'Sheri' and 'safi' fish off the menu in UAE

UAE has prohibited from catching and selling emperor fish (safi) and rabbit-fish (sheri) during their breeding season from March 1 to April 30 of every year.

There will be strict monitoring of imported fish shipments to ensure that cargoes containing emperor fish and rabbit fish will not enter Abu Dhabi markets, with sanctions to be implemented on violators.

This is in line with ways to protect the environment and develop the country’s fish resources.

The resolution is expected to positively impact initiatives aimed at increasing emperor fish and rabbit-fish stocks in the medium term as well as promote sustainability for all kinds of fish species.

Officials reiterated that fishermen must release emperor fish and rabbit-fish if they are accidentally caught during their breeding session.

For first-time violators, a written warning will be issued along with the confiscation of their catch. Repeat offenders will be fined Dh1,000 along with the confiscation of their catch, while third-time offenders will face a one-week suspension of their boat license.

Fish store owners who violate the existing provisions for the first time will receive a written warning along with the confiscation of products; a Dh1,000 fine with confiscation for the second offense; and one-week closure of their stores to be implemented in coordination with local authorities for the third offense.

As for the operators of vehicles used to transport fish, first-time violators will receive a written warning along with the confiscation of the products; a Dh1,000 fine with confiscation for second offenders; and a Dh3,000 fine with confiscation to be implemented in coordination with local authorities for third offenders.

The ministry says it has been arranging a series of meetings with concerned authorities to ensure the application of the provisions in all fish markets and outlets, including shopping malls, fish shops, checkpoints in fisherman ports, and fish landing sites.