Abu Dhabi Educates On Authorised Fishing Locations For Marine Sustainability

In a concerted effort to promote environmental conservation and legal compliance among the fishing community, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, in collaboration with the City Municipality Centre and Al Shahama Municipality Centre, recently launched an awareness campaign. This initiative, part of the broader "Darna" project, aimed to educate local fishermen about the designated fishing zones within Abu Dhabi and its surrounding areas. Over a span of five days, the campaign targeted geographical locations associated with both centres, striving to preserve the city's aesthetic while ensuring the protection of its marine ecosystems.

The primary objective was to illuminate the distinctions between authorised and unauthorised fishing locales, directing fishermen towards permitted areas such as Al Bahia Beach, Al Shalila Beach, Al Sader Beach, Ghantoot, and Yas Beach. The municipality clarified that beaches lacking signs prohibiting fishing are deemed open and permissible for the activity. This clarification is pivotal in aligning fishing practices with environmental sustainability goals and maintaining the city's visual appeal, in accordance with directives from relevant authorities like the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD).

The awareness drive encompassed various channels to reach its audience effectively. Informative materials were disseminated across the municipality's social media platforms and through the "Freejna" app. Additionally, text messages were sent out, and field visits were organised to various fishing sites to engage directly with the fishing community. These efforts underscored the importance of adhering to designated fishing areas and highlighted community responsibility in upholding cleanliness standards.

Abu Dhabi Municipality's call to action for all fishermen was clear: maintain cleanliness in fishing areas, contribute to preserving the city's general appearance, and avoid leaving waste that could harm the marine environment or beaches. This campaign not only aimed at raising awareness but also at fostering a sense of community responsibility towards safeguarding natural resources and amenities for future generations.

With inputs from WAM