Aqaba temporary fishing halt ‘aimed at protecting, enhancing marine life’

AMMAN — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority has announced the cessation of fishing in the Gulf of Aqaba in all its forms temporarily during the period of time extending from Sunday to June 15, 2021.

According to Sharhabeel Madi, the Economic Affairs Commissioner in Aqaba, there will be no negative effect on fishermen as a result of this decision. “We will compensate all the fishermen from a special fund formed for the purpose,” Madi told The Jordan Times on Saturday.

“The impact would be minimal as fishing is not the primary source of income for the majority of Aqaba’s fishermen,” Madi said.

The cessation of fishing during this period of time is needed to protect and enhance marine life, according to Madi.

“The cessation period comes during fish ovulation time. Fishing during this would have a particularly bad impact on the lifecycle of fish,” Madi said.

The pause will have a positive effect on Aqaba's marine ecosystem: "The cessation will help the marine environment to expand and the fish to lay eggs in peace while also preventing the capture of the little fish used as baits," Madi said.

This decision is in fishermen’s best interest, Madi argued.

“When the cessation is over, fishermen will have great fisheries, and Aqaba's marine life will change for the better, as it will have all of the fish Aqaba is known for in large quantities, especially those fish that can only be found in the Red Sea,” he added. 

The Aqaba Fishermen Association did not comment on the issue despite repeated requests for comment made by The Jordan Times.