Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, has issued a ministerial resolution No. 656 of 2014, for regulating fishing by nets, aimed at preserving marine life and supporting the fishing industry.
The resolution shall be effective from the date of issuance as of October 2, 2014.
The decision aims to regulate the fishing activity within the ministry's keenness on preserving marine life and its interest to support the fishing profession, as well as enhancing a sustainable maritime life, since it is one of the most prominent objectives of the Ministry in the light of its strategy embodied in UAE Vision 2021.
The decision permanently prohibits fishing by nets in fish breeding and reproduction areas, natural reserves, industrial marine and inland water areas such as: natural or industrial lakes, natural or deepened creeks, oil fields and establishments.
The resolution also stipulates that all fishing boats have to pass on registration and inspection points of the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA).
Under the resolution all fishing boats have to register name of its fishing port and inform it in case of any modification or change.
The resolution also regulated kinds of fishing nets.