Dubai, UAE, May 3, 2017:  Lt General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy chairman of police and Public security in Dubai, the Honorary Chairman of the Protection of Maritime Environment Society launched on Sunday the first phase of fish production enhancement program in the presence of Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

Seven Tides International runs the program that aims at promoting fish stocks in Dubai. 3,000 fish of two local types (hamour and spaiti) were released into the waters near the World Islands, after being raised in captivity for more than a year and half.  

Major General Mohammed Saeed Al Marri, Director of Community Happiness General Department in Dubai Police, Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO of Seven Tides International, and Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Dubai Customs’ Director of Corporate Communication Department participated in the release.  

Lt General Dahi Khalfan Tamim praised this initiative that aims at sustaining and enhancing fish production in the UAE. He added: “This is part of the UAE efforts to protect the maritime environment and raise public awareness in this regard”. 

Sultan bin Sulayem said the first stage of fish release will be followed by another one that continues into next September where 3,000 to 4,000 more fish will be released. He said that irresponsible fishing has led to a decline in fish stocks despite a number of plans and guidelines in place.   

Bin Sulayem added that this initiative will help raise the number of hamour and spaiti, the two local key fish species. 

“Fish culture can be used intensively to help raise the number of these species. Fishers should avoid catching juveniles. This gives fish a chance to replenish and rebuild a sustainable fishery with healthy stock levels” he explained. 

Bin Sulayem highlighted Dubai Fishermen Co Operative Association’s role in this project and their cooperation with Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. He also praised the efforts of Seven Tides International in promoting fish stocks. 

On his part, Major General Mohammed Saeed Al Marri said the release of fish is part of the national responsibility towards the protection of aquaculture and maritime life in the UAE waters. 

He added that consumers prefer certain types of fish which led to their decline. Hamour and sherri are two examples of overfished fish.  

“We get the fingerlings from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and feed them at captivity. This helps boost their numbers” he explained.