Officers of the Marine Protection Department and the Al Shamal Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) have seized fishing nets at the coral reef site at Al Shamal.
The nets, according to an official statement from the MoECC, were confiscated, a fine issued against the violators, and the case referred for prosecution.
Net fishing is prohibited near islands and coral reefs, which are breeding grounds for marine life.
“Net fishing exposes these breeding grounds to destruction and threatens their continuation causing a depletion of fish stocks, thus negatively affecting food security,” the statement said.
The ministry urged fishermen to adhere to environmental laws and conditions and not to use illegal fishing nets or fish in prohibited areas.
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