In an extraordinary fishing expedition, local angler Haitham Al-Balushi, 35, from Fujairah, managed to catch an impressive 137-kilogram giant tuna, commonly referred to as “Um Qaws.” This remarkable event took place a few days ago, approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast, and stands out as one of the most significant fishing captures in Fujairah’s recent history.
Unexpected Encounter
During the thrilling experience, Al-Balushi initially mistook the massive fish for a dolphin as it approached his boat. “It wasn’t until it got closer that I realized it was a huge tuna,” he shared in an interview with Emirates Today. The battle with the fish proved to be intense and lasted over an hour and twenty minutes, showcasing Al-Balushi’s skill and determination as he fought to gain control.
A New Milestone
Al-Balushi reached out to fellow fishermen in Oman to compare notes on large tuna catches, learning that the highest recorded weight there was 117 kilograms. Notably, standard weights for this fish typically hover around 109 to 110 kilograms. Al-Balushi expressed that his achievement serves as a significant morale booster, inspiring him to pursue even larger catches in the future.
Community Response and Market Impact
After sharing photos of his impressive catch across social media, Al-Balushi received offers from various individuals interested in purchasing the tuna. However, he noted that the current market conditions, with an abundance of tuna available this season, meant prices were relatively low, capping around 1,800 dirhams. One of the buyers even offered 2,000 dirhams, but Al-Balushi chose to gift the fish to a friend instead of selling it.
Significance of the Catch
Mohamed Hassan Suleiman Al-Ali, President of the Fujairah Fishermen’s Association, emphasized the ecological and professional significance of such exceptional fishing instances. “We pay special attention to documenting extraordinary catches, including the type, size, and weight,” he stated, noting that these figures offer vital scientific indicators for environmental and maritime studies. The association has been compiling detailed reports and coordinating with relevant authorities, including the Fujairah Environment Authority and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, to bolster research related to fish stocks and understand seasonal changes in the region’s waters.
Al-Ali explained that Fujairah’s geographical location, with extensive marine depths, makes it a fertile environment for rare and substantial fish species. He highlighted that over 3,000 yellowfin tuna have been recorded recently, hinting at a promising and unusual tuna season ahead. Al-Balushi’s catch of 137 kilograms not only surpasses previous records but also instills a sense of pride among the fishing community in Fujairah, especially with proper documentation carried out by a skilled angler. These findings reflect a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, showcasing the abundance of fish species, including sardines, that inhabit the Fujairah waters.
As the community continues to celebrate this remarkable achievement, the catch serves as a testament to the thriving maritime environment and the ongoing commitment of local fishermen to sustainable practices and responsible fishing.