Ministry campaign combats fishing of sheri and safi during breeding season

Government officials are seeking to educate fishermen about a law that prohibits them from catching sheri and safi fish during the breeding season.

Fishermen who catch sheri and safi fish from March 1 to April 30 must return them to the sea, according to a Ministry of Climate Change and Environment law issued in 2015.

The law also stipulates that all trade of local or imported sheri and safi is prohibited in fish markets and outlets during the annual breeding season.

The ministry has started an awareness campaign about the law, which is aimed at protecting and improving fish stock.

Salah Al Rayssi, director of the ministry’s fisheries department, said the campaign will help increase fish stock, promote a sustainable marine environment, and increase production and trade in the country.

The ministry will conduct site visits throughout the season to all fish-selling outlets, as well as exporting and importing companies in the country.

Offenders will have their catch confiscated, with further penalties ranging from a written warning and a fine to a one-week boat licence suspension.

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