The Kingdom of Bahrain has taken new steps to protect its marine wealth and enhance its food security, by prohibiting the export of fish and shrimp. It also introduced a new two-month ban on catching some types of fish.
The move is in line with the directives of HM King Hamad and HRH Prince Salman, to set regulations to develop and protect the kingdom’s fish wealth, as well as continue the process of fish farming to meet the needs of the local market.
In this regard, HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Personal Representative, issued Edict (1) of 2024, prohibiting the export of all types of fish, shrimp, and other sea animals caught in the kingdom’s territorial waters, except for crabs and jellyfish, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, canned or smoked. The ban does not apply to fish farming products.
HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad also issued Edict (2) of 2024, banning the fishing of spangled Emperor (Sheri), rabbitfish (Safi) and seabream (Andak) in the territorial waters of the Kingdom in April and May. This year’s ban will be applied in May only.
The edict also stipulates that fishermen whose fishing equipment catches these types of fish during the ban period must release them into the sea, taking into account their safety.
He indicated that the edicts, aiming to enhance the kingdom’s fish stocks by restoring the environmental balance and rehabilitating the ecosystem, will play an important role in increasing the quantity and types of fish offered in local markets.
HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad urged community cooperation to strictly implement the edicts, in a way that contributes to preserving fish wealth, noting that regulating fishing is a collective national responsibility whose positive impact is reflected on all members of society.