Ras Al Khaimah monitors creeks for illegal jet ski use

The ban of jet ski use in the summer began in 2016 in an effort to protect the marine environment

The use of jet skis during the summer was banned in Ras Al Khaimah in 2016. Paulo Vecina / The National 

Inspectors have been dispatched to the creeks of Ras Al Khaimah to ensure nobody is flouting the annual summer ban on jet skis.

The emirate banned the use of jet skis in the summer months in 2016, in a bid to protect marine life in the respective areas.

On Wednesday, the Environment Protection and Development Authority said it had deployed inspectors to ensure the law was being upheld.

"Using jet skis in creeks cause disturbance to the marine environment as it causes waves and currents that can affect the marine life," Dr Saif Al Ghais, executive director of the authority, told The National.

“Inspection and control teams are carrying out awareness campaigns targeting people who use jet skis in creeks.”

He said the authority was also monitoring the emirate's eight creeks using drones and had erected clear signs to remind the public about the importance of preserving the marine environment.

“Natural reserves and creeks are there to protect threatened and endangered species and preserve the biodiversity in the emirate,” he said.

“Jet ski riders can still practise the sport at the emirate’s open beaches,” he said.

In October last year, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, issued a decree to establish the emirate's first protected wetland nature reserve in Khor Mazahmi.

The conservation spot is home to a host of wildlife, including flamingos and the critically endangered green turtle, which features in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.