The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment today announced that the fishing boat registration centres will start receiving fishermen’s orders for 100hp marine engines from 19th June to 21st July.

The engines are being offered by the ministry to highlight the economic and social importance of the fishing industry to the country, to reduce fishermen’s expenses, and to support the fishing industry’s role in promoting food safety and sustainability of local production.

Head of Customer Happiness Office at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Shaikha Ahmed Salem Al Ali emphasised the ministry’s commitment towards enhancing environmental sustainability through its various initiatives, projects and services which are implemented in accordance to the highest standards of quality, efficiency and transparency. He added that marine wealth is considered a chief renewable natural resource which contributes greatly to the country’s food supply.

Al Ali pointed out that the ministry has outlined a set of guidelines to prioritise the distribution of the engines. Essential requirements include that the gross annual salary of the fisherman does not exceed AED30,000 (as per a salary certificate), that the fisherman did not receive any marine engine support between 2013 and 2015, that the fisherman, or applicant, is enlisted in the Ministry’s public register prior to 2013, and that the number of recorded fishing trips from 1st June, 2015, to 31st May, 2016, is not less than 40.

The ministry also said that the engine will be installed on the applicant’s fishing boat by the supplier company within 10 days of the fisherman making full payment. The company will install the engine free of charge and will not charge for labour and additional parts such as batteries and driving wheel. The fisherman will be given a month from the date of approval to pay for the engine, or the request is cancelled. In addition, the fisherman must update the engine data in the ministry’s public register within two weeks from date of installation.

Source :WAM