Fishing Season Reopens
Bahrain will allow kingfish fishing to resume from Friday, October 16, after the end of a seasonal restriction designed to protect the species during its breeding period. The measure, which ran from August 15 to October 15, temporarily halted fishing activity targeting kingfish as part of wider efforts to support marine sustainability. With the ban now lifted, kingfish may again be caught, displayed and sold in markets and other public sales areas. Environmental authorities said the step forms part of ongoing management of the Kingdom’s marine resources, balancing the needs of fishermen and consumers with the long-term health of fish populations.
Markets Allowed to Trade Again
The Supreme Council for Environment confirmed that the end of the restriction also restores the legal display and trading of kingfish. The decision means vendors and fish markets can resume normal commercial activity involving the species, provided they continue to follow Bahrain’s fishing and environmental regulations.
Kingfish is a popular catch in the Gulf, and seasonal controls are used to reduce pressure on stocks at critical times of the year.
Legal and Regional Framework
The ban was implemented under Legislative Decree No. 20 of 2002, which governs the regulation, use and protection of marine wealth in Bahrain. It also aligns with regional measures endorsed by the GCC Agricultural Cooperation Committee during its 23rd meeting, where member states supported action to conserve kingfish resources.
Officials said such coordinated measures are intended to prevent overfishing and improve the resilience of marine ecosystems across Gulf waters.
Call for Continued Compliance
The council said the temporary ban helped give kingfish stocks an opportunity to recover and supported efforts to maintain ecological balance. It expressed appreciation to fishermen for cooperating during the closed season and urged continued adherence to fishing rules.
Authorities stressed that responsible fishing remains essential to preserving Bahrain’s marine resources and ensuring that future generations can benefit from healthy and sustainable fish stocks.