Every time you order fish, make a difference

Eight types of popular fish — including hamour, king fish and spangled emperor — are on their way to extinction in UAE waters. Research carried out by Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on fish consumption in the UAE showed that around 66 per cent of UAE residents eat fish at least once a week, with hamour being their favourite choice. At the current rate of consumption, the overfished hamour population has declined by about 90 per cent — seven times the natural sustainable level of this species, the research shows. According to the survey, around 70 per cent of people would make better choices if they were informed and knew that alternatives exist. EWS and WWF have launched a ‘Choose Wisely' campaign to raise awareness about replacing overfished local species with more environment-friendly options in a new guide for consumers at restaurants and supermarkets. The campaign will address the impact of overfishing in the UAE and on the environment. Reasons for depletion High demand for fish here, combined with loss of habitat due to pollution, coastal development and catching fish too young — before they can reproduce — have contributed to these species being depleted to alarming levels. "Most fish we find on the market today are small juveniles," Darren Hiltz, project manager of the sustainable fisheries, told Gulf News. "These fish have not had a chance to mature and produce eggs. In the case of kanaad or king fish, 95 per cent of landed fish are immature. Similarly, for zuraidi fish, 71 per cent of the catch comprises fish smaller than the size at which they reach maturity."