A fishermen-led monitoring committee will be established to help tackle pollution and improve cleanliness at Barbar Creek under a new initiative agreed by municipal and environmental authorities.
The decision was reached during a joint meeting held recently at the Northern Municipal Council headquarters and attended by representatives of the Northern Municipality, the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) and fishermen from the area to discuss growing concerns over waste disposal, environmental protection and the future of the popular fishing harbour.
Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie, who chaired the meeting, said protecting Bahrain’s coastline required close co-operation between authorities and the fishing community.
“Barbar Creek is an important environmental and economic asset that must be protected for future generations,” he said.
“Our objective is not only to improve cleanliness but also to establish a sustainable partnership with fishermen so that they become active partners in safeguarding the marine environment.”
Under the agreement, fishermen will form a committee responsible for monitoring cleanliness at the harbour, reporting violations and encouraging compliance with environmental regulations.
The committee will work closely with the Northern Municipality to discourage the dumping of rubbish, used engine oil containers and other waste into coastal waters, while helping raise environmental awareness among harbour users.
Municipal officials and environmental inspectors will also intensify monitoring, with legal and administrative action to be taken against anyone found violating Bahrain’s public cleanliness laws.
“We believe prevention begins with awareness,” Dr Al Wedaie said.
“Education, community participation and enforcement must work together if we are to preserve our coastal areas.”
The meeting also agreed to remove abandoned fishing boats from the shoreline, regulate the placement of traditional fishing traps (gargoors), provide additional waste containers and organise a joint site visit with fishermen to review progress on the agreed measures.
Warning and educational signboards will also be installed along the coast to remind visitors and fishermen of their responsibilities towards protecting the marine environment.
Participants further agreed to hold a separate meeting between the Northern Municipal Council and the SCE to examine a proposal by fishermen to clean the harbour and remove sand deposits that have been obstructing the movement of fishing boats.
The work would be carried out in line with approved environmental standards to ensure the ecosystem is protected while improving access for fishermen.
Dr Al Wedaie said the initiative reflected the council’s commitment to addressing environmental issues through practical solutions developed in partnership with the community.
“Our fishermen understand these waters better than anyone,” he said.
“By involving them directly in monitoring and protecting the creek, we are creating a sense of shared ownership that will strengthen environmental responsibility and improve conditions for everyone who depends on this harbour.”
He added that the council would continue working with government agencies and local stakeholders to ensure Barbar Creek remained clean, safe and fully operational as one of the Northern Governorate’s important fishing locations.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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