Five nabbed for fishing at RAK artificial caves

ras al khaimah — Five men were arrested for fishing in areas near the recently-set up artificial caves in Ras Al Khaimah by the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA).

Dr Saif Al Ghais, director of EPDA, said these caves are meant to preserve and help the fish population of the emirate grow. “Therefore, fishing is strictly banned at or near these artificial caves.” Sounding a stern warning, he said that the licences of these fishermen would be seized if the violation is repeated.

“We have recently off-loaded 700 artificial caves in three areas in the RAK sea, including Al Marjan island, Al Rams sea, and Al Muairidh.”

Fishing has been strictly banned at all protected marine areas, since the nature of the fish attracted to these caves are being studied, he added.

“The ongoing study will help streamline the fishing activities in all the marine areas of the emirate.”

The authority would also soon announce a number of initiatives for the benefit of the fishermen and for preserving the fishery of the emirate, Dr Ghais said.

“The artificial caves have significantly helped increase the reproduction of Al Bayah, Al Zaridi, and Al Qabid fishes that feed on planktons, phytoplankton,

We have recently off-loaded 700 artificial caves in three areas in the RAK sea, including Al Marjan island, Al Rams sea, and Al Muairidh.” Dr Saif Al Ghais, director, EPDA

and coral reefs there.”

Late in September, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment started off-loading artificial caves in the fishing waters off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah.

Salah Al Rayssi, director of the fisheries sustainability department at the ministry, said the artificial caves will bring fishing areas closer to the shore, while reducing the cost of daily fishing trips and the maintenance frequency of fishing boats and engines.

“The ministry plans to instal 1,000 caves across the UAE by the end of 2017 using eco-friendly materials and position them in areas identified by the ministry in collaboration with environment authorities concerned.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com