Video: Here's why thousands of dead fish washed ashore on UAE beach

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 Video: Heres why thousands of dead fish washed ashore on UAE beach

Ras Al Khaimah - Investigations are on to identify the fishermen behind this excessive fishing.

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Published: Tue 8 May 2018, 11:57 AM

Last updated: Wed 9 May 2018, 9:27 AM

Residents near Al Rams area were in for a huge shock when they saw thousands of dead sardines washed up over 1.6 km of the sea stretch on Monday.
A video of shoals of dead sardines, locally known as Ouma, has also gone viral on social media.
An investigation has been launched by the Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah to ascertain the reason behind the fish deaths.
Dr Saif Al Ghais, executive director of the authority, said they held a meeting late on Monday with its staff inspectors and controllers of fishing at the area where the dead fish were seen. "A specialised team was immediately dispatched to the scene."

Initial investigations indicated the sardines died as some fishermen collected more amounts of fish than their capacity, he explained, adding that the superfluous catch washed up along the beach.
A probe is on to identify the fishermen behind the excessive fishing and anti-environment practice, he underlined. 
"Heavy penalties shall be imposed on fishermen who are found guilty of overfishing," he warned, adding that more inspection patrols have been deployed on the beach to ensure that such practices are not repeated. 
- ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 


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