No sheri, safi fish for two months in UAE
dubai — Sheri and safi fish will not be available in the UAE markets and outlets from March 1 to April 30 during the breeding period. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has launched an awareness campaign for implementing the ministerial decision issued in 2015 regarding this.
The decision stipulates that trading of local or imported sheri and safi fish is prohibited in fish markets and outlets during the breeding season every year in the country. Importing and exporting of these fish in any form (fresh, frozen, salted, smoked, packed) is also not allowed during this time. Fishermen should send sheri and safi fish back to the water if they are caught by mistake.
With the aim of protecting and improving the fish stock and promoting food security, the ministry held meetings with its strategic partners to work together to raise awareness among all groups concerned regarding the prohibition of fishing during the breeding period as well as to shed light on its benefits.
Salah Abdullah Al Rayssi, Director of the Fisheries Department at MOCCAE, stressed that this decision will ensure a positive impact and increase the fish stock, especially sheri and safi, and help promote a sustainable marine environment and fish conservation, production and trade in the country. Al Rayssi said sheri and safi are among the most important local fish which are hugely drained due to uncontrolled fishing during the breeding season, which in turn, denies the opportunity to rebuild its natural stocks. He emphasised the importance of collaboration and coordination between MOCCAE and local authorities, praising their continuous efforts to protect the environment and develop the country’s fish resources.
Saif Mohammed Al Shara, assistant under-secretary for the External Audit Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, indicated that along with the awareness programmes for fish suppliers and market traders, local food control authorities will take action to monitor the market by preventing the supply of sheri and safi fish during this period.
Therefore, any trucks containing the prohibited fish that come to markets will be seized and penalised.