An estimated 4,000 people, mostly expats, are commercially fishing without authorisation and destroying sea life, a symposium aimed at strengthening food security and preserving marine resources heard.
The event titled ‘Marine Wealth in Bahrain... and Fisherman’s Issues’ was held by the National Unity Assembly at the political society’s headquarters in Busaiteen attended by fishermen association members and marine biologists.
Also present were MP Mohammad Al Rifai, marine biologist Dr Mohammad Al Rumaidh, and Qalali Fishermen Association head Mohammad Al Dakheel, who was quick to point the finger at those he claims are responsible. “The issue is not with Bahraini fishermen but the many expats who are leasing fishing licences, sabotaging fisheries and completely destroying the marine environment,” Mr Al Dakheel said.
“The current laws are not enough to deter violators. More legislation is needed to solve the many problems that they are causing.”
Fishermen are required to have licensed equipment and should also register before sailing from and to fishing ports. Tools such as trawling nets and sea guns remain prohibited as they contribute to the destruction of the marine environment.
The symposium highlighted the importance of preserving Bahrain’s marine wealth.
“Marine wealth is directly connected to the issue of food security and every single citizen in Bahrain has a relationship with the sea,” said Mr Al Rifai, who is a member of the parliament’s food security committee.
“It is crucial to try to solve the issues involving fish stocks which are being threatened by unlicensed individuals, as well as by land reclamation.
“The food security committee met with fishermen and associations to gather data to gauge how big of a problem we are facing. Our final report has shown that it is crucial to introduce stronger legislation soon to intensify an oversight of fishing activities and address all the issues raised.”
Mr Al Rifai said the committee recommended a strategic approach to ensure fish stocks increased and by encouraging more investment into fish farming to double production. An estimated 162 tonnes of farmed fish produced every year is not enough to supply local markets, the meeting heard.
Dr Al Rumaidh also highlighted local and global threats that marine resources were facing. “Drilling and backfilling operations are the main causes of fish stock deterioration as of late as they limit the penetration of sunlight to the seabed, which in turn affects photosynthesis in coral reefs and seaweeds,” he said.
“This in turn destroys areas that fish use to graze, meaning they either move to another location, or die.”
He also fears that overfishing interferes with the ability of fish to reproduce, adding that ‘more than 4,000 people were fishing without proper authorisation’, with only 1,400 fishermen having official licences.
As well as using prohibited fishing methods such as trawling, he also blamed the illegal operators of dumping waste in the waters surrounding Bahrain, further destroying stocks.
“It took about 10,000 years for the ecosystem to form, but it could all be destroyed overnight if we are not careful,” Dr Al Rumaidh added.
“We hope that authorities further step up and play an active role in maritime oversight, because there is a real threat of some species of marine wildlife becoming extinct.”
The GDN previously reported that the authorities had removed illegal traps, in line with the government’s framework to regulate fishing and protect marine wealth against damage caused by harmful practices. There have also been regular GDN reports of men arrested for not adhering to the rules and regulations and making illegal catches.
Last year, five MPs led by foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Hassan Bukhammas submitted an urgent amendment proposal to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam, stating that there were around 2,000 expatriates working in the fishing sector that could be easily replaced by Bahrainis.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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