Fish supplies remain steady at Umm Al Quwain Fish Market despite a temporary suspension of local fishing following an oil spill along the emirate’s coastline, vendors confirmed. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) halted fishing activities in the affected areas after a tanker spill prompted the closure of beaches and coastal zones to facilitate containment, cleanup, and environmental assessment efforts.

Local fishermen have been barred from operating in the impacted waters as authorities continue their response to the incident. However, market vendors reported that daily shipments of fish are being brought in from Oman, ensuring that most common fish varieties remain available to consumers. One vendor noted that while local catches are currently on hold, the imported stock helps meet ongoing demand and prevents shortages.

The temporary fishing stoppage led to customer inquiries at the market, with some shoppers expressing concern about potential supply shortages or contamination linked to the oil spill. MOCCAE has addressed such worries by affirming that the reported odors in Umm Al Quwain, as well as in nearby Ajman and Sharjah, do not pose health risks to residents.

Vendors acknowledged that fish prices fluctuate depending on species and availability but emphasized that there is no overall scarcity. They also expressed optimism that local fishing operations will resume once authorities deem the coastal environment safe. In the meantime, the market continues to rely on imports from Oman to maintain steady fish supplies amid ongoing cleanup activities along Umm Al Quwain’s shores.