Tough punishments are underway to crack down on destruction and exploitation of marine resources, with violators facing fines of up to BD100,000 or no less than a year in jail, or both.
MPs unanimously approved government-drafted amendments to the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Catching and Protection Law, based on a parliamentary proposal.
The amended Article 18 will see offenders jailed for no less than a year, or fined BD1,000 to BD3,000, or both, for dispensing waste in national waters.
Under amended Article 23, offenders will face no less than six months in jail, or fine of between BD30,000 and BD100,000, or both, for illegal sand dredging and extraction.
Mass destruction of marine resources using explosives and chemicals, and improper conduct such as blocking the movement of fish and other sea creatures, could lead to tougher action with violators facing up to a year in jail, or a fine of between BD1,000 and BD5,000, or both.
Dealing with banned fishing equipment, neglecting safety regulations and carrying improper tools could lead to an individual facing a year in jail or a fine of between BD500 and BD3,000, or both.
Repeated offences within a year following the end of the first would lead to the punishment being doubled.
Meanwhile, MPs unanimously approved an urgent proposal presented by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, spearheaded by its spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk, to restore removed fishing nets and traps and referred it to the Cabinet for review.
“Traditional fishing nets and traps should be protected as heritage wealth,” said Mr Bu Onk.
“Many fishermen, who don’t have better equipment, are now struggling to make their ends meet.
“Those nets and traps should be restored, modified or altered to meet environmental standards.”
An open debate on dwindling fishing stocks has been postponed.
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