Tougher penalties are underway to stop people from destroying and exploiting marine resources, with violators facing fines of up to BD100,000 or no less than a year in jail, or both.
Shura Council members are set to vote on government-drafted amendments to the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Catching and Protection Law, based on a parliamentary proposal, during their weekly session on Sunday.
MPs had unanimously approved the amendments during their session on December 31 last year.
* The amended Article 18 will see offenders jailed for no less than a year, or fined BD1,000 to BD3,000, or both, for dispensing waste in national waters.
* Under amended Article 23, violators will face no less than six months in jail, or fine of between BD30,000 and BD100,000, or both, for illegal sand dredging and extraction.
* Mass destruction of marine resources using explosives and chemicals, and improper conduct such as blocking the movement of fish and other sea creatures, could lead to violators being jailed for up to a year, or fined between BD1,000 and BD5,000, or both.
* Dealing with banned fishing equipment, neglecting safety regulations and carrying improper tools could lead to an individual facing a year in jail or a fine of between BD500 and BD3,000, or both.
* Repeated offences within a year following the end of the first would lead to the punishment being doubled.
The move has been recommended for approval by Shura’s public utilities and environment affairs committee. Its chairman Dr Mohammed Hassan stressed the importance of those measures.
“Overfishing has become rampant, leading to the destruction of Bahrain’s marine wealth,” he said. “These strict measures are essential to rejuvenate our marine ecosystem.”
Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed Bin Daina highlighted the broader environmental implications.
“Bahrain is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060,” he explained. “Protecting our marine resources is a pivotal step towards this goal.”
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak underscored the socio-economic benefits.
“By enforcing these amendments, we aim to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries, thereby securing livelihoods and enhancing food security for our communities,” he said.
“These legislative changes reflect Bahrain’s dedication to preserving its marine environment for future generations.”
Meanwhile, Shura Council members are also set to vote on the amended protocol of the World Trade Organisation (WHO) set-up – Marrakesh Agreement to include rules for the fishing sector.
Parliament earlier this month gave a green light to the move, which has been recommended for approval by Shura’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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