Environment Authority bans use of tracking devices for hunting

Muscat: The Environment Authority has issued a decision banning the possession and utilization of equipment and devices used for wild hunt, tracking of birds and simulation of bird vocalization except for devices used for organizational and scientific purposes authorized by the Environment Authority.

In its decision No 31/2021, the Environment Authority affirmed that a 1-year license for use of these devices may be approved by the authority after evaluating the application and specifying the purpose of usage on a case-by-case basis. The licensee may have the license extended before its expiry but in case they are unwilling to do so they should hand over the devices to the Authority or return them to the country of import.

The license may be issued against payment of RO 5 for individuals and RO 20 for institutions and commercial companies. The licensee should comply with the provisions of the Law on Conservation of Environment and Prevention of Pollution and the Law on Nature Reserves and Wildlife Conservation or any other law. An administrative fine between RO 200 and RO 500 will be imposed for using devices without a license or with an expired license. The Authority may either temporarily or permanently revoke the license in case of repeated violations.

Text by Khalid al Adawi