Rough sea, strong winds hamper fishing in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah - A fish dealer has affirmed a significant drop in the demand for fish over the Eid holidays.

The rough sea and strong winds have significantly hampered fishing activities in Ras Al Khaimah as fishermen could not complete their long trips over the last few days.
Humaid Al Zaabi, deputy chairman of the RAK Fishermen Society, said the rough weather has badly affected fishing activities all over the country.
"The strong winds and rough sea have mainly left a negative impact on Ras Al Khaimah, which produces around 50 per cent of the fresh fish in the entire country on a daily basis."
Fishing has also been affected during the Eid Al Fitr holidays which saw less demand for fresh fish, he added. "The price of fish here has not been increased for the same reason."
However, fishermen will resume their long-distance fishing trips as the feast holiday has come to an end.
"These days represent the end of fishing season when fish start migrating off the beaches to the depths of the sea in search for lower temperature."
Fish appear again at the emirate's beaches in September. "Fishermen have urged the bodies concerned to review the fishing ban because of the huge losses they have encountered."
"There has been much discussion on excluding the fishermen from the value added tax and having them compensated against the losses they suffered due to the fishing ban."
Muhammad Ashraf, a fish dealer, affirmed a significant drop in demand for fish over the Eid holidays.
Mohammad Imran, another fish dealer, said the rough weather had a negative impact on fishing activities.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com  
 

• Ras Al Khaimah