Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

An owner of a recreational fishing boat in Abu Dhabi was fined Dh20,000 after surpassing the daily fishing limit, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced. Recreational fishing boats that exceed the daily catch limit need a commercial fishing licence, which they typically lack. Fishing without this licence is an environmental violation and will be fined Dh2,000. Repeat violations bring stricter penalties: a second offence leads to a one-month hold on the boat and a third offence results in licence suspension. The EAD enforces these regulations to protect Abu Dhabi’s marine resources, aiming to keep them sustainable for future generations. Recreational boat owners are encouraged to follow all laws and regulations and support conservation efforts to avoid violations and protect marine life. When to fish? The UAE assigns specific months for fishing different species, considering breeding seasons. These periods are designated as 'open season' and 'ban season.' - The UAE has implemented a year-round ban on fishing certain shark species listed in categories (1), (2), and (3) of Ministerial Decree No. (43) of 2019, as well as on carrying and using encircling nets (Halaq) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s fishing waters, and on using ‘Gargoors’ in Abu Dhabi waters. - Fishing for anchovies and sardines is prohibited only in July. - The use of encircling nets (Halaq) in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah waters is banned from June to October. - Fishing and trading of Badeh are restricted in Abu Dhabi waters during April and May. - Fishing of shark species not listed under categories (1), (2), and (3) in Ministerial Decree No. (43) of 2019 is prohibited in March, April, May, and June. FLE/Expat Media
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