Abu Dhabi Bans Fishing By Encircling Nets to Protect Spanishmackerel

Abu Dhabi bans fishing by encircling nets to protect Spanish mackerel

ABU DHABI, April 17 (Xinhua) — The Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest one of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), issued a decision banning fishing by encircling nets to protect the Spanish mackerel, Emirates News Agency reported on Tuesday.

The decision which took effect immediately was issued by The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the report said.

The prohibition of the method of fishing by encircling nets, known as “Al Halaq” in Arabic, will help prevent the unsustainable exploitation of Abu Dhabi’s fisheries, the report said.

The Spanish Mackerel (Kingfish), a migratory species locally known as Kan’aad, is a major commercial species in the Gulf region.

Al Halaq is considered an alternative to the fishing method using the drift net or the “web of death”, which was known to destroy rare and endangered species such as sea turtles and dugong and has been banned by international law.

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