Need License for Fishing in UAE

Dh500 fine for indiscriminate fishing in Dubai

Dubai: 
Indiscriminate fishing in Dubai can draw a fine from Dh100 to Dh500, a senior Dubai Municipality official has said.

The civic body issues fishing permits to people but there have been incidences of people going in for fishing around the Creek, Mamzar Park and open beach areas which has led the civic body to control the activity. The Environment Emergency office of the municipality has launched a new campaign in this regard.

“Indiscriminate fishing, combing all small creatures living by seaside is punishable and may draw imposition of fines up to Dh500,” said Khalid Suletin, Head of Environment Emergency Office at Dubai Municipality

The municipality is taking a serious view of people who fish in coastal areas without permission. The officials of the department will be patrolling the coastal areas to check illegal fishing.

Emphasising that people must keep in mind the impact of their actions of the environment, Suletin said: “People go to these areas and hunt for crabs, lobsters, whatever they may get, which is a big threat to marine stock.”

The Dubai Municipality issues two types of licences for recreational fishing — line and hook, either in coastline or with leisure boat.

Obtaining a licence is a must for individuals who want to go for fishing. This is done in accordance with the Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 on the Exploitation, Protection and Development of Aquatic Resources in the UAE and the Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 for the Protection and Development of Environment.

Suletin said the civic body grants licences only if the applicants adhere to certain requirements. “We are issuing fishing permits to people. But it is never meant to spoil our marine wealth. Permits are given with certain conditions, ” he continued.