111kg of banned snail fish seized from illegal RAK fishermen

Ras Al Khaimah - All the fish recovered were seized and taken to the authority labs for tests.

A number of illegal fishermen involved in catching snailfish - which is banned by law - have been nabbed by the Environment Protection and Development Authority.

Dr Saif Al Ghais, executive director of the authority, said up to 111kg of snailfish were recovered. "Fishing in protected areas and creeks is banned by the federal and local laws," he said. "Marine animals flock to these marine sanctuaries for reproduction."

Staff inspectors are alert round-the-clock, he added. "Our environment patrols launch inspection raids all the time to safeguard the environment against such excessive or banned fishing."

All the snailfish recovered were seized and taken to the authority labs for tests. "The suspects have been referred to the bodies concerned for legal action. Snailfish are necessary for the environment as they clean the sea water from impurities," he noted.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah