The Ministry of Environment and Water has launched a national campaign in support of Ministerial Resolution No. 501 for 2015 regulating the fishing and marketing of Lethrinus nebulosus (emperor fish) and Siganus canaliculatus (rabbit fish) during their reproductive season. The campaign aims to encourage the observance of the legislation’s provision to refrain from catching both species in national waters between March 1 and April 30 of each year. As per the resolution, during this period fishermen must set these species free in the event that they are caught by fishing equipment to ensure their safety.
The launch of the national awareness campaign is in line with the Ministry’s active efforts to eradicate harmful fishing practices, prevent overfishing, and protect, develop and ensure the sustainability of fish stocks. The initiative is particularly significant as it calls for the protection of benthic fish which are in danger of being overfished during the reproductive season, especially Lethrinus nebulosus and Siganus canaliculatus, as this affects the ability to rebuild their natural fish stocks.
Under Ministerial Resolution No. 501, marketing local and imported Lethrinus nebulosus and Siganus canaliculatus in fish markets nationwide will be banned from March 1 until April 30 every year. The resolution also prevents the export and re-export of both species, whether they are fresh, frozen, salted, smoked, canned, or prepared in any other form, during the established period. The resolution reflects the Ministry’s commitment to protect fish stocks, maintain aquatic resources and support the government’s drive towards environmental sustainability, which is a key element of UAE Vision 2021.
The Ministerial resolution aims to better protect Lethrinus nebulosus and Siganus canaliculatus, which are considered among the main local fish species in most jeopardy. Both species face the risk of overfishing and an increased consumption of their eggs during the reproductive season, which leads to their inability to rebuild their natural fish stocks.
The national campaign will be held from January to April 2016, in line with the Ministry’s strategic efforts to enhance food safety and the sustainability of domestic production. The campaign will focus on increasing the public’s awareness on the stipulations of Ministerial Resolution No. 501, especially the prevention of fishing and sale of Lethrinus nebulosus and Siganus canaliculatus in all UAE markets, as well as the prohibition of exports and re-exports of these species, whether they are fresh, frozen, canned, or prepared in any other form. It will highlight the significance of fish stocks and the key threats facing the marine environment. It will also educate the public on the characteristics and benefits of Lethrinus nebulosus and Siganus canaliculatus.