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The Coastguard has seized a boat carrying 466 kilograms of shrimp caught using prohibited bottom-trawling nets, the Interior Ministry said yesterday.
Legal procedures are underway to refer the case to the Public Prosecution.
The Coastguard reaffirmed its commitment to protecting marine resources, curbing illegal fishing practices and ensuring fishermen comply with maritime laws and regulations.
Last week, the Coastguard seized a boat carrying around 480kg of shrimp caught using illegal nets, locally known as koufa.
In January, more than 700 illegal fishing tools, including 684 banned traps and 28 fishing nets, were confiscated as authorities stepped up efforts to tackle violations threatening Bahrain’s marine ecosystem, the GDN reported.
In December last year, 1,191 illegal fishing tools, including 1,020 fish traps (gargoor) and 171 nets, were confiscated.
The Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) imposes an annual six-month ban on shrimp fishing and trading in Bahrain’s territorial waters. The latest ban was lifted on August 1.
According to the SCE’s General Directorate of Marine Resources, the ban on fishing, trading and selling shrimp helps safeguard stocks during the breeding and spawning season, contributing to greater availability in local markets once the fishing season resumes.
Despite the restrictions, numerous cases of rogue fishermen being caught with illegal shrimp hauls have been recorded in recent years.
Under the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Practice and Protection Law, offenders may face up to one month in jail, fines ranging from BD300 to BD1,000, or both. Their equipment and catch are also subject to confiscation.
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