Two-month Kingfish fishing ban begins

TDT | Manama

A two-month ban on fishing Kingfish, locally known as Chan’ad, using encircling nets has started in the Kingdom. During the ban period, from August 15 to October 15, fishermen are not allowed to catch or sell kingfish in the Kingdom. Violators will face legal action. Encircling nets, which include trawls, seines, and trap nets, are widely used in commercial fishing.

The ban, which continues until 15 October, follows an agreement signed by the GCC member states in 2015 in Riyadh pledging measures to preserve the Kingfish stock each year for a period of two-months. The Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs at the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry announced taking all necessary measures to implement the ban effectively.

Those violating the ban will be held accountable as per Decree-Law 20/2002 on the regulation of fishing, exploitation and protection of marine wealth, warned the authority, calling on fisherman to cooperate with the directorate to implement the ban and preserve marine wealth. “Banning fishing during breeding season is one of the best scientific methods for preserving fish stocks and ensuring the continuity of marine life,” the authority said in a statement.