Illegal fishing practices in Bahrain, such as shrimp smuggling and unlicensed trawling, have prompted the Oil and Environment Ministry to take action. The Minister, Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, outlined various violations, including the illegal sale of shrimp during closed seasons and the use of banned tools like bottom trawling nets. These practices endanger the marine ecosystem’s balance, prompting the Ministry to implement measures to address these issues.
One of the key actions taken by the Ministry is the removal of unauthorized fishing structures, with the Supreme Council for Environment covering the costs. In addition, electronic monitoring in collaboration with Customs Affairs has been introduced to monitor marine resource imports and exports, ensuring only legal fishing tools and healthy seafood enter Bahrain. The Ministry is also cracking down on online sales of prohibited fishing equipment with the help of the Cybercrime Directorate to protect Bahrain’s waters.
Raising awareness among fishermen is a central focus of the Ministry’s efforts. Regular meetings are held to explain existing laws and promote sustainable fishing practices. Notices in public spaces and social media posts are used to warn against illegal fishing methods and educate the public on the penalties for breaking the rules. Joint enforcement campaigns involving the Coast Guard, Customs Affairs, and other government directorates have targeted various violations, including breaches of temporary fishing bans.
The Ministry is in the process of revising penalties for offenders and developing new regulations to regulate the capture of large predators to prevent exploitation. It also plans to establish a smart monitoring room equipped with advanced systems in collaboration with the Survey and Land Registration Bureau. Dr. Bin Daina emphasized the importance of cooperation with the Shura Council to protect Bahrain’s marine resources, stating that it is a shared responsibility to ensure their preservation for future generations.
In conclusion, illegal fishing practices in Bahrain have raised concerns about the marine ecosystem’s sustainability. The Oil and Environment Ministry, under the leadership of Dr. Bin Daina, has taken steps to address these issues by cracking down on violations such as shrimp smuggling and unlicensed trawling. Through measures such as removing unauthorized structures and implementing electronic monitoring, the Ministry aims to protect Bahrain’s waters and ensure the preservation of marine resources for future generations. Collaboration with various government entities and raising awareness among fishermen are key components of the Ministry’s efforts to combat illegal fishing practices and promote sustainable fishing methods in Bahrain.
