Ras Al Khaimah, December 07: Ras Al Khaimah authorities have warned fishermen of stiff penalties against catching baby fish, after the RAK Municipality inspectors came upon a large haul of baby fish being sold in fish markets recently.
Mubarak Ali Al Shamsi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, who also heads the Ras Al Khaimah Fishery Committee, said fishermen need to be extra cautious so as to avoid catching baby fish and encroaching on prohibited and reserved areas of the sea. He noted that the catching of baby fish was the major cause of fish droughts, asking fishermen to avoid random fishing, which includes angling for baby fish.
Al Shamsi said that errant fishermen will be slapped with tough penalties, including hefty fines and seizure of their operating licenses.
Fish traders have also been warned against procuring baby fish, as the demand encourages fishermen to catch baby fish illegally, especially at times when only small catches are available due to shortage of fish in the shallow areas of the sea. The official also said that in case the fishermen find baby fish among their catch, they should be immediately returned into the sea, so as to protect marine life. Fishermen have also been urged to do away with the use of fishing nets that are so fine that they end up trapping small or baby fish and other small creatures, and to inform the authorities about those who illegally use such nets. “The use of fine-fishing nets is illegal because it poses danger to the existence of fish,” said Al Shamsi.
Adel Ali Al Deek, Chief of the Environmental and Health Department at RAK Municipality, said that selling baby fish to consumers is against the municipal laws and that fish traders should keep this in mind while buying fish.
He stressed that hefty fines would be imposed against traders are caught selling small and baby fish.
“We have intensified our operations on the sea and our inspectors are also monitoring the fish markets in Ras Al Khaimah to ensure that all fishermen and traders comply with the rules. Legal action will be taken against all the violators,” added Al Deek.
–Agencies