UAE intercepts fishing boats illegally operating close to protected island

Eight vessels confronted close to Sir Bu Nair Island

Sir Bu Nair Island is a protected marine area. Courtesy: Shurooq

UAE authorities have intercepted several fishing boats that illegally entered the country's territorial waters.

The Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority on Monday identified eight vessels operating northwest of Sir Bu Nair Island.

Three pursuit and support boats were deployed but the fishing vessels did not obey orders to halt so "rules of engagement" were applied, Wam reported.

No further details about the incident were revealed.

Sir Bu Nair sits about 112 kilometres off the Sharjah coast and belongs to the emirate. It is a crucial nesting area for turtles.

Once an important camp for pearl divers, Sharjah in 2000 designated the tear-drop shaped island as a protected marine area.

Sir Bu Nair is also on the UAE's list of "wetlands of international importance" under the globally recognised Ramsar Convention.