Post by : Badri Ariffin

Following directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's relevant agency is rolling out two new ministerial decisions aimed at revising fishing regulations for the year 2026.

These decisions, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, are designed to create a balance between marine sustainability, food security, and local fishing support.

Ministerial Decision No. (74) annuls a previous regulation that restricted the catch and sale of certain fish species during their breeding season. This change transitions to a more adaptable regulatory framework, informed by the latest data.

Concurrently, Ministerial Decision No. (75) permits a temporary exemption. Fishermen can catch and sell the Longtail Silver Biddy fish, known locally as Badah, in Abu Dhabi's waters for the entirety of 2026.

Officials emphasized that this is a temporary measure. The exception is viable only for the 2026 season and will undergo regular evaluations based on scientific assessments to maintain sustainable fish populations.

These initiatives stem from enhanced indicators of fish stock levels in the emirate’s waters, bolstered by research and field investigations. The aim is to boost fish availability in local markets while supporting the livelihoods of fishermen and sector workers.

The agency, acting as the regulatory authority, will persist in overseeing adherence to the updated fishing and selling regulations. It has called on fishermen and industry stakeholders to comply with these new guidelines and work with authorities to safeguard Abu Dhabi's marine resources for future generations.

#Global News #UAE News #Abu Dhabi News #Abu Dhabi