The Chairman of the Environment and Natural Reserves Authority in the Emirate of Sharjah, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, revealed to Emirates Today that the decision to regulate recreational fishing on the shores of the emirate has been implemented, with the exception of fishing competitions organized in coordination with the competent authorities. The beginning of last September, where each violator of a fine of 500 dirhams, and double if repeated.
Al Suwaidi confirmed that the decision stipulated that no person may engage in recreational fishing in the Emirate unless he has an official permit from the Authority, as the applicant must be a citizen or resident of the State, at least 18 years old. The decision gave exceptions in the issuance of the permit. Recreational fishing permits may be granted to tourists in coordination with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
She said that the authorized recreational fishing in Sharjah must commit to fishing in the allowed places, and the use of fishing tools and hook only, noting that the fees for issuing the permit is simple, and has been divided into individual and family, and the weekly fee is 30 dirhams for the individual, and the family 50 dirhams, while the individual permits For a year AED 250, family 400 AED.
Al Suwaidi explained that the family permit is for a family consisting of a father, a mother and four children, pointing out that it is prohibited to practice recreational fishing in nature reserves and prohibited areas in the emirate, as fishing in prohibited places violates the provisions of the decision, and violators will be fined 500 dirhams with the confiscation of equipment. Fishing and fish, and multiply in the event of a repeat offense within a year from the date of the previous violation.
She pointed out that the Authority receives many inquiries about the places where fishing is allowed, the value of the fine in case of fishing in the places where fishing is prohibited, and other relevant details, so the decision must be applied after the approval of the Executive Council, stating that the regulations in force in the Authority include provisions Emphasizes the prohibition of fishing in some vital places, such as the lake and tourist places, and other other areas.
Al-Suwaidi stressed that the Authority seeks to educate people about the necessity of not fishing in dangerous and tourist places, in order to ensure their safety as these places are not prepared and not prepared for recreational fishing, and for everyone to enjoy the places without harassment from the large crowds, and other negative practices.
She explained that the Commission found that many people like recreational fishing, so she decided to issue a decision and approved, so as not to prevent amateurs from fishing in some areas without tourists and visitors, pointing out that it has published billboards in areas authorized fishing.