Arab Environment Watch : Qatar issues strict warnings against marine polluters

Source: Gilf Times

By Arvind Nair
THE Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture has issued a severe warning to boat owners, fishermen and others against polluting the waters and coastal areas.
The Beaches and Islands Monitoring Unit at the ministry said strict action would be taken against those flouting the rules on sanitation and environment.
Rules pertaining to marine and coastal protection forbid people and ships from throwing any garbage or solid waste into the waters. Disposing used engine oil into the sea is also banned.
Similarly, fishermen and boat owners have been cautioned against abandoning used nets either at sea or on the beaches. They have also been advised not to use nets banned by the ministry.
“Do not throw any rusted substances into the sea or at the beach,” a leaflet being produced by the ministry warns fishermen and the public.
“Do not do anything that might pollute the environment or marine life,” urges the ministry.
Fishermen and boat owners have been asked to take particular care of coral reefs and pearl beds. Removing soil from the coastal areas is also illegal.
The ministry has reminded boat owners and fishermen that it is illegal to mend boats or carry out other repairs at any place other than yards designated for this purpose.
Erecting “temporary” jetties or tents at beaches is also strictly forbidden. Any such construction needs written permission from the concerned department, the ministry reiterated.
The warnings have been issued as per Law No 8 of 1974 and No 4 of 1983.
Meanwhile, the ministry has also sent a notice to a distributor of domestic gas cylinders against parking his loaded vehicle at residential areas. It is illegal and “highly dangerous” to leave vehicles at populated areas, the notice states.
The effort is part of the government’s general clampdown on activities that could damage the environment and pollute the atmosphere, ministry sources said.
They pointed out that an individual was recently fined QR200 for throwing a cigarette butt from his car. The man became aware of the offence when he went to renew his road permit at the Traffic Department.
Apparently, the health affairs department at the ministry notified the traffic department of the offence.
According to a ministry source, there are scores of under-cover inspectors looking out for violations. Any photo, even one taken on a mobile phone, is accepted as evidence, the source indicated.
“It is better to be careful and law-abiding than regretting it later,” the source advised. “The law does not see whether the offender is lowly-paid or rich. It will be very sad if a lowly worker or a fisherman has to pay any penalty out of his meagre income”.