UAE announces five-month ban on shark fishing

A five-month seasonal ban on shark fishing in the UAE waters comes into effect on March 1, as part of efforts to "preserve ecosystems and marine life".

The ban on fishing and trade by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) coincides with their breeding season.

According to Halima Al Jasmi, Head of the Fisheries Section at MoCCAE, the legislation aims to tackle overfishing and habitat degradation.

"The seasonal ban on shark fishing and trade aligns with the Ministry’s strategic goal of preserving ecosystems and marine life, as it helps sustain the population of the species through giving them time to reproduce," she explained.

It also permanently prohibits the import and re-export of shark fins – fresh, frozen, dried, salted, smoked, canned, or in any other form – excluding fins that are imported for scientific purposes, subject to approval of the Ministry.

Shark fishing is permitted every year between July and February by those with licensed boats and gear.