MOCCAE to lift ban on safi, sheri fishing
DUBAI: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) on Thursday announced that it will suspend the Ministerial Decision No. 501 of 2015 that regulates the fishing and trade of Arabian safi (rabbitfish) and sheri ( emperor) for the remainder of the ban period, and consequently lift the annual fishing and trade ban on these species as of April 5, 2020.
The move aligns with the nationwide drive to ensure the availability of food products, including fish, to meet local demand, and to sustain the livelihood of fishermen and support the fishing sector amid the rising global health concerns.
According to the Ministerial Decision No. 501 of 2015, an annual ban on fishing and trade of Arabian safi and sheri comes into effect from March 1 to April 30, coinciding with the spawning season of the fish.
Issued in 2015, the Ministerial Decision has proven effective in boosting the populations of Arabian safi and sheri. Surveys conducted by MOCCAE have compared the fish stocks prior to and following the enforcement of the decision, and recorded increases in the catches of safi and sheri at 30 percent and 17 percent respectively.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment ( MOCCAE) was established in February 2006 as the Ministry of Environment and Water. Under its redefined scope, the ministry has taken on a dual mandate. On the national level, it aims to strengthen the UAE’S efforts in preserving the environment and promoting food diversity in accordance with the nation’s aspiration to emerge as a key benchmark for sustainable development. On the global level, MOCCAE joins international stakeholders in combating climate change and profiles the UAE’S path-breaking achievements in the sector at thought leadership platforms worldwide.
Separately, the Ministry of climate Change and Environment, MOCCAE, has implemented robust and flexible business continuity management arrangements to minimise the impact of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and help keep the UAE population safe during this time.
As part of these arrangements, MOCCAE has expanded its digital presence through making new services available through its website and app as well as via its toll-free call centre 8003050. The Ministry has added five services to its digital offering, with three more scheduled to go live by the second week of April. In total, it currently provides 60 electronic and smart services to the public.