Amendments made to fishing and water laws

Marine protection includes a ban on fishing with lights.

Dr Rashid bin Fahad, centre, Minister of Water and Environment with Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, left, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs aShow more

ABU DHABI // Dolphins have been added to the list of marine creatures that cannot be fished, in an FNC amendment on Tuesday.

The new draft law, an amended version of the original law passed in 1999, also bans the use of lights when fishing. Lights draw fish to one area, making them easier to be caught.

The law will help to preserve and expand the number of marine creatures in the UAE, members heard.

Dolphins join sea turtles, whales and coral on the banned list “due to their importance”, the law stipulates.

Other amendments include a ban of nylon fish nets and placing blockades in the water to change the direction of the current or tamper with the movement of creatures.

FNC member Marwan bin Ghalita, of Dubai, questioned whether using lights posed risks.

“There used to be fishing with lights where all the fish would gather in one place, whether big or small, and it used to be one of the main reasons for fish waste,” said Hamad Al Rahoomi, also from Dubai. “It is very important to include it in the law.”

Rashid Al Shariqi, of Ras Al Khaimah, said it was a foreign practice adopted by local fishermen in the past “and an end was put to it, but we should add it to the law so it does not return”.

Dr Rashid bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, said the changes were required as fishing techniques changed.

Another amendment states that a fishing boat may not sail without its owner or his deputy, both of whom must be Emirati.

“It is permissible for the boat owner to appoint a deputy captain, noukhatha, who should be a UAE national who is licensed to operate the boat as a noukhatha,” the law states.

“Moreover, if the boat owner dies, his heirs, who rely solely on fishing as a source of income, could appoint a noukhatha to operate the boat.”

Fines for breaches range from between one and six months in jail either with or without a fine, which can be anywhere from Dh5,000 to Dh100,000.