A four-month ban on shark fishing in the UAE's waters begins on Tuesday, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced.
The annual prohibition from March to the end of June runs during the spawning season and allows stocks to recover.
It also permanently bans pleasure vessels from fishing sharks throughout the year.
“Our fishing regulations align with the UAE’s strategic goal of preserving its natural resources and sustaining and enhancing its marine wealth,” said Nasir Mohammed Sultan, acting assistant under-secretary for the biodiversity and marine life sector at the ministry.
Authorities in the UAE have also permanently banned the import and re-export of shark fins in any form, excluding fins that are imported for scientific purposes subject to approval from the ministry.
The ministry has joined forces with federal and local authorities, environmental organisations and fishing societies to educate the community about the importance of fishing and trade bans to protect and develop fisheries.
A four-year action plan to save dozens of shark and ray species from the brink of extinction was unveiled by the ministry in 2018.
The National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2018 to 2021 gives concrete steps to develop public awareness and strictly enforce legislation to protect sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras.
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Lemon shark. Typically found in tropical and coastal waters, Sicklefin lemon sharks can grow up to 3.5m. They are ranked as vulnerable by the IUCN. Valerie Macon / AFP -
Giant Guitarfish. A critically endangered species, the guitarfish is at great threat from pollution, fishing and habitat destruction. Fishing them is banned all year round in the UAE. Andrey Nekrasov / Zuma Wire -
Small tooth sawfish. This large species takes its name from its long, narrow snout, which is lined with sharp teeth – resembling a saw. Sawfish fishing is banned throughout the year in the UAE as it is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. Torsten Blackwood / AFP -
Whitetip reef sharks typically do not grow longer than 1 metre. They are one of the most common sharks in the Arabian Gulf but are still listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Alamy -
The blacktip reef shark can grow up to 2 metres and are identified by their black tipped fins, They prefer shallow waters and are listed as near threatened by the IUCN. Getty -
The great hammerhead can grow up to 6 metres and can swim up to 40kph. They are listed as endangered by the IUCN. Norbert Wu / Science Faction / Corbis -
Whale sharks are known as the gentle giants of the sea because they are the biggest species of sny fish. The filter feeders grow up to 12m long and are listed as endangered by the IUCN. Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
