FISHERMEN in Bahrain have called on authorities to modify the current seasonal ban on catching safi, sheri and andaq, claiming that they were having a difficult time making ends meet.
In a social media post, the Fishermen’s Society has asked officials to clarify the primary goal of the ban, which runs from April 1 to May 31 and is aimed at ensuring the availability of fish at reasonable prices to meet market demand.
The group has, instead, suggested adjusting the ban by restricting fishing to a certain level rather than imposing a complete ban, to ensure the sustainability of the fish species as well as allow fishermen to do their jobs.
“The existing ban on catching safi, sheri and andaq is time-based rather than goal-oriented,” said the society’s post.
“Its primary goal must be clarified, whether it is intended to protect juvenile fish or spawning mothers.
“A seasonal ban can either protect spawning fish by restricting fishing during their breeding period, or protect juvenile fish by prohibiting fishing when young fish appear in the waters.
“If the goal is to protect juvenile fish, then efforts are being misdirected, as the best time to do that would be in September rather than April and May, which is the best time of the year for fishing.”
According to the society, in the GCC region, the spawning period, which starts around April, goes on for an extended duration, meaning that fishing does not significantly deplete stock regeneration.
It claimed that maintaining only 10 to 20 per cent of the spawning population ensures the fish stock replenishes itself, evidenced by the large number of juvenile fish every September, resulting from the eggs laid in the preceding months.
The society believes that the efforts should be to protect juvenile fish during September and not spawning fish in April and May.
“Banning fishing during April and May, which are among the best fishing months, causes significant economic harm to fishermen and the public,” said the society.
“Since fish migrate to neighbouring waters after this period, Bahrain loses its share of the regional catch while other GCC countries continue fishing without restrictions.
“This forces Bahrain to import fish from neighbouring countries, leading to capital outflows and increased fish prices.
“April and May are peak fishing months, when fish migrate to Bahraini waters, making the ban economically damaging to fishermen in the country.”
Instead of a complete ban, the association instead proposed a fishing effort reduction strategy in May, such as limiting fishing trips to ensure that enough spawning fish remain to replenish stocks.
This would not only protect the spawning fish but ensure continued fish availability in the local market and reduce the economic burden on fishermen and consumers.
The society uploaded a video on their social media showing one of the local fish markets almost completely empty of both traders and customers.
In the video, one of the local fishermen, called ‘Abu Ahmed’, explained how the ban was affecting his livelihood.
“Nobody is selling and nobody is buying,” he said.
“We are just sitting around drinking tea all morning.
“Without safi and sheri, which are staples for Bahraini families, there is no business anymore.
“We have bills and expenses to pay, and we are afraid we might not be able to make ends meet for the next couple of months.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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