MPs yesterday unanimously approved an urgent proposal to provide financial compensation to fishermen hit by the ongoing two-month seasonal ban on catching sheri, safi and andaq fish.
The proposal, submitted by five MPs led by Hisham Al Asheeri, comes in response to concerns raised by fishermen who said they faced significant income losses as a result of the ban, which runs from April 1 to May 31.
“The financial impact on fishermen during this two-month period is enormous,” said Dr Al Asheeri.
“Many of these individuals rely solely on fishing to provide for their families.
“It is our duty as legislators to ensure that environmental policies do not come at the cost of people’s livelihoods.”
The ban, imposed by the Supreme Council for Environment, aims to preserve marine life and ensure the long-term sustainability of Bahrain’s fish stocks.
While MPs voiced support for the environmental goals behind the decision, they stressed that the human and economic toll must be addressed immediately.
Dr Al Asheeri highlighted that many fishermen have already begun to feel the financial strain.
“We have received numerous appeals from fishermen who are struggling to make ends meet. They have boat loans, fuel costs, and families to feed.”
He stressed that the compensation must be timely, fair and sufficient to cover the actual losses incurred over the ban period.
MPs are now calling on the government to urgently allocate funds, conduct assessments of affected fishermen and begin disbursing financial aid without delay.
“We are not asking for favours; we are asking for justice,” said Dr Al Asheeri. “If we ask fishermen to stop working for two months in the nation’s interest, then we must also provide them with the support they need to survive that period.”
The proposal also urges the government to engage with fishing societies and co-operatives to ensure a transparent and efficient compensation mechanism.
MPs have vowed to follow up on the implementation to guarantee that no fisherman is left behind.
“The move has been widely welcomed by fishing communities, many of whom expressed relief that their plight is being taken seriously at the highest legislative level,” said Dr Al Asheeri.
“With the ban already in effect, attention now turns to how quickly the government can roll out the compensation plan and provide much-needed financial relief to hundreds of affected families.”
The GDN reported last week that the Fishermen’s Society 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.
The group 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.
Meanwhile, MPs also unanimously approved an urgent proposal to protect two historic water springs.
The proposal by five MPs led by services committee chairwoman Jalila Al Sayed aims to preserve, protect and restore Ayn Al Safahiya in Nabih Saleh and Ayn Al Raha in Sitra.
“The location of the two springs is currently neglected and with attention it could be returned to its former days and turned into recreational and family sites,” said Ms Al Sayed.
Both proposals have been referred to the Cabinet for review.
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