UAE  Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) is totally committed towards enhancing environmental sustainability through its various initiatives, projects and services which are implemented in accordance with the highest standards of quality, efficiency and transparency.

One such initiative in an effort to protect the UAE's marine ecosystem is that the ministry has decided to offer eco-friendly 115 hp four-stroke marine boat engines at half price to fishermen. These would be given across the various fishing boat registration centres in the UAE. The engines would contribute to environmental sustainability.

From 23^rd Aug , fishermen who make less than Dh30,000 (approx. 8000 USD) in monthly salary, who have not received marine engine support in the past and have made more than 40 fishing trips between August last year and July this year, are being offered a 50 per cent discount on a new 115 horsepower, four-stroke marine engine.

Fishermen who qualify will have one month from the approval date to buy the engine, which will also be installed free within 10 days of the purchase.

508 eco-friendly marine engines will be offered at half-price to fishermen, in the effort to pursue environmental sustainability. This type of engine features a variety of advantages, such as lower fuel consumption which will lead to a reduction of gas emissions.

As part of its efforts to enhance customer service, the ministry also said the engine will be installed on the applicant's fishing boat by the supplier company within 10 days from the date of payment. The company has to install the engine for free without calculating labour wages and excluding extra parts such as batteries. The fisherman must update the engine data in the ministry's public register within two weeks from date of installation.

The ministry is offering this category of engines in recognition of the economic and social importance of the fisheries industry to the country. The gesture is also in line with active efforts to reduce fishermen's expenses and support the fishing industry to promote food safety as well as the sustainability of local production. Marine wealth is considered a chief renewable natural resource which contributes greatly to the country's food supply.

Sources : The National , The Gulf Today