UAQ Ruler issues resolution establishing committee to regulate marine affairs, aquatic resources

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, has issued Resolution No. 4 of 2022 establishing a committee responsible for regulating marine affairs and living aquatic resources in the emirate.

Article No. 1 of the resolution stipulates that a committee known as “The Marine Affairs and Living Aquatic Resources Regulatory Committee,” shall be established to oversee the emirate’s aquatic resources and regulate all activities thereof.

As per Article No. 2, the committee’s duties will include overseeing marine navigation activity within the emirate’s waters and providing the necessary information to ensure safe navigation, in coordination with relevant authorities, in addition to monitoring compliance with safety and navigation requirements. It will regulate marine facilities and projects, and assess applications for boat, jet ski, sailing and rowing boat rentals, as well as set controls for fishing activities and monitor the amounts of fish being caught and traded in markets. Moreover, the committee will investigate violations and negative actions committed by all businesses and individuals operating on the emirate’s waters, and submit related reports to the competent authorities.

The committee is also in charge of drafting regulations covering violations, penalties and fines, which must be approved by Sheikh Saud, as well as suggesting navigation-related laws and policies, and regulating the use of fishing and entertainment boats.

Article No. 3 stipulates that the committee will be chaired by Sheikh Ali bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Umm Al Qaiwain Municipality Department, with its members including Saeed Rashid Mohammed Al Shaali, Member of the Umm Al Qaiwain Marine Club, as well as a member of the Umm Al Qaiwain Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, a member of the Fishermen’s Association in Umm Al Qaiwain, a member of the Department of Economic Development, and a member of the Coast Guard. The committee membership term is three years and is subject to renewal.

Under the provisions of Article No. 4, the committee may form sub-committees to perform various duties, as well as seek help from industry experts.

Furthermore, the resolution stipulates that the committee will hold regular monthly meetings as required, and requires the committee to appoint a director to oversee its work and follow up on its resolutions.

The committee will also form a regulatory team, in coordination with relevant authorities, to monitor all activities involving the emirate’s water resources.

The resolution will come into force as of the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.