MPs push for national plan to protect Bahraini livelihoods and marine wealth

TDT | Manama

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MPs have tabled an urgent plan to balance the care of Bahrain’s marine wealth with the livelihoods of Bahraini fishermen and ask for quick government steps to keep one of the country’s oldest trades on a firm footing.

The proposal also aims to cut shrimp-fishing licences, revive Tamkeen aid for fishermen and add petrol support, coupled with a national plan to set clear rules for fishing and keep fish stocks steady so Bahrainis can stay in the trade.

The move is led by Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, with Mohammed Al Olaiwi, Abdulwahid Abdulaziz Qarata, Dr Hisham Ahmed Al Ashiri and Ali Al Dosari as co-sponsors

They ask the government to act at once to fix the lot of fishermen and seafarers and to protect the income tied to these long-standing crafts.

Practical steps

The text sets out practical steps. Licence numbers would fall, with fair payouts to those who leave the job by choice.

That is aimed at curbing the leasing of permits to expatriate workers.

Professional crews

Bahrainis would be allowed to sail with professional crews without a “Mayad” card so skills pass on and a new line of Bahraini skippers comes through. Recreational fishing would be reined in to avoid clashes with professionals, with hobbyists limited to rod-and-line use in line with rules in nearby states.

Fishermen’s groups would take part in reviewing any fixes to ensure the measures match the day-to-day needs of those on the water.

The proposal also calls for reactivating Tamkeen aid for fishermen and adding petrol support within the fuel scheme, while letting fishermen and seafarers keep working for now as they sort their status.