PLANS are underway to open Bahrain’s first legal fishing port in Muharraq.
As most fishing has to be done by taking a boat out to sea due to the location of the fish and restrictions on where people can fish, Muharraq Municipal Council member Ahmed Al Meghawi has come up with a plan for an area in Arad where people can fish by the water.
He discussed the details of the fishing port with the GDN on the sidelines of the council’s regular meeting yesterday.
He explained that not only will this give families and fishing hobbyists without boats the opportunity to practise fishing, but it will also protect and preserve marine life.
The proposal involves building a wooden pier that would run the entire length of the side of the Arad walkway near the fort, with shops selling fishing supplies next to it as there are fish in that location.
“This will become the first fishing spot in Bahrain where you can bring your family, set up a few chairs and sit and fish,” said Mr Al Meghawi.
“It’s going to be a legal fishing spot; you go anywhere now to try to fish like this they’ll tell you it’s not allowed – not on the bridges, not by the sea, nowhere.
“You have to get on a boat to go out to fish. Some children will climb some of the rocks by the sea and fish from there which can be dangerous.
“If this projects goes through they will have a place that they can go to which has stores to sell fishing supplies.
“Besides, it’s close to Seef Mall Muharraq which may bring in more people.
“Also we can protect the marine life and the fish stocks in the area with this project; we can build a fish farm to increase to let species breed resulting in an increase in fish stocks.”
Mr Al Meghawi also suggested that the area can be a protected zone by banning professional fishermen from entering the area.
He pointed out that the project was not intended for professional fishermen, but it was targeted at the general public, hobbyists and families who want to spend some time fishing by the water.
The council member has been meeting investors for the project in order to move forward with it.
The GDN previously reported that Bahraini fishermen, who have part-time fishing licences, will be allowed unconditional entry into the sea.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf took the decision following a meeting between ministry officials and the Coastguard.
It would entitle all of those with part-time licences, who accompany or assist their elderly or sick family members or those working with captains, full access as fishermen.
ghazi@gdn.com.bh
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