Government rejects calls to lift seasonal fishing ban

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A series of urgent parliamentary requests to lift a seasonal fishing ban and compensate Bahraini fishermen have been rejected by the government, which says the restrictions are lawful and necessary to protect declining fish stocks.

In a written reply to Parliament, the government said it reviewed calls to suspend Decision No. (2) of 2024, which bans the fishing of safi, sha’ri and ‘andaq in Bahrain’s territorial waters during April and May each year. It said the ban applied only in May in 2024 and could not be halted.

The government cited Decree-Law No. (20) of 2002, which allows temporary fishing bans to preserve marine resources in the public interest. It said data showed a sharp fall in catches of the three species, linked to fishing practices that catch juvenile fish and to exports that reduce local supply and push prices up.

It said April and May are peak spawning months and noted that similar seasonal bans are used in neighbouring countries. Proposals to compensate fishermen or expand support during the ban period were also rejected.

The government said the ban is limited in scope, covering only three species for two months, and does not stop fishing altogether. It added that support already exists, including fuel subsidies, boat and equipment support, Tamkeen wage schemes and aquaculture programmes.

Five MPs filed the proposals in April 2025, arguing the ban causes financial losses and calling for compensation and wider relief measures.