MPs are set to uphold their stance on proposed amendments to the fisheries law, rejecting changes suggested by the Shura Council.
The dispute centres on a draft law amending provisions of Decree-Law No (20) of 2002 regulating fishing, exploitation and protection of marine resources.
While both chambers approved the bill in principle, differences remain over two key articles.
According to Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee’s report, MPs and Shura members agreed on the bill’s title, preamble and several articles. However, disagreement arose over a newly introduced article added by the Shura Council.
MPs had approved an amendment allowing Bahraini vessel owners or fishermen to take relatives or other Bahrainis on board commercial fishing vessels for training purposes, subject to ministerial regulations. The aim, MPs said, is to preserve the fishing profession, transfer skills across generations and encourage young Bahrainis to enter the sector.
The Shura Council removed this provision from Article Three of the existing law and instead proposed a new standalone article permitting only the Bahraini captain (nokhatha) – with employer and official approval – to take trainees on board within the vessel’s maximum crew limit.
The parliamentary committee rejected this approach and recommended maintaining the MPs’ original wording, arguing that it provides broader opportunities for training while being subject to regulatory controls.
The panel said while the Shura Council’s decision was constitutionally sound, the MPs’ formulation better served the objectives of the draft law.
The objectives include safeguarding the fishing profession, ensuring the sustainability of marine resources and strengthening national participation in commercial fishing activities.
The committee noted that the proposed amendments are intended to modernise the fisheries framework, respond to sectoral challenges and support Bahraini fishermen without compromising regulatory oversight.
The report, signed by committee chairman MP Mohammed Al Bulooshi, will be presented during the weekly session on Tuesday.
Also, under other amendments to the same law, MPs are set to vote on introducing wide-ranging amendments to Bahrain’s fisheries legislation, aimed at protecting marine resources and strengthening food security.
The proposal has been initiated by the Shura Council.
Key measures include banning the leasing of fishing licences, prohibiting foreign vessels from fishing in Bahraini waters, subjecting seafood imports and exports to veterinary quarantine, and regulating the transfer of fishing vessel licences to first-degree heirs upon the licence holder’s death.
The draft law also promotes fish farming and marine aquaculture, restricts dredging or reclamation of designated aquaculture zones, and limits vessel movement in prohibited fishing areas to emergency cases only.
Mr Al Bulooshi said the changes align with national efforts to boost local fish production and achieve food security.
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