Fish prices in the country have dropped by a third after a seasonal ban on safi, sheri and shark was lifted to encourage fishing during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) lifted the two-month ban on sheri (emperor fish) and safi (rabbitfish), and a three-month ban on sharks this month.
It protects species decimated by overfishing during the spawning season.
Fishmongers attribute the drop in prices to the ban being suspended, although customer numbers have plummeted as the federal government urged the public to stay at home to curb the spread of the virus.
“Fish prices are very cheap. It’s [fish] down to 70 per cent after the ban was lifted,” said Ali Yusuf, the manager of the Ajman fish market.
“Customers are far fewer, too, down by 60 per cent in the last week.”
The Abu Dhabi fish market reported similar price drops, according to Arabic-language newspaper Al Khaleej.
Meanwhile, markets remained crowded during daily auctions.
Social distancing regulations have not stopped fishermen and fishmongers from working side-by-side at busy markets.
“Tough times call for exceptional measures,” said Halima Al Jasmi, the head of the fisheries section at the ministry.
“We have lifted the ban on Arabian sheri, safi and shark fishing for the remainder of the ban season in a bid to respond to the demand for fresh fish and seafood in retail stores across the UAE after the country started adopting preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus and to support local fishermen during this time.
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The Ajman fish market has remained open through the pandemic and daily auctions continue. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Fishmongers overlook the auction yard at the Ajman fish market on April 12, 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A sign on Ajman fish market’s building reads, “Pleas do not shake hands”. Reem Mohammed / The National -
An auctioneer at the Ajman fish market where daily auctions attract crowds of more than 100. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Close physical contact at the auction is unavoidable, despite its social distancing regulations. -
Fishermen unload catch at the Ajman fish market auction on April 12, 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National -
When fish markets in other emirates closed, the Ajman fish souq attracted buys from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Fishermen load tables for the daily Ajman fish auction. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Fishermen load tables at the Ajman fish market on April12, 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National -
An auction at the Ajman fish market on April 12, 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Hamour for auction at Ajman fish market on April 12, 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Fishermen unload catch during the daily auction at the Ajman fish market. Reem Mohammed / The National -
The Ajman fish market halved the number of auction tables to facilitate social distancing but close contact is unavoidable during auctions. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Demand for local fish has risen as fish imports have stopped. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Sharks auctioned at Ajman fish market after a fishing ban was lifted due to the pandemic. Reem Mohammed / The National -
The Waterfront Market in Deira, near Hamriya Port, has been given permission by authorities to reopen today. Reem Mohammed / The National. -
A group of men make fishing nets at Jumeirah fishing harbour in late March during the temporary closure of the Dubai fish market. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Fishermen wearing masks at Jumeirah fishing harbour. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A fisherman takes a break with his friend at Jumeirah fishing harbour in Dubai on March 30, 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National
“The lifting of the ban is only temporary to help address the challenges posed this season by the current Covid-19 pandemic.”
Last week, dhows pulled into ports with large catches of shark, which is considered an expensive delicacy in Emirati cuisine and is usually protected until June.
Sharks were auctioned at Ajman fish market after the seasonal ban on fishing was lifted this month.
The ministry defended its decision.
“An important point to highlight here is that the ban on Arabian safi and sheri was lifted only 25 days before its scheduled end,” Ms Al Jasmi said.
“By that time, a sufficient number of eggs had been laid to ensure the sustainability of the species that were subject to the fishing ban.”
Fishermen interviewed last week by The National said they would support a suspension of activities to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, fishmongers, auctioneers and fishermen work closely beside each other during daily auctions.
More than 100 people were in attendance at last Sunday's auction in Ajman.
The ministry said auctions will continue.
“No, we do not recommend suspending the markets,” Ms Al Jasmi said.
“We believe that the precautionary health regulations developed by Ncema [National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority] and MOCCAE in cooperation with municipalities across the country are enough to ensure the safety of fish market staff, fishermen and buyers.”
