Fishermen in Fujairah and Umm Al Qaiwain worry that new regulations to protect fish stocks are harming their trade. We look at both communities through the lens of our photographers.
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Fisherman cold from the labours of a night out at sea wait in their boats for the Umm Al Qaiwain fish souq to open so they can off load their catch. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Mr Abdullah and his team of fishermen take a small, white boat made in nearby Khor Fakkan around to the nets they have set up about a kilometre from the shore. They will go back to check a second time later in the day. Silvia Razgova / The National -
A fisherman looks toward the sunset as he and his crew fish near the Al Rughayalat Port. Silvia Razgova / The National -
The Al Khor roundabout. A four-month ban to protect fish stocks began last month. While these restrictions are tough, they are also viewed as essential to prevent the depletion of stocks and keep the ancient tradition alive. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Mr Abdullah worries that regulations threaten his livelihood at sea. He said he supports environmental regulations such as restrictions on the length of the fishing season and opposes fishing practices that could be harmful to fish eggs, but feels that with other rules, fishermen are left struggling. Silvia Razgova / The National -
The ministry issued a package of decrees in the past year on fisheries and marine environments in general, aimed at implementing its strategic objectives, and is planning a new set of decrees for 2014, it said in a statement. Silvia Razgova / The National -
Fish stocks have plummeted over recent years. Antonie Robertson / The National -
In 2002 fish stocks were estimated at 1,735kg per square kilometre. By 2011 they had dropped to 529kg per square kilometre. Antonie Robertson / The National
In pictures: Fishing communities in the Northern Emirates
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