The patrols of the Environment Protection Department at the Ministry of Environment (MoE) spotted more than 461 violations last year.

Omar Salim al-Nuaimi, director of Environment Protection Department, said that the environmental patrols, whether land or marine, have exerted great efforts to curb any violation. They also work around the clock across the country to protect the land and marine components of the local environment.

Most of the land and desert violations last year included the breach of the ban on camel and livestock grazing in the open desert, discarding refuse materials and discharge of sewage water at random open areas, transport of hazardous material such as diesel and petroleum without taking the necessary precautions, and the use of various illegal apparatuses to hunt and capture wild birds. Spotted marine violations included excessive fishing, use and possession of unauthorised and banned fishing nets, and tampering with coral reefs.

Al-Nuaimi said that the team that co-ordinates with the security entities concerned managed last year to apprehend a number of persons hunting and trading in wild hare in addition to a variety of singing birds. Some were booked for keeping endangered wild animals. All such persons were referred to the Environment Prosecution to take the necessary legal procedures against them.

Regarding the winter camping season, the official pointed out that there were a total of 2,058 winter camps in various areas of the country. Five camps noted for environmental violations were referred to the department concerned to take necessary action.

The inspectors of the department often conduct regular and surprise inspection tours on all camps and farms in the country to ensure compliance with the environmental regulations.