Fish supplies in Bahrain’s central markets reached more than 6,800 tonnes last year despite stricter controls on fishing methods.
Figures provided by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) show that 8,315.8 tonnes of fish were delivered to the Central Market in 2024, with monthly volumes peaking in November at 988.6 tonnes.
Last year, supplies totalled 6,849.6 tonnes, with the highest monthly figure recorded in November at 1,055.1 tonnes.
The data was released as part of a detailed ministerial response to a parliamentary question by MP Mohammed Al Rifai on the regulation of the marine fishing sector.
Authorities insist that tighter regulations are necessary to protect dwindling marine resources while maintaining market stability.
Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed Bin Daina stressed that regulatory measures were not arbitrary, but grounded in scientific, technical and economic studies aimed at safeguarding Bahrain’s marine future.
According to official figures from the Directorate General of Marine Resources, Bahrain currently has 2,871 valid marine fishing licences, distributed across four categories. These include 1,373 fishing licences, 604 pearl fishing and extraction licences, 150 dock fishing licences, and 744 Bahraini fisherman licences. Of these, around 520 Bahraini fishermen currently operate as captains, fishing personally under fisherman or captain licences.
Dr Bin Daina said the requirement for a Bahraini captain on commercial fishing vessels was being implemented to curb illegal practices and enhance accountability at sea.
“The presence of a Bahraini captain enhances compliance with legal and environmental regulations, reduces violations and allows for more effective monitoring of fishing operations,” he said.
Initial results, he added, showed positive indicators, including improved fish abundance and reduced licence subletting.
Central to the regulatory framework is the ban on bottom trawling, introduced under Resolution No 205 of 2018, following years of scientific warnings.
Dr Bin Daina cited a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) study issued in January 2020, which concluded that fishing pressure in Bahrain’s waters exceeded sustainable levels and recommended cutting fishing effort by around 45 per cent to avoid stock collapse.
“Scientific studies confirmed that banning bottom trawling led to a 16.9pc increase in fish and crustacean production in 2019 compared to the average of the previous three years,” he said.
Bottom trawling, the minister explained, causes severe damage to coral reefs and seagrass meadows, indiscriminately captures juvenile fish, and harms endangered species such as turtles and dolphins. It also disturbs seabed carbon, worsening climate and environmental impacts.
“Although trawling may provide quick returns in the short term, it leads to long-term economic and environmental damage and threatens the collapse of fish stocks,” Dr Bin Daina said.
Further controls were introduced under Resolution No 6 of 2025, regulating fishing using nets, traps, gillnets and fishing lines. The decision followed evidence of declining finfish catches and FAO recommendations to reassess harmful fishing methods.
Dr Bin Daina said the measures aim to give key species – including rabbitfish, emperor fish and kingfish – time to mature and reproduce,while protecting reef areas that serve as natural nurseries.
“These regulations are necessary to restore ecological balance, enhance food security and prevent the economic consequences of fish stock depletion,” he said.
The minister stressed that imports are used selectively to supplement local supply, particularly for shrimp, ensuring availability without undermining conservation goals.
Dr Bin Daina will appear during the weekly session on Tuesday to give further feedback to additional queries by Mr Al Rifai.
He will also respond to further queries by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk on his question about foul smells at Tubli Bay, which the GDN reported on Thursday.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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