A Guide to Fishing in the UAE; Recreational Licence, Penalties and Seasons
In a bid to safeguard marine biodiversity and restore fish stocks, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has enacted robust regulations aimed at curtailing overfishing and illegal fishing practices.
These laws emphasize the need for science-based management plans to ensure sustainable fishing practices, reflecting the nation's commitment to environmental protection while honoring its rich maritime heritage.
Historically, fishing has been a cornerstone of the UAE's economy, dating back to the days of pearl diving and fishing as primary income sources. Today, while the economy has expanded into diverse sectors, recreational fishing remains a cherished activity for many residents. To ensure the longevity of fish populations and the health of marine ecosystems, the UAE government has set specific fishing seasons and imposed restrictions on certain practices.
One crucial regulation mandates that all individuals engaging in recreational fishing must obtain a license, even if fishing is pursued as a hobby. The licensing process varies across emirates, with each governing authority responsible for its respective regulations.
Licensing Procedures by Emirate:
Dubai:
- Authority: Dubai Municipality.
- License Type: Line and hook fishing only.
- Designated Areas: Al Mamzar Creek, Jumeirah Beach, and more.
- Validity: One year, renewable with no application fees.
- Requirements:
- Proof of residence (tenancy contract or utility bill).
- Passport copy and Emirates ID.
- Personal photo.
- Boat license (if using a boat).
- Labor card/work permit (for fishing with thread and hooks).
- Note: Fishing service is suspended from June to October; children under 18 can fish without a license.
Abu Dhabi:
- Authority: Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi.
- License Types: Weekly and yearly permits available.
- Cost:
- Annual license: Dh120.
- Weekly license: Dh30.
- Application Process: Through the TAMM platform, using UAE PASS.
Ras Al Khaimah:
- Authority: Environment Protection and Development Authority.
- Cost: Dh110 for a recreational fishing license.
Sharjah:
- Authority: Sharjah Executive Council.
- Cost:
- Individual weekly: Dh30.
- Family weekly: Dh50.
- Individual yearly: Dh250.
- Family yearly: Dh400.
- Application Process: Through the Sharjah Executive Council's website.
Fujairah:
- Authority: Fujairah Environment Agency.
- Requirements:
- Boat license approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
- Previous fishing license approved by the Ministry of Fujairah Environment Agency.
- Letter of good conduct.
Fishing Guidelines and Seasons
Fishing enthusiasts can utilize the Hadaq interactive map, which provides an overview of the fishing regulations across the UAE, including permitted fishing areas, seasons, and prohibited zones. Specific months are designated for fishing certain species, with regulations in place to protect breeding seasons. For instance, the use of encircling nets is prohibited in various emirates from June to October, and certain shark species are off-limits from March through June.
The authority has also permitted fishing and sale of certain species within a certain length. These are as follows:
Penalties
Many regulations and penalties are set in place to ensure the protection of marine life. Here is a list of fines that apply to recreational fishers as well as those doing it for commercial purposes:
| Type of violation | First time | Second offense | Third offense |
| Fishing with prohibited tools and equipment | Boat licence reservation for period of not more than 6 months | Cancel boat licence | |
| Hunting during breeding and reproduction seasons and in permanently or temporarily prohibited areas | Boat licence reservation for a period of not more than 6 months | Cancel boat licence | |
| Hunting marine mammals of all types and sizes, sea turtles, collecting their eggs and tampering with their habitat and breeding sites. Hunting whales and manatees. | Boat licence to be seized for a period of not more than 6 months. Seized materials to be confiscated. A Dh3,000 fine for individuals who also don't have a boat licence. | Boat licence cancel and confiscation of seized materials. A Dh5,000 fine for those who also don't have a boat licence. | |
| Fishing by person without a licence by competent authority and not registered among fishing practitioners at Ministry of Environment and Water. | Dh2,000 fine | Boat licence reservation for a month. | Cancel boat licence. |
| Failure to notify Ministry of Environment and Water of any changes to application data or documents within one month of change. | Written warning | Dh500 fine | Boat licence reservation for a week. |
| Using a fishing boat that is not registered in the register and is not licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Water. | Written warning | Dh1,000 fine | Cancellation of fisherman's registration from from register. |
| Failure to show boat licence and fishing licence when requested by competent authorities. | Written warning | Dh500 fine | Boat licence reservation for a week. |
| Anchoring or operating a fishing boat in areas where it is prohibited. | Written warning | Dh1,000 fine | Boat licence reservation for a week. |
| Catching, trading, selling or transporting small fish (as per laws regulating lengths of fish permitted to be caught). | Written warning and confiscation of small fish (This applies to fish shops, transporters and the hunter). | Dh1,000 fine and confiscation of fishes (This applies to fish shops, transporters and the hunter). | Boat licence seized from fisherman for a week. Fish shops closed for a week. Dh3,000 fine for the fish transport vehicle. |
| Diving for the purpose of catching ornamental fish without a permit from competent authority. | Written warning | Dh5,000 fine | Reserving diving licence for a month. Confiscation of fishing tools and equipment. |
| Establishing or building coral reefs without a licence. | Boat licence reserved until the fisherman obtains necessary licence. | Dh5,000 fine | Boat licence reservation for a month. |
| Extraction of shellfish, sponges and coral reefs without a written licence. | Dh5,000 fine and confiscation of seized materials. | Boat licence seized for a period not exceeding 3 months and seized materials to be confiscated. | Cancellation of boat licence and confiscation of seized materials. |
| Selling, possessing or trading in unauthorised or prohibited fishing nets, tools or equipment. | Dh5,000 fine | Reservation of facility licence for a period not exceeding 2 months. | Fcaility licence cancelled. |
| Renting a fishing boat without its owner or representative. | Written warning | Dh3,000 fine | Cancel boat licence |
| Pollution of marine environment by doing the following: Dumping dead fish waste, whale bodies, sharks into the water. Throwing plastic bags (such as bread bags) into the water. Throwing away damaged fishing gear such as nets and traps. | Written warning | Dh1,000 fine | Boat licence reservation for a month. |
| Trading, selling, marketing, consuming or benefiting from fish and aquatic life that is prohibited to catch, either in whole or in a specific season. | Written warning and fish confiscation. (This applies to fisherman and shops) | Dh2,000 fine and confiscation of fish. (This applies to fisherman and shops) | Boat licence reserved for a week. Confiscation of fish and aquatic wildlife. Closing fish shops for a week. |
News Source: Khaleej Times