The Council of Representatives in Bahrain is gearing up for a general debate on the alarming decline in fish stocks and subsequent rise in fish prices in local markets. A group of ten MPs, led by MP Muneer Suroor, have called for this debate to address the issue and take action. The MPs have highlighted several factors that are contributing to the problem, including a shortage of fish in local markets, inflated prices, and the increasing dominance of frozen and imported fish over local catches. They are also concerned about the unauthorised export of Bahraini fish, the involvement of foreign workers in the fishing and sales process, and the disappearance of certain fish species from local markets.
One of the main concerns raised by the MPs is the shortage of fish in local markets and the inflated prices that have resulted from this. They point to the increasing dominance of frozen and imported fish, which they believe is displacing local catches and contributing to the scarcity of fish available for sale. The MPs also question the significant export of Bahraini fish, which they claim is happening without official permits and outside the knowledge of border control authorities. They are worried that this unauthorised export could be further reducing the quantity of fish available in local markets and driving up prices even more.
Another key issue highlighted by the MPs is the involvement of foreign workers in the fishing and sales process, which they believe may be impacting the quantity of fish available in local markets. They are concerned that foreign workers may be taking a larger share of the catch, leaving less fish for local fishermen to sell in the markets. This, in turn, could be contributing to the shortage of fish and the higher prices that consumers are facing. The MPs are calling for action to be taken to address this issue and ensure that local fishermen have a fair chance to sell their catch in local markets.
The unauthorised export of fish and other marine resources is another major concern raised by the MPs in their call for a debate on the issue. They believe that this unauthorised export is happening without official permits and outside the knowledge of border control authorities, which could be allowing valuable fish and other marine resources to be taken out of the country without proper oversight. The MPs are calling for stricter enforcement of export regulations to prevent this unauthorised export and protect Bahrain’s marine resources for future generations.
In addition to the shortage of fish and the unauthorised export of marine resources, the MPs are also concerned about the disappearance of certain fish species from local markets. Despite the presence of numerous fishermen, some fish species are becoming increasingly rare in local markets, raising questions about why this is happening. The MPs believe that this issue needs to be addressed to ensure the long-term sustainability of Bahrain’s fishing industry and the protection of its marine resources. They are calling for measures to be taken to protect and conserve these endangered fish species and prevent their disappearance from local markets.
Overall, the MPs are calling for urgent action to address the declining fish stocks and rising fish prices in local markets. They believe that the factors they have highlighted, including the shortage of fish, the unauthorised export of marine resources, the involvement of foreign workers in the fishing process, and the disappearance of certain fish species, need to be addressed to ensure the long-term sustainability of Bahrain’s fishing industry. The upcoming debate in the Council of Representatives will provide an opportunity to discuss these issues and take action to protect Bahrain’s marine resources and ensure a stable supply of fish for consumers in local markets.
