Abu Dhabi Maritime Authorities Discover Illicit Harvesting of Oysters within Protected Marine Area
Strict Regulations Protect Marine Life in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, the collection of marine life, including oysters, in marine protected areas is strictly regulated and prohibited without a permit issued by the competent authority. This regulation is part of a broader strategy to conserve fragile ecosystems and biodiversity, which constitute over 30% of the emirate's land and coastal areas.
Federal Law No. (24) of 1999 forbids activities such as hunting, transporting, killing, or harming wild species in natural reserves, including marine reserves. Breaches of this law can lead to legal accountability for violators.
Cabinet Resolution No. (120) of 2023 further regulates marine protected areas, stating that diving for fishing or resource exploitation without a permit is punishable by a fine of AED 1,000 for a first offense. Additionally, extra penalties may be imposed in protected areas to strengthen conservation efforts.
More severe penalties are outlined in Federal Law No. 23 of 1999, which protects biodiversity, including marine life. Violators can face a minimum imprisonment of six months and/or fines starting from several thousand AED.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi emphasizes these regulations are essential for safeguarding marine ecosystems and endangered species like dugongs and sea turtles. Activities like damaging or destroying geological or geographical formations, cutting trees, eroding soil, polluting the soil, water, or air, and introducing foreign species into marine reserves are also prohibited.
Marine reserves in Abu Dhabi include Ras Ghanadah, Saadiyat Marine National Park, Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, and Al Yasat Protected Area. Human activities like fishing and hunting are prohibited in these areas to protect the natural marine habitat.
Any violation within protected areas exposes the perpetrator to legal accountability, according to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. This strict stance against unauthorized collection of marine life and other activities reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving its natural marine habitats.
Summary of Key Regulations and Penalties:
| Regulation | Details | Penalties | |------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Federal Law No. (24) of 1999 | Prohibits collection, harm, or transport of wild species | Legal accountability for violations | | Cabinet Resolution No. (120) of 2023 | Diving for fishing or resource exploitation without permit | AED 1,000 fine for first offense; extra penalties in protected areas | | Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 | Protects biodiversity, including marine life | Minimum 6 months imprisonment and/or fines |
The collection of marine life, such as oysters, in marine protected areas of Abu Dhabi is prohibited without a permit issued by the competent authority, as part of efforts to conserve fragile ecosystems. violating federal Law No. (24) of 1999, which forbids activities like hunting, transporting, killing, or harming wild species in natural reserves, can lead to legal accountability. Cabinet Resolution No. (120) of 2023 further regulates marine protected areas, with a fine of AED 1,000 for a first offense punishable for diving for fishing or resource exploitation without a permit. More severe penalties, including minimum imprisonment of six months and/or fines, are outlined in Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 for violating the protection of biodiversity, including marine life. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi enforces fines for any violation within protected areas to strengthen conservation efforts and uphold the emirate's commitment to preserving its natural marine habitats, like the Ras Ghanadah, Saadiyat Marine National Park, Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, and Al Yasat Protected Area.
