Fish UAE Waters Responsibly
Know the rules, protect the fish, preserve the ocean for future generations. UAE fishing regulations are enforced by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
License Requirements
Recreational Fishing License Required
All recreational anglers fishing in UAE waters must obtain a license from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Apply via the MOCCAE website or approved service centres.
UAE Nationals & Residents
Both UAE nationals and expatriate residents require a valid recreational fishing permit. Licenses are typically issued annually.
Boat Fishing
Charter boat fishing requires the operator to hold a commercial fishing license. Always check your charter operator is properly licensed.
Bag & Size Limits
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Min Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammour (Grouper) | 5 per day | 30 cm | Release undersized fish carefully |
| Kingfish (Narrow-barred Mackerel) | 10 per day | 45 cm | Most popular UAE species |
| Sea Bream (Shaari) | 15 per day | 20 cm | Common shore fishing target |
| Emperor Fish (Bayadh) | 10 per day | 25 cm | Highly valued food fish |
| Barracuda | 5 per day | 40 cm | Caution: ciguatera risk in large fish |
| Queenfish | 10 per day | 35 cm | Popular sport fish |
| Giant Trevally | 5 per day | 40 cm | Excellent sport fish; consider catch & release |
* Limits are indicative based on MOCCAE guidelines. Always verify current regulations at moccae.gov.ae
Prohibited Methods & Gear
Dynamite / Explosives
Fishing with explosives is a serious criminal offense in the UAE, carrying heavy fines and imprisonment.
Poison / Chemicals
Using any chemical or toxic substance to stun or kill fish is strictly prohibited.
Drag Nets in Shallow Waters
Certain drag and seine nets are banned in shallow coastal areas and near coral reefs.
Trawling near Reefs
Bottom trawling near coral reef ecosystems is prohibited to protect habitat.
Spearfishing with SCUBA
Spearfishing while using SCUBA equipment is prohibited. Freediving spearfishing has restrictions.
Coral Harvesting
Collecting, damaging, or possessing coral is illegal throughout UAE waters.
Seasonal Closures
Hammour (Grouper) — Breeding Season
MOCCAE periodically declares closed seasons for Hammour to protect breeding populations. Closures are typically announced with several weeks' notice. Follow official MOCCAE announcements.
Shrimp Trawling Season
Commercial shrimp trawling has designated season periods to protect juveniles. Recreational anglers catching shrimp by hand-line are generally not affected.
Marine Protected Area Closures
Certain MPA zones may have temporary fishing closures. Check with local authorities before fishing near Sir Bani Yas, Marawah, or Bu Tinnah islands.
Fully Protected Species
The following species are fully protected in UAE waters. It is illegal to catch, harm, possess, sell, or trade these species. If caught accidentally, release immediately.
Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
CITES Appendix II — world's largest fish. Fully protected globally.
Dugong
Dugong dugon
UAE has one of the world's largest Dugong populations. Fully protected.
All Sea Turtles
5 species present
Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback and Olive Ridley all protected.
Napoleon Wrasse (Humphead)
Cheilinus undulatus
Endangered. CITES Appendix II. Vital reef ecosystem role.
Giant Manta Ray
Mobula birostris
Endangered. Protected throughout UAE waters.
Hammerhead Sharks
Sphyrna spp.
Critically Endangered globally. No-take in UAE.
Sawfish
Pristis spp.
Critically Endangered. Listed under UAE federal law.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Marawah Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Critical habitat for Dugong, sea turtles, and seagrass beds. Fishing restricted in core zones.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Marine reserve surrounding the island. Rich coral and mangrove ecosystems. Fishing prohibited in protected zones.
Bu Tinnah Shoals
Remote coral shoals with exceptional biodiversity. One of the healthiest reef systems in the southern Arabian Gulf.
Khor Kalba Mangrove Reserve
Oldest mangroves in Arabia. Important nursery habitat for many fish species. Fishing restricted.
Dibba Marine Reserve
Located on the Gulf of Oman side. Rich Omani Sea marine life including whale sharks, turtles and coral.
Al Zorah Nature Reserve
Protected mangrove and lagoon ecosystem near Ajman. Flamingo habitat. No fishing in core zones.
Responsible Fishing Best Practices
Catch & Release Technique
- ·Keep fish in the water as much as possible
- ·Use wet hands or a wet cloth to handle fish
- ·Remove hooks quickly with pliers
- ·Support the fish upright until it swims away strongly
Hook Selection
- ·Use circle hooks — they reduce deep hooking
- ·Consider barbless hooks for easier, safer release
- ·Avoid treble hooks when targeting species you plan to release
- ·Match hook size to target species to reduce bycatch
Fight Time Matters
- ·Land fish quickly to reduce exhaustion stress
- ·Use appropriately rated tackle for your target
- ·A prolonged fight exhausts fish and increases post-release mortality
- ·Keep the fish moving forward after release to ventilate gills
Leave No Trace
- ·Pack out all fishing line and tackle
- ·Monofilament takes 600 years to degrade
- ·Discard old bait responsibly away from water
- ·Never release non-native bait species into UAE waters
Contact & Report
MOCCAE — Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Hotline: 800-MOCCAE (800-662223)
Email: info@moccae.gov.ae
Website: moccae.gov.ae
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 7:30am–3:30pm
Report Illegal Fishing
Witnessed dynamite fishing, poaching, or illegal nets? Report it immediately. Your tip protects UAE fisheries for everyone.
MOCCAE Hotline: 800-662223
24/7 emergency environmental reporting
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