(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) 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.
Director of the authority Dr Saif Al Ghais said these caves are meant to preserve and help grow the fish of the emirate. "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 offloaded 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 fishes attracted to these caves is being studied, he underlined.
"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, and coral reefs there."
Late in September, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment started offloading 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."
Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.
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