Abu Dhabi: In line with its ambitions to protect the bio-diversity in the region, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has imposed an annual ban on fishing and trading of sharks and rays from 1st March to 30th June, 2022.
The Ministerial Resolution No. 43 of 2019 which regulates fishing and trading of sharks will allow fishermen who use widely accepted shark fishing gear and run registered lynch boats to fish sharks from 1st July of each year until the last day of February of the following year.
The resolution permanently bans anyone onboard of a pleasure vessel from fishing sharks.
Our fishing regulations align with the UAE’s strategic goal of preserving its natural resources and sustaining and enhancing its marine wealth. In line with MoCCAE’s mandate, the Ministerial Resolution No. 43 of 2019 aims to implement effective measures to manage shark stocks and safeguard biodiversity in the country. In this context, the UAE has joined multiple international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
Dr Nasir Mohammed Sultan, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MoCCAE shared about the resolution
PROTECTING THE SPECIES
The Ministerial Resolution No. 43 of 2019 reduces the pressure on sharks due to overfishing and habitat degradation.
Apart from the seasonal ban, the decree imposes a permanent ban on fishing shark and ray species listed in CITES, CMS, and the Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 concerning the exploitation, protection, and development of living aquatic resources in the UAE and its amendments.
BAN ON IMPORT AND RE-EXPORT
The resolution also permanently bars the import and re-export of shark fins (fresh, frozen, dried, salted, smoked, canned, or in any other form), excluding fins that are imported for scientific purposes, subject to approval of the Ministry.
The Ministry has also partnered with federal and local authorities, environmental organizations, and fishermen societies to educate the community about the importance of and ensure compliance with fishing and trade bans as an effective tool for protecting and developing fisheries, and enhancing their sustainability in the long term.