H.E Mariam Almheiri Lays Stress on Sustainable Model for Fish Wealth and Marine Life

Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, chaired the second meeting of 2023 with the UAE Fishermen’s Cooperative Union and the heads of fishermen's associations in the country on Monday.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the most important issues related to the development and sustainability of the fisheries wealth in the country, as well as ways to support fishermen and their contributions towards enhancing national food security.

H.E Almheiri affirmed that the leadership of UAE attaches utmost importance to the care of fishermen and the provision of all means of support for them to maintain the prosperity of this activity, which represents one of the economic, cultural, and social tributaries of the country.

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She pointed out that the fisheries wealth is one of the pillars of national food security, and it is necessary to work on its development in order to sustain food in the country and preserve and develop this wealth for the current and future generations.

H.E praised the role of the Union and Fishermen's Associations in implementing various rules and regulations that ensure the development of the UAE's fish wealth.

H.E said: "As we celebrate the Year of Sustainability, and as we approach hosting COP28 this year, we look forward to building a sustainable model for developing fish wealth and marine life in the country and minimizing environmental and climate impacts.

"As well as promoting fishing activities in accordance with the laws and guidelines in force in the UAE. This, of course, will happen through full cooperation and working as one team."

The meeting, held at the premises of the Environmental Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah.

It was attended by H.E Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi; Acting Undersecretary, MOCCAE; H.E Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi; Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MOCCAE; H.E Sulaiman Al Khadem; President, UAE Fishermen's Cooperative Union; and Presidents of the Fishermen's Cooperative Associations.

H.E Dr Al Hammadi said: During this meeting, many topics were touched upon, through which we were keen to listen to the fishermen’s opinions on many decisions and solutions that we seek to develop fish wealth, maximise its benefits, ensure its sustainability, and contribute to supporting national food security."

The meeting focused on the broad-based development of the marine fishing sector to secure the sustainability of the marine environment and bolster national food security.

It also underscored the importance of the fishing profession, deeply rooted in the unique historical heritage of Emirati society.

During the meeting, updates were shared on the Fish Stock Survey Program in the country, decisions related to fishing (Daghwa), and the "Haddaq" application project.

The fishermen's associations' proposals were also reviewed, which included a proposal to ban the use of plastic bags and replace them with boxes or baskets to contribute to reducing marine pollution, preserving the environment, and reducing plastic waste.

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