A ruling to ban the sale and marketing of local or imported emperor fish and rabbitfish has came into force.
Decision no 501/2015 of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also includes the re-export of these species during breeding season and the rule will be effective until April.
Authorities have taken the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the decision.
Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency will raise awareness of the decision among fishermen, while Dubai Fishermen’s Society announced that its 900 registered members will all comply with the decision. The society sent SMS notifications to all its members as well as cooperatives and fish markets, informing them of the decision.
According to Dr Saif Al Ghais, executive director at the Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, inspection points at ports have been set up. All fishermen in the emirate will comply, he said.
Offenders will be fined and fishing licences will be revoked if they are caught again.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
