(Sec. 6, (4) reads as follows: "So much of the functions EDIBLE FISH IN THE PERSIAN GULF The sea fish that enter the Shatt-al-Arab and the southern swamps do so to feed on the rich grazings that are found in these waters, and, subsequently, to spawn there. These fish are caught by nets, hook and line, spear, and by fish traps (milans). Fish traps are also used on the Iraqi and Iranian coasts to a great extent. Milans are fence-like erections made of date palm branches stripped of their leaves and interwoven with string. At low-tide level, these branches are imbedded on the shore. When the tide rises, the milans are inundated by water and trap the unwary fish at ebb tide. Then the fishermen simply collect their catch. Large quantities are caught in this manner, but rough weather easily destroys these frail traps and the fishermen then resort to the use of nets. There are fifty registered Iraqi sailing craft engaged in fishing in the Persian Gulf and approximately 200 Iranian craft. These vessels fish with small floating nets, and are almost all privately owned. The number of fishermen in each craft are from three to four men, often relatives. When the craft and net are owned by one fisherman who employs others not his relatives, he normally furnishes the food and gives his fellow fishermen a share of the profits from the sale of the fish. The small sailing craft used by these fishermen are open, one-masted vessels, without a deck. --Fishery Leaflet 304 |