DUBAI: Unsustainable and irresponsible fishing is taking its toll as fish stocks are plummeting. To deal with the imminent crisis and to boost fisheries, Dubai Customs released 3,000 to 4,000 hamour and spaiti fish into the waters near the World Islands on Sunday. Lt-Gen Dahi Khalfan Tamim, deputy chairman of police and public security in Dubai, the honorary chairman of the protection of maritime environment society launched the first phase of fish production enhancement programme. The Seven Tides International runs the programme that aims at promoting fish stocks in Dubai. The hamour and spaiti fish released were raised in captivity for more than a year and a half.
Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said the first stage of fish release will be followed by another one that continues into next September where 3,000 to 4,000 more fish will be released. “Irresponsible fishing has led to a decline in fish stocks despite a number of plans and guidelines in place.” Bin Sulayem added that this initiative will help raise the number of hamour and spaiti, the two local key fish species. “Fish culture can be used intensively to help raise the number of these species. Fishers should avoid catching juveniles. This gives fish a chance to replenish and rebuild a sustainable fishery with healthy stock levels,” he explained.
Major General Mohammed Saeed Al Marri said the release of fish is part of the national responsibility towards the protection of aquaculture and maritime life in the UAE waters. “Consumers prefer certain types of fish which has led to their decline,” he said. “Hamour and sherri are two examples of overfished fish.” “We get the fingerlings from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and feed them at captivity. This helps boost their numbers,” he explained.
