Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued Decision No. (4) of 2023 of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD with the aim of supporting recreational fishing activities and promoting marine fishing sports in the emirate.
The regulations outlined in the decision will be enforceable for individuals engaging in recreational fishing and the organizers of marine fishing tournaments throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Recreational fishing and the organization of marine fishing competitions within the waters of the emirate are strictly prohibited without obtaining a permit from EAD, according to the decision.
Recreational fishing, as defined by the decision, is open to both anglers and pleasure boat users. Approved recreational fishing gear includes lines with hooks, spear guns used during free diving, or any other methods specified by EAD. On the other hand, conducting marine fishing competitions is exclusively limited to legal entities operating in the marine activities sector.
The decision mandates that applicants adhere to specified conditions when obtaining a recreational fishing license, while organizers must fulfil requirements to acquire a permit for marine fishing competitions.
License holders are obliged to adhere to the terms and conditions set by the EAD for fishing licenses and fishing competition permits. These conditions cover various aspects, such as the number of individuals, fishing trips, locations, permissible fish and marine species, environmental obligations, health and safety requirements, and other relevant information.
When engaging in spearfishing, it is mandatory to display the internationally recognized diving flag. A minimum of three individuals, including a driver and two holders of recreational licenses for using a spear gun, must be present on the fishing boat during spearfishing activities. After each fishing trip, a detailed report containing information about the species and quantities of the caught fish must be submitted to the EAD through the specified channels.
Valid recreational fishing licenses or marine fishing competition permits must be presented upon request by an EAD employee or any competent authority. This requirement also applies to individuals holding internationally accredited licenses for free diving.
The recreational fishing license or marine fishing competition permit is strictly for the licensee’s use and should not be utilized by anyone other than the licensee. Fish or marine species caught must not be disposed of until the licensee returns to land or reaches the designated anchorage or landing area. Additionally, selling caught fish is prohibited. It is important to note that marine species, including painted sweetlips, yellow grouper, red coral, seahorse fish, parrot fish, sharks and stingrays of all kinds, sea turtles, whales and dolphins, dugongs, and corals, should not be caught, traded, kept, or caused harm according to the decision.
The decision also refers to Ministerial Resolution No. 580 of 2015, which prohibits fishing, selling, and marketing undersized fish and requires compliance with fishing seasons, sizes, and the permitted daily fishing quota of 24 fish species per person and per pleasure boat, as indicated in the decision.