Bahrain has formally accepted a World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
This marks a major step forward for ocean sustainability by prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies, a key factor for dwindling world’s (fish) stocks.
Bahrain became the 97th WTO member-state to back the accord that was adopted in Geneva in 2022.
Ambassador Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla, the Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations Office in Geneva, signed the instrument of acceptance and handed it to WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during a meeting held on Monday.
“Bahrain is pleased to deposit its instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies,” said Mr Abdulla.
“This step reaffirms Bahrain’s support for the multilateral trading system and its continued engagement in international efforts to promote the sustainable use of marine resources.
“As a country with a long-standing maritime heritage, Bahrain attaches particular importance to the preservation of ocean ecosystems and the fair governance of global fisheries.”
He added the ratification of this agreement is also aligned with the kingdom’s broader commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification, as set out in Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
“We commend the collective efforts of WTO members in concluding this agreement and look forward to continued co-operation toward its entry into force and effective implementation.”
For the agreement to enter into force, formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required – representing a total of 111 members.
The accord prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas.
“I thank Bahrain for adding its support to WTO members’ efforts to preserve global fish stocks and the livelihoods that depend on them,” said Ms Okonjo-Iweala.
“The submission of Bahrain’s acceptance brings us a step closer to the entry into force of this historic agreement that will benefit people, oceans and the planet.
“I encourage other governments to ratify the agreement swiftly – only 14 more acceptances are needed for it to become part of the WTO framework!”
Bahrain has seasonal bans for crabs, shrimp and kingfish to protect stocks and allow them to replenish and environmentalists believe the measure should be expanded.
A two-month-long seasonal ban on catching sheri, safi and andaq fish started on April 1 and will last until May 31.
In addition, a two-month ban on crab fishing came into effect last month to protect crab stocks during the breeding season.
Furthermore, the annual six-month ban on fishing and trading in shrimps which started on February 1 ends on July 31.
The ban prohibits all methods of catching, selling and buying shrimp.
There is also a seasonal ban on catching, trading and selling kingfish, or chanad, by nets that is enforced annually from August 15 to October 15.
There are guidelines in place for sustainable fishing practices, ensuring the long-term viability of fish stocks and minimising harmful fishing methods.
This includes strict conditions for the use of nets, traps and weirs, while imposing a complete ban on fishing with traditional fishing lines (Al khiyyah), a measure aimed at reducing environmental damage and protecting endangered marine species.
The GDN reported earlier that new rules were introduced this year governing the minimum sizes for catching 18 marine species.
Under the new rules, the minimum size for chanad and sechin has been set at 45cm, safi and safi senaifi at 15cm, janam at 17cm and crabs at 9cm.
These updated guidelines are part of the broader effort to ensure the regeneration of marine species and maintain the ecological balance in Bahrain’s waters.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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