Fish-selling street ‘sharks’ are taking too much business from official operators who claim they are struggling from a sharp fall in sales as cash-strapped shoppers look for convenience and cheaper prices.
The growing number of roadside ice-box entrepreneurs are threatening the livelihoods of licensed fishermen and traders who pay rent and fees to operate legally, believes Northern Municipal Council member Mohammed Al Dossary.
The issue has now been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, with a recommendation that it be forwarded to Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Daina and Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla Fakhro for action.
Mr Al Dossary, who represents Budaiya, Jasra and Hamala, said the rise of informal fish sales along major roads, particularly on Budaiya Highway, was creating unfair competition and driving legitimate businesses out of the market. “We’re seeing more and more fish being sold on the roadside while licensed sellers, who rent spaces at jetties and shops, are struggling to survive,” he said.
“People naturally buy from the nearest seller. They do not stop to ask whether the person is operating legally. The result is that those following the rules are losing customers every day.”
According to Mr Al Dossary, the impact is already visible at Budaiya Jetty, where traders who once operated from designated fish-selling areas have seen customer numbers decline sharply.
“The jetty is becoming empty,” he said. “Fishermen and traders who pay for their stalls are finding fewer buyers because customers are purchasing fish from sellers parked on the roadside.”
He claimed that some operators renting commercial premises in residential areas were abandoning their shops altogether and moving their activities onto the streets too.
“Some traders can save around BD150 a month in rent simply by selling on the roadside,” said Mr Al Dossary.
“This creates an uneven playing field. Licensed fishermen and fish sellers are losing out because they are carrying costs that others are avoiding.”
The rules are also in place to ensure the fish sold is fresh and safe to consume and hasn’t been spoiled after being stored in containers in which the ice has melted by the hot sun on the roadside.
However, while acknowledging the concerns raised by legitimate traders, MP Hisham Al Awadhi called for a balanced solution that protects both businesses and low-income Bahrainis who ‘depend on fish sales’ to support their families.
“We must be careful not to harm people’s source of income,” he said. “I do not want to see poor Bahrainis who are trying to earn a living suddenly subjected to raids or harsh enforcement measures. At the same time, I fully understand the concerns of licensed fish sellers who have invested money to operate legally.”
It is understood that the Bahraini street sellers buy supplies in bulk from fishermen and, without operational overheads, can sell on for a profit but at a lower price than their legitimate counterparts.
Mr Al Awadhi stressed that summer traditionally represents one of the busiest periods for fish sales, increasing competition across the sector.
“The summer season is a peak period for fish trading and naturally everyone wants to benefit from the increased demand,” he said.
“But the answer is not to choose one side over the other. We need a balanced approach that protects the interests of all parties.”
He suggested that authorities explore practical solutions that preserve livelihoods while ensuring fair competition and proper regulation.
“The objective should be to organise the sector, not punish people,” he added. “We need a framework that supports fishermen, protects licensed businesses and gives small-scale sellers a lawful path to continue earning a living.”
The issue has increasingly become a point of concern in coastal communities, where traditional fishermen say they are facing mounting pressure from unregulated roadside trading.
Officials are now expected to study the matter and consider measures that could bring greater organisation to fish sales while balancing economic, social and regulatory considerations.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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