The Al Hamriyah Municipality organized a specialized awareness workshop focused on the safety of fishing and handling seafood, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance public health and improve food safety practices in the marine sector. This initiative aligns with the municipality’s participation in the “Nawakhitha” program organized by the Al Hamriyah Cooperative Society for Fishermen, aimed at raising health awareness among fishermen, students, and enthusiasts, while establishing proper handling practices for seafood from the moment it is caught until it reaches the consumer.
Scientific Content Linking Daily Practices to Food Safety
During the workshop, public health experts provided practical explanations on several key aspects related to the safety of fishing and handling seafood. These included critical control points while fishing, potential risks during transportation and handling, storage requirements for fish aboard fishing boats, and the impact of time and temperature on the quality and safety of seafood products.
The session also addressed the effects of certain natural phenomena, such as red tide, as well as environmental challenges resulting from human activities, including oil spills, which can have direct repercussions on fish stocks and food safety. The municipality aimed to present content that combines scientific and practical elements, helping participants understand and mitigate risks in real-world scenarios.
Community Partnership to Support Fishermen and Stakeholders
The Al Hamriyah Municipality’s participation in the “Nawakhitha” program aligns with its vision to support community initiatives that contribute to the development of an informed generation of fishermen and promote a health culture in a vital sector related to food security and environmental sustainability. This participation reflects the municipality’s commitment to leveraging partnerships with local institutions to serve the community and enhance professional awareness in priority areas.
The municipality emphasized that such workshops represent an important platform for direct communication with the target audience, allowing for the transfer of knowledge in a simplified and clear manner that meets the needs of both professionals and enthusiasts. Through this approach, the municipality seeks to promote correct daily practices that enhance safety and support the sustainability of marine resources.
Notable Engagement and Plans for Expanding Impact
The workshop concluded with an open discussion that allowed participants to pose their questions and inquiries, with notable engagement enriching the dialogue and broadening the knowledge benefit. This interaction reflected the attendees’ interest in applying proper health standards at all stages of fishing and handling, positively impacting the quality of seafood products in the emirate.
Mohammed Sultan bin Harib Al Mehairi, Deputy Director of the Public Health Department at Al Hamriyah Municipality, stated that the municipality’s participation in the program embodies its approach to enhancing institutional integration with various national entities and utilizing its specialized expertise to serve the community. He noted that the workshop represents a preliminary step towards preparing a specialized health guide that includes best practices and health requirements related to fishing and seafood handling, contributing to raising awareness and establishing a culture of prevention and food safety among those working in and interested in this sector.
Al Mehairi added that Al Hamriyah Municipality is committed to ensuring that its awareness programs are based on scientific and practical foundations, enabling participants to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain the quality and safety of seafood products, thereby enhancing the sustainability of the fishing sector, in line with the emirate of Sharjah‘s efforts to protect community health and preserve marine resources.
As these efforts continue, the municipality reaffirms that the safety of fishing and handling seafood will remain a central theme in its upcoming educational programs, as it is a shared responsibility that requires ongoing awareness and continuous cooperation between the relevant authorities and field workers.