40 Licensed Fishermen at Centre of Parliamentary Debate on Fishing Regulations

The Council of Representatives discussed the response of the Minister of Oil and Environment to a parliamentary question submitted by MP Mohammed Al Rifaei regarding the total number of valid fishing licences, amid mounting concern over the impact of recent regulatory decisions on fishermen and their livelihoods.

During the session, Al Rifaei emphasised the deep-rooted relationship between Bahrainis and the sea, describing fishing as a fundamental pillar of the Kingdom’s cultural and social identity. He said recent measures had significantly affected fishermen, particularly the reduction in the number of permitted nets per fisherman from 40 to 30, in addition to the ban on night fishing, both of which have directly reduced catch volumes and income.

Concerns

Al Rifaei highlighted the absence of an effective official platform through which fishermen can formally present their concerns, noting that fishermen’s associations have gradually lost their influence. While acknowledging that some decisions are intended to protect fish stocks, he stressed that fishermen believe several measures lack sufficient scientific grounding and do not adequately reflect the realities of field experience.

He further pointed to the growing difficulty of securing alternative sources of income following recent restrictions, particularly with the continued ban on shrimp fishing for more than 12 years. He warned that the absence of realistic alternatives has pushed some fishermen towards illegal practices, adding that fishing remains a physically demanding and high-risk profession that has become increasingly unsustainable for many families.

Al Rifaei stressed the need for the ministry to sit directly with fishermen and listen to their problems before issuing decisions that affect their livelihoods. He also cautioned that unilateral local decisions, taken without broader Gulf coordination, could lead to fish stocks moving into neighbouring waters without benefiting Bahrain.

Response

In reply, Minister of Oil and Environment Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina said that more than 540 Bahrainis are currently working at sea without relying on foreign labour. He acknowledged that some regulatory decisions have placed temporary pressure on fishermen, but stressed that these measures are necessary to protect the marine environment and ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

The minister confirmed that fishermen are regarded as partners in regulating the sector and said improvements in marine stock levels have already been observed, with no shortages recorded in local markets. He stressed that the ultimate objective remains increasing fish stocks while improving fishermen’s income through balanced, scientifically based, and sustainable policies.