The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known worldwide for its modernization and economic diversification. However, the nation has a longstanding connection with the sea. In the past, fishing was not just a way to eat, but an important part of Emirati culture and economy. In more recent years, the fisheries in the UAE have faced many problems, leading to new initiatives aimed at sustainability and other modern approaches.
Fishing – An Important Part of the UAE’s History:
Fisheries are the backbone of the UAE culture since its inception, with communities living near the water body utilizing it for commerce. Handlining and using fish traps, known as qamqams, were commonplace and enabled fish populations to recover organically. These practices were seasonal, showing an understanding of marine ecosystems.
Unfortunately, with the passage of time and the introduction of modern technology, everything started going downhill. The introduction of mechanized ships and advanced fishing equipment led to enhanced efficiency. At the same time, overfishing and damage to habitats became rampant. With fish populations plummeting, the balance between tradition and modern practices became an important matter.
Present Condition of Fisheries in the UAE:
The fisheries in UAE are currently struggling due to the lack of resources.
Research indicates that economically important species like Hamour (orange-spotted grouper), Shaari (spangled emperor), and Kanaad (Spanish mackerel) have been severely overfished by as much as five times the sustainable level. The commercial catch and revenue from these species, which is increasingly important, make this depletion very critical.
The fish stock has declined due to anthropogenic factors, including:
Increased demand and modern fishing methods have contributed to overfishing.
Coastal development and pollution have destroyed vital breeding and nursery habitats.
Fish migration and reproduction are now negatively affected due to shifting ocean currents and rising temperatures. All of these have led the government of the UAE to take initiatives for the conservation of marine resources and to adopt sustainable fishing practices.
Regulatory Measures and Conservation Efforts
Due to the aggressive decline in fish stocks, the UAE has implemented multiple policies in the form of initiatives:
Sustainable Fishing Guidelines: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has set bans on the capture of sub-legally sized fish, the use of specific fishing equipment, as well as seasonal spawning closures.
Marine Protected Areas(MPAs): The UAE Ministry of Climate Change has established 16 MPAs, constituting 12% of the marine territory, to protect these critical areas to help foster the recovery of these ecosystems.
Sustainable Fisheries Program: This program is designed to promote responsible fishing practices through community action, as well as monitoring fish stocks and enforcing quotas.
Such initiatives uphold the delicate equilibrium between economic development and the protection of the ecosystem.
Aquaculture: A Sustainable Alternative
To meet the demand for seafood, the UAE has turned to sustainable aquaculture as a solution, recognizing the need to protect wild fishery resources. Fish farming offers a variety of benefits:
Controlled Environment: Fish are bred in controlled habitats, which lessens the strain on wild populations.
Minimal Environmental Impact: Water usage and waste are reduced with innovative techniques such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and aquaponics.
Food Security: Self-sufficiency in supplies lowers the need for imports and strengthens national food security.
Some notable aquaculture initiatives are:
Fish Farm LLC: This facility, located in Dubai, produces 3,000 tonnes of fish each year with species such as sea bream, sea bass, and salmon. It greatly supports local demand.
Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre: This center provided 600,000 fish fingerlings to aquaculture companies. It enhances the sector’s growth and provides consistent, quality stock.
These projects highlight the UAE’s vision towards technology adoption, achieving sustainability within the fisheries sector.
Economic and Social Impact
While starkly lower than other sectors, fisheries in UAE makes for a useful contributor to the nation’s social fabric.
Fishing is a way of life for many communities, particularly those along the coast. To alleviate the operational cost challenges, the government has enacted policies like subsidizing fuel to assist these communities.
Additionally, this engagement is fuelling the country’s aquaculture development alongside the UAE’s strategic objectives towards economic diversification and environmental stewardship. The country strives to bolster the resilience of the seafood industry through these efforts and by enforcing conservation policies.
Conclusion
The fisheries in the UAE are currently facing unsustainable developmental growth and environmental disturbance simultaneously. Continued implementation of fisheries regulations and the expansion of no-take zones. Implementation of environmentally friendly offshore aquaculture systems with low trophic level species to improve productivity. Inclusion of fishermen in the responsibility of protecting the resource by inviting them to participate in the decision-making process. These approaches can help strengthen the fisheries sector while upholding the country’s heritage, culture, and identity, and sustaining the needs of the increasing population.
FAQs
What are the key concerns impacting the fishery industry in the UAE?
The primary concerns are overfishing, destruction of habitats, and climate change, all of which have drastically reduced the fish supply.
What is the UAE government doing in regard to overfishing?
The government has put into place certain measures like spawning season fishing bans, limits on certain types of equipment used, and the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to help ecosystems recover.
How important is aquaculture to the seafood industry in UAE?
Aquaculture compensates for seafood caught in the ocean, allowing free fishing to replenish the country’s seafood offerings.
What categories of fishing licenses are issued in UAE?
In the UAE, there are mostly two categories of fishing licenses: for recreational purposes and for commercial use. Fishing for pleasure is done under a recreational license that is predominantly issued to citizens of the UAE.
In UAE, what are the main fishing periods of the year?
The UAE has a two-pronged fishing calendar: the winter period (October to April), favored for hammour and kingfish, and summer period (May to September), peak season for sailfish and mahi-mahi.
