Fishing is a deeply embedded tradition in the UAE culture. As people of the desert with little water for agriculture, the Emirati ancestors depended on fishing for survival.
Before oil and tourism, the UAE relied on fishing and pearl diving for survival and livelihood.
A new documentary takes a look at the state of the country’s fisheries and oceans, and what is being done to preserve it.
The documentary Our Sea, Our Heritage will be screened at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) from 16th to 19th October at ADNEC.
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Visitors can see the film at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) stand in the venue.
The documentary is 25 minutes long and features insightful interviews with 22 fishermen sharing their stories on the country’s fisheries.
The film likewise touches on the findings of the UAE Sustainable Fisheries Programme backed by EAD and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
It shows the most comprehensive boat-based fisheries resources assessment survey of the UAE’s Arabian Gulf water after 250 days spent at sea.
Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, secretary general of EAD, said: “Our Sea, Our Heritage is a touching story filled with serious revelations about our fisheries, but it is also a story of hope.
“It reminds us that our seas have always nourished and sustained us and that we have an ongoing duty to protect our fish stocks for future generations.
“The interviews we conducted with fishermen demonstrate that the science we know corroborates with the traditional knowledge they hold – the UAE’s fisheries are severely over-exploited due to over-fishing and in need of major recovery.”
The EAD is currently on a race to save the country’s oceans and fisheries to boost the country’s fish stocks and preserve the eco-system surrounding local marine life.
For those who won’t be able to visit EAD’s booth at ADIBS, make sure to check the agency’s YouTube channel to see the documentary.
If you are in Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to visit ” The Founders Memorial ” a permanent national tribute dedicated to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s enduring legacy.
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