Ministry of Environment and Water holds meeting with officers and members of UAE Fishermen's Cooperative

United Arab Emirates, August 20, 2015 – H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister, Ministry of Environment and Water, recently welcomed the visit of the officials and members of the UAE Fishermen's Cooperative headed by H.E. Ali Mohammed Mansour Al Mansouri, President, Abu Dhabi Fishermen Cooperative Society at the Ministry's Headquarters in Dubai. The delegation, which was composed of the respective heads of the various fishermen association in the UAE, were also met by other Ministry officials like H.E. Abdelrahim Mohammed Al Hammadi, Undersecretary and H.E. Sultan Bin Alwan Al Habsi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regional Sector. During the meeting, the cooperative officials briefed the Minister of Environment and Water on their key objectives and upcoming initiatives and projects. H.E. Al Mansouri also discussed the cooperative's role in supporting the local fishing industry—helping address the challenges fishermen face and encouraging the move to preserve and improve the profession for future generations.

In response, Minister Bin Fahad explained the significance of the need to apply new laws and legislation to help regulate the fishing industry, particularly concerning the need to protect and conserve fisheries resources. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties between the Ministry and the Fishermen's Cooperative, which is a key driver in overcoming the challenges faced by fishermen today. In addition, the Minister expressed his continued support for the fishermen and has vowed to create and promote more best practices, standards and guidelines aimed at regulating and preserving the industry.

H.E. Al Mansouri thanked the Minister and the Ministry of Environment and Water officials for their vouch of continued support to the fishing industry. He also commended Minister Bin Fahad and his move to support the Cooperative's goals and objectives. Lastly, H.E. Al Mansouri also gave his promise of supporting all of the resolutions issued by the Ministry, which will help in the advancement of the fishing industry through the promotion of new fishing techniques that aim at leaving less impact on the marine environment.