RAK markets crowded as fishing ban is lifted
ras al khaimah — The fish markets in the emirate witnessed an unprecedented rush on Monday after the two-month ban on fishing popular local Sheri and Safi fish was lifted.
“My entire family has been missing the Sheri and Safi fish for two months now,” said Ahmed Salem, an Emirati of Al Rams area. “The two-month ban has helped increase the number and weight of fish, however.”
Ali Saeed, an Emirati of Al Daqdaqa area, said he took his kids to the fish market to enjoy the plentiful amount of fish, particularly the Sheri and Safi which they liked. “These particular types of fish, Sheri and Safi, taste good.”
Ibrahim Abdulqader, Egyptian, said he has long been waiting to buy Sheri and Safi fish. “I bought 2kg of Sheri and 2kg of Safi against Dh25 and Dh35 per kilogram, respectively.”
Despite the ban, some fishermen and fish sellers violated the rule, according to a senior official. “The coast guards, in collaboration with the Environment Protection and Development Authority, have seized 500kg of these fish from one fisherman at the coasts of the emirate, recently.”
This was an utter violation of the ministerial decree No 501/2015 which streamlines the fishing and marketing of fish, particularly at their season of reproduction, said Dr Saif Al Ghais, executive director of the authority. “The erring fisherman was nabbed with 240 Sheri fish weighing 500gm to 3kg each.”
Meanwhile, 10 fishermen and fish sellers were fined for being involved in fishing at prohibited areas, and for fishing and trading in banned fish. “The creeks are kind of natural protected areas for fish, and therefore, fishing is strictly banned there,” Dr Ghais said.