Shrimp Fishing Resumes August 1

Supreme Council for the Environment announced the lifting of the seasonal ban on shrimp fishing in the Kingdom’s territorial waters starting Saturday, August 1, 2026, following the end of the restriction period that began in early February.

The General Directorate of Marine Resources said the ban on shrimp fishing, trading and sale was introduced to protect shrimp stocks during their fertilisation and reproduction period, ensuring the sustainability of marine resources and supporting availability in local markets during the fishing season.

The reopening is expected to bring fresh Bahraini shrimp back to consumers, as demand remains strong for locally caught varieties.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Central Market vendor Shankar said fresh Bahraini shrimp is always in high demand, with larger varieties typically priced around BD2.5 to BD4 per kilogram.

He noted that the market currently sees mostly frozen prawns imported from Saudi Arabia, while customers continue to prefer fresh local shrimp once the season resumes.

The Directorate praised the cooperation of fishermen and relevant entities in implementing the ban, highlighting their role in protecting Bahrain’s marine resources and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

With the lifting of the ban, fishermen can resume shrimp harvesting activities, marking the return of a traditional sector that contributes to local seafood supplies and supports livelihoods within coastal communities.