Authorities have been urged to reconsider a decision to make the presence of a Bahraini mandatory on a fishing vessel.
A fishermen’s group said the restriction, imposed in March this year by His Majesty King Hamad’s personal representative and Supreme Council for Environment chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was adversely affecting their livelihood.
In a statement yesterday, the Professional Fishermen Society appealed for an alternative solution.
At the time, Shaikh Abdulla said the decision was aimed at preserving the nation’s marine resources, supporting food security, curbing illegal subleasing and preventing unauthorised foreign fishing practices.
“The decision mandating the presence of a Bahraini fisherman on every boat, in the manner currently applied, has caused severe harm to our sector,” said the society statement.
“It has led to the suspension of the majority of our fishing fleets and deprived us of our only source of livelihood, threatening food security in our nation and our families’ sustenance,” it added.
“We affirm that we are not against regulating the fishing sector or protecting the marine environment.
“On the contrary, we are essential partners in what is a national responsibility.
“However, we believe that any decision must take into account our rights and the future of our families, and be implemented in a way that ensures the sustainability of our work.”
According to fishermen, the decision has caused fishing activities in some cases to come to a stop due to the lack of qualified Bahrainis, especially captains.
Additionally, there has been some trouble recruiting the younger generation, who lack experience when it comes to the dangers at sea and the challenges that come with it, including the risk of being stranded, navigation difficulties, engine failures, accidents and piracy.
Some have stated that as a consequence of this decision, they are unable to pay their debt, afford workers’ salaries, or manage operational costs.
The society has called for the formation of a national committee, which includes fishermen, in order to find a solution.
“We have developed a detailed action plan addressing these issues,” the society said.
“We call for the consideration of the society’s vision for reforming the sector, and we hope for the formation of a national committee that includes representatives of fishermen as key stakeholders, so that we may work together to find solutions that protect our seas while securing our livelihood.
“Our boats are at a standstill, our families’ future hangs in the balance, and we trust that you (Shaikh Abdulla) will not leave us in this difficult situation.
“We respectfully appeal to you to reconsider the mechanism of implementing the decision and to adopt a plan proposed by the society which balances environmental protection with the safeguarding of our rights.
“We stand fully ready to co-operate hand-in-hand with the General Directorate of Marine Resources to build a sustainable future for the fishing sector – one that achieves the goals of environmental protection and strengthens food security in our beloved kingdom.”
The GDN reported in March that the decision was made in line with the directives of His Majesty to regulate and protect fisheries as a vital national resource.
Shaikh Abdulla stated that it aligns with existing regulations on foreign labour quotas aboard fishing vessels and broader policies to protect Bahrain’s marine resources and fish stocks.
Last month, a decision was made that all Bahraini fishermen are required to obtain an official licence to practise commercial fishing.
To obtain the commercial licence, applicants must be Bahraini nationals of at least 18 years of age, and should be able to demonstrate fitness to engage in fishing.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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