According to the fishing community the low stocks in fish in the market could pave the way for the import of the item. Heads of fishermen’s societies in the Eastern Coast have called on the authorities to take some introduce more stringent regulations and impose restrictions on the Asian fishermen.
It is told that these warnings were issued by the Federal National Council’s (FNC) committee for agriculture and fisheries led by Khaled Ali bin Zayed to the Fujairah Fishermen Society in the presence of the heads of fishing communities in Fujairah, Kalba Khor Fakkan, Bedea and Diba. The committee listened to the problems of the fishermen and of their demands for financial assistance, Emiratisation, marketing and development of societies into commercial firms in addition to upgrading and expanding of the fishing quays.
The meeting discussed the issue of marine pollution. The fishermen also demanded for the provision of engines for fishermen, saying the Ministry of Environment is offering little help. They demanded the government to provide at least one refrigerator to store unsold fish. Non-availability of cold stores compels fishermen to sell their catch to middle man at lower prices. The community expects that the ministry should help them in the marketing of their catch at cooperative societies.
