Souq Al Jubail to support ‘Save Safi and Sheri’ drive

Sharjah / Emirates Business

Souq Al Jubail (SQAJ), Sharjah’s largest fresh produce market and an investment project of Sharjah Asset Management, is supporting the ‘Save Safi and Sheri’ campaign launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Taking place from the 1st of March to the 30th of April 2017, the campaign will strive to protect fisheries and create sustainable food security in the UAE.
The ban will allow time and opportunity for the fish to lay their eggs and increase their stock. Currently, only 7% of the natural Safi and Sheri stock remains. To achieve the sustainability threshold, the number of natural stock needs to be at a minimum of 30%.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Shara, Assistant Under-Secretary for the External Audit Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment, emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination between MOCCAE and its strategic partners to work together in raising awareness among all concerned groups regarding the prohibition of fishing during the breeding period as well as to shed light on its benefits. He praised Souq Al Jubail’s efforts in supporting this campaign which aims to protect and improve fish stock, and promote the country’s food security.
Al Shara said: “Sheri and Safi are among the most important local fish which are hugely draining due to uncontrolled fishing during breeding season, which in turn denies the opportunity to rebuild its natural stocks. This decision will bring positive impacts on increasing the fish stock especially Sheri and Safi and help promote a sustainable marine environment and fish conservation, production and trade in the country, which is a key element of achieving Vision 2021.”
Ali Al Suwaidi, Director of Souq Al Jubail, comments: “As Sharjah’s largest fresh produce provider, Souq Al Jubail is heavily committed to this campaign to ensure that our fish stocks are sustainable in the future. We are responsible for ensuring that the market (Buy or sell) will not import or re-import any Safi and Sheri stock, and hopefully, this will contribute to sustainable food security in the region and beyond.”
The decision stipulates that trading of local or imported Sheri and Safi fish is prohibited in fish markets and outlets during the breeding season of every year in the country. Importing and exporting of these fish in any form is also not allowed during this period. Fishermen should send Sheri and Safi fish back to water if they are caught by mistake.