RAK's drive against illegal fishing

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RAKs drive against illegal fishing
Fishermen selling banned fish will be fined and asked to sign undertakings that they will never sell the fish again.

Ras Al Khaimah - As illegal fishing has been reported excessively, the Environment Protection and Development Authority is all set to enforce tighter action against these 'amateur fishermen'.

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Published: Thu 14 Apr 2016, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 15 Apr 2016, 9:21 AM

An unlicensed fisherman was held recently with 83 tuna fish, which he was intending to sell in the emirate.
As illegal fishing has been reported excessively, the Environment Protection and Development Authority is all set to enforce tighter action against these 'amateur fishermen'.
Dr. Saif Al Ghais, Executive Director of the authority, said many such fishermen were caught with excess fish, which is a violation of the 'picnic fisherman' licence they hold.
Dr Ghais said staff inspectors have lately nabbed nine fish sellers, all Asians, while selling large amounts of banned small fishes at the RAK fish market.
"All the erring sellers were fined and forced to sign undertakings never to repeat the violation."
As such, amateur fishermen shall be permitted to fish an amount of fish determined by the type of boat and number of people onboard.
All the licensed picnic boats and amateur fishermen shall go through full inspection to ensure their compliance with the new set regulations, Al Ghais said. Investigations show that some amateur fishermen are using banned fishing tools, which adds to "the phenomenon of excessive fishing."
Khalifa Al Muhairi, Khalifa Saif Al Muhairi, chairman of the RAK fishermen society, said the amateur fishermen's activities badly affect the income of professional fishermen.
Some fish sellers and restaurants illegally cooperate with them and buy the fish they collect against low price, he said.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com


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