Jordan | Stopping fishing in the Gulf of Aqaba for 4 months

Weather of Arabia - The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority decided to stop fishing in its various forms (professional and recreational) for a period of 4 months.

The authority said that the cessation of fishing in the Gulf of Aqaba begins from the morning of the first Monday of January of next year , until the evening of Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

In the context of announcing this measure, the authority confirmed that this suspension targets the fishing of endemic fish species, during their sensitive life period, which includes laying eggs and reproduction .

The authority explained that this decision comes within the framework of the tireless effort to preserve the fish wealth in the Gulf of Aqaba and stimulate reproduction processes with the aim of improving the sustainability of the fish stock. This measure reflects the authorities’ commitment to regulating fishing and marine life, based on the instructions for regulating fishing and aquatic life in the Gulf of Aqaba No. G/1) of 2020 and its annexes.

To maintain the environmental balance, fishing in the Gulf of Aqaba is prohibited

A comprehensive agreement was reached by all concerned parties, prohibiting the fishing of all endemic fish species in inshore and deep waters, and in all areas where fishing is permitted. During this period, licensed fishermen (professional and licensed) and pleasure boats (recreational fishing) are allowed to catch migratory fish. Only, such as tuna fish of all kinds (cambrone, filament, shakan) and mare fish.

The agreement also includes prohibiting the practice of fishing with glass-bottomed tourist boats, as well as prohibiting fishing by amateurs and visitors from the beaches in all sites of the Aqaba Marine Reserve.

In another step towards preserving the marine environment, it was agreed to ban the carrying of metal traps known as sakhawi and gill nets known as shawarat on boats licensed for professional and recreational fishing, and only nets designated for collecting and catching bait are permitted, along with lines and hooks.

Payment of financial compensation

It was announced that financial compensation would be provided to professional fishermen and those holding official fishing licenses , as compensation for not practicing fishing and completely refraining from sailing during the period specified for the suspension of fishing. The authority stressed the need to comply with the regulations and instructions aimed at protecting the marine environment, and sets strict legal penalties for any violation committed by anyone. Individual, which includes impounding the violating boats for a month and preventing them from sailing.

The Authority indicated the need for cooperation by the local community and fishing practitioners, whether professionals or recreational fishers, to achieve effective implementation of these decisions, and it is expected that this cooperation will reflect positively on the fishing sector in Aqaba, by providing catchable quantities during the coming months.

In its statement, the Authority stressed the importance of this decision in enhancing the sustainability of the unique marine ecosystems, which are characterized by their biodiversity, whether in the Gulf of Aqaba, or in the Aqaba Marine Reserve.

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