FUJAIRAH // The sea has been an economic and cultural lifeline for Fujairah’s residents for hundreds of years, as fishermen set out daily to provide food for their families and the local community.
But now, four years after strict regulations were imposed on the profession, many are struggling to make ends meet.
Restrictions on the time fishermen can spend out at sea, as well as rules on the equipment they are allowed to use, have led many to feel victimised by the regulations, which were intended to protect fish stocks in the waters off the Fujairah coast.
“The Ministry of Environment and Water had declared new regulations four years ago and these regulations affected our profit with a 50 per cent decrease in production,” said fisherman Salem Obaid.
“We used to go fishing at night, which is more suitable for us during the hot weather, but now we have to go in the morning at 6am and return back at 5pm.
“During this time we can’t find many fish like we used to find during the night.”
The ministry’s rules say fish traps would have to be made according to size guidelines. They must be more than 80 centimetres in height, with a circumference no smaller than 175cm. The size of the openings must be at least 3.8cm by 3.8cm.
“We face another challenge with the banning of almost 90 per cent of the tools and nets that we use, like the gargour, dhagwa and more. They also ban the fishing of the migratory fish, which I don’t understand why. They are just visitors and it will not affect the marine life if we catch them,” said Mr Obaid.
“Seven years ago we had a 20-kilometre area to fish in but now we have only five kilometres, because of the new projects that are taking place on the shore.
“The problem is that the ministry treats the Indian Ocean like it treats the Gulf, which is a huge mistake,” said Hassan Abdullah, who owns two fishing boats and has been working as a fisherman for about 55 years in the emirate.
“We were 40 net fishermen six years ago, and now there are eight. People left their profession due to the harsh regulations and rules.”
Conditions for the trade have become so bad, according to Mr Abdullah, that he tried to bring up the matter with authorities.
“I requested compensation or financial support from the ministry for all this and they promised to give us a monthly salary but nothing happened. We are professional in matters of the marine life and they should have asked us before putting those regulations.
“We don’t know anything about the study that they made or the person who did it. In my opinion, the study is in the interest of neighbouring countries, not for us,” he said.
Others doubted how long they would be able to stay in a job.
Abdullah Salmeen has been working as a fisherman since 1967 and said: “I have two jobs and I have 16 workers working with me here. I join them each day after I finish my other job.
“My profits used to cover all the expenses and more but now I spend all my other job’s salary on workers and fishing expenses.
“Therefore, I’m thinking of quitting fishing unless they support us by modifying the rules, extend the port and support us financially.”
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