A FISHERMAN CARRIES A BIG FISH AT SHARJAH MARKET, 2003-11-06 (photo)

A fisherman carries a big fish at Sharjah market, part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) November 6, 2003. The United Arab Emirate's fish market is one of the biggest fish markets in the Gulf region. The U.A.E is the fifth biggest fish producer in the Arab World. As fish resources constitute a significant percentage of the country's annual income, the U.A.E has a special ministry known as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery. The U.A.E's output of fish has reached 114,000 tonnes in the year 2002. The warm and shallow waters of the Arabian Gulf provide plenty of plankton for the fish. Besides, the calm sea conditions and the good visibility facilitate the fishing journeys. The fishing season in U.A.E starts from October till May every year, at which time temperatures range between 25 and 30degC. REUTERS/ Ahmed Jadallah REUTERS AJ