www.buildgreen.ae
SUSTAINABLE PAST
March 2011
66
A look at our sustainable heritage
A
s a flock of seagulls watch the world go by on the shores of Dubai Creek, traditional fishing boats sit docked ready for their next voyage. The vessels, sat in front of the ever-changing skyline of the city’s famous creek, lie in wait for their crews to clamber aboard. Traditional ways of fishing, which date back many centuries, are still popular among Middle Eastern fishermen, in spite of changing economic circumstances, seafaring technologies and continuing demands for popular local fish dishes.
While these ships are now more likely to use their petrol-powered engines while at sea, their masks and sails remain a visible reminder of days gone by. According to the conservation organisation EWS-WWF, however, the increasing popularity and high demand for seafood has placed mounting pressure on fish stocks in the UAE, resulting in a decline of around 80% in the last three decades. Hammour, a very popular fish in the UAE, has been overfished at close to seven times beyond its sustainable level, with a decline of 87-92% since 1978.