This food item has been in the Gulf by the authorities; here’s why

Keeping in mind the health of the nation and nature’s order, the UAE authorities have banned this fish item for 2 months.

The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has launched an awareness campaign to remind fishermen that trading local or imported Sheri and Safi fish is prohibited for two months starting March 1.

The ministerial decision number 501 of 2015 bans trading of these two fish varieties from March 1 to April 30 – their breeding period.

Importing and exporting of these fish in any form (fresh, frozen, salted, smoked or packed) is also not allowed during this period. Fishermen should send Sheri and Safi fish back to water if they are caught by mistake.

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Salah Abdullah Al Rayssi, director of fisheries sustainability department at the MoCCAE, stressed that this decision would help increase the fish stock.

He said Sheri and Safi are among the most important local fish and their numbers have come down due to uncontrolled fishing during the breeding season.

He said 98% of fishermen complied with the decision during the breeding season last year.

The MoCCAE will issue penalties if markets and companies fail to comply with the decision.