MPs have called for a ban on exporting jellyfish to international markets – claiming the current catch is damaging the biological diversity of Bahrain’s waters.
Five legislators, led by Khalid Bu Onk, believe that continued export would deplete marine resources to such an extent that the sea creatures could become extinct in three decades.
According to statistics provided by the government, around 13,000 tonnes of jelly fish are sent abroad every year.
People in the Arabian Gulf do not eat jelly fish due to its poisonous excretion, but specialised companies dry it up for sales to Southeast Asia, mainly China.
“Unless urgent measures are taken, our ailing and shrinking marine resources would become extinct in the next 30 years,” Mr Bu Onk told the GDN.
“People here don’t eat jelly fish, yes, but it is food for marine creatures, turtles and fish.
“It is not our concern to feed people in Southeast Asia, mainly China. Jellyfish or any other sea creature, should be protected under the comprehensive ecosystem cycle.”
He highlighted official statistics that reveal that around 12,849 tonnes of jelly fish were exported in 2018.
“That’s an alarming number, and it needs to be addressed with an export ban.”
Only a few species of jellyfish have been determined safe for human consumption.
While their nutritional content may vary, they are low in calories and serve as a good source of protein, antioxidants and minerals.
Research also shows that several species of edible jellyfish contain high levels of polyphenols, which are naturally occurring compounds that have potent antioxidant effects.
They are also an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that plays a major role in several important processes in our body.
Mr Bu Onk also called for a similar ban on crabs as Bahrain is the fifth biggest global exporter.
“Crabs are popular in Bahrain and are always high in demand, so why are they being exported?
“They are also used to catch fish from the sea.”
The proposal, which the GDN has exclusively obtained, will be now reviewed by the public utilities and environment affairs committee.
Its chairman Mohammed Buhamood has already backed the plan.
“Jellyfish or any other sea creature must not be exported,” he told the GDN.
“We don’t have enough marine species and with vast reclamation, drilling and excessive fishing, our resources could be under threat.
“Deals with the Chinese or other Southeast Asia countries are not set in stone and we should look into the interest of our people, before eyeing financial gains from selling jellyfish.
“Bahrain must protect its resources or else we will end up having our famous fish bred through artificial aquaculture incubators.”
The committee is planning to approach government officials to get statistics on jellyfish and crab stocks in water.
“We will also seek data on exports and the quantity sold locally.
“A ban on export is vital, but we need a strong argument and that comes with numbers.”
Parliament is on a five-month recess and is set to resume sessions during the second week of October.
Bahrain earlier implemented a two-month ban – from March 15 to May 15 – on the sale of crabs following a decision by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf.
A proposal by the Muharraq Municipal Council to ban export of crabs is also under study by the ministry.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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