Plundering diminishes Abu Dhabi fish stocks - Gulf News

Fish stocks in Abu Dhabi are being 'heavily over-exploited' and it could take 20 years for them to be replenished, a report finds. The Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency's (ERWDA) annual report highlights a number of alarming trends in the emirate's fishing industry.

Fishermen who spoke with Gulf News confirmed that some colleagues are plundering Abu Dhabi's waters. 'In one day, they sometimes make 40 or 50 catches of hamour. I do not catch them in large quantities because of municipal restrictions, but there are other people there who do that,' said one fisherman who gave his name as Rashi.

Don't know if there is overfishing (pdf) in the economic sense. The UAE does have regulations aimed at limiting the take by the UAE fishing industry. (Note that the Gulf is bordered by eight countries.)

From economics to gastronomy: Grilled hamour is awesome. When you visit the Emirates be sure to get out of your hotel for a meal at a local fish restaurant (usually run by Egyptians, Iraqis or Lebanese) for the genuine article.