE

Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi is home to the world's second largest population of dugongs.

Twenty dugongs have washed ashore in Abu Dhabi since the beginning of the year, according to the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD). Of them, six were found recently on the coastline from Al Silaa to Ghantoot.
Abu Dhabi is home to the world's second largest population of dugongs - the only herbivore marine mammals - with around 3,000 found in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve.
The dugong carcasses were discovered by the EAD rangers who regularly patrol Abu Dhabi waters. A probe into the incident has found that the most probable cause of death was drowning via entanglement in unmanned and abandoned drift nets - an illegal fishing practice. This irresponsible act causes dugongs to be caught and ensnared in the lengthy netting. Last year, 15 dugongs were found dead during the same period.
Dugongs, along with their foraging habitats and their migratory routes in the UAE, have been protected under Federal Law No. 23 and No. 24 since 1999. As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species, the UAE has an international commitment to protect local dugong species. This represents an important pillar of the legacy of the nation's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to preserve and support global efforts towards environment protection.
Dr Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, executive director of terrestrial and marine biodiversity at the EAD, said: "The agency will continue to prioritise the protection of dugong habitats and ensure that enforcement of the laws continues to be applied strictly, in partnership with the Critical Infrastructure & Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA). We strongly urge all fishermen to cast their nets mindfully, prudently and responsibly and fish in a sustainable manner - in line with our local and federal laws."
Based on studies, other causes of death include habitat loss, marine pollution and collisions with speeding boats. Most of the deaths were reported during the winter season, which coincides with an increase in the level of fishing activity.
Interesting facts about dugongs
>They are the only marine mammals which are herbivorous
>The Arabian Gulf and Red Sea host around 7,000 dugongs
>They have been traditionally coveted by humans for their meat and oil
>Often referred to as 'sea cows' because they feed almost exclusively on seagrass
>They can eat up to 30kg of seagrass daily and can weigh anywhere between 230 and 500kg.
Dh50k fine for illegal fishing practice
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi has slapped over 40 fines for illegal fishing practices found during its inspections.
First-time offenders may receive fines of up to Dh50,000 and/or an imprisonment term of not less than three months, while second-time offenders may receive fines of up to Dh100,000 and/or an imprisonment term of not less than one year.
KT NANO EDIT
Protect them
How insensitive have we become towards other forms of life. Our mindless pursuits and consumption are taking a toll on flora and fauna, and disturbing the equilibrium of the planet that allows our survival on it in the first place. Dying dugongs on Abu Dhabi's shores should jolt us to action. The authorities can slap penalties, raise fines, but the onus to protect our marine habitats lies squarely on us. Nothing can absolve us of the crimes against such dying species. This planet is as much theirs as it is ours.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi