The Cabinet of the Kingdom of Bahrain has recently approved a new law aimed at regulating fishing, exploitation, and protection of marine resources. The decision comes after heated debates in both the lower and upper house of the Parliament regarding the need for regulations to safeguard the country’s marine wealth. The new law, based on a memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs, seeks to amend the existing decree-law related to the use of marine resources.
Earlier this year, the Shura Council, Bahrain’s upper legislative body, voted in favor of a law to protect the Kingdom’s sea and marine resources. The Council unanimously approved amendments to a 2002 law governing Fishing Organization, Catching, and Protection, with provisions such as the ban on foreigners from engaging in commercial fishing without a license and the requirement of a Bahraini captain on board for commercial fishing activities.
The proposed amendments by the Shura Council also include a ban on foreign vessels fishing in Bahraini waters to prevent overexploitation and protect fish populations. Tighter controls on local vessel owners, restrictions on catching larvae and small marine organisms, as well as the encouragement of fish farms to ease pressure on natural stocks are part of the new regulations. The aim is to rejuvenate Bahrain’s marine ecosystem and ensure the future sustainability of the fisheries industry in the country.
Despite concerns raised regarding the potential impact on tourism, particularly for foreign fishing cruises, a majority of the Shura Council members supported the amendments. They view these measures as a necessary step towards reversing environmental damage and securing the future of Bahrain’s marine resources. The new regulations are expected to address the issue of overfishing that has been devastating Bahrain’s waters, promising a more sustainable marine ecosystem in the long term.
In conclusion, the approval of the new law by the Cabinet marks a significant milestone in efforts to regulate and protect Bahrain’s marine resources. The amendments proposed by the Shura Council reflect a commitment to preserving the country’s rich marine biodiversity and ensuring the continued viability of its fisheries industry. By implementing stricter controls and promoting sustainable practices such as fish farming, Bahrain is taking proactive steps towards safeguarding its marine ecosystem for future generations.
