Prosecution Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing: Four Detained for Kingfish and Shrimp Violations

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

The Public Prosecution has announced that three separate reports concerning marine resources were received from the Coast Guard. In response, the prosecution has detained four Indian nationals for fishing kingfish (Kanaad) during the ban and another four Bahraini nationals for trawling with bottom trawl nets.

The first case involves the detention of four Indian nationals who were found fishing kingfish during the restricted period. In the second case, a boat and a vehicle were seized in the Bilaj Al Jazaer, where a suspect was discovered with 665 kilograms of fresh shrimp, caught using bottom trawl nets. The third case involved the detection of a boat in the Malikiyah 90 kilograms of fresh shrimp caught in a similar manner, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

Following the reports, the Public Prosecution promptly began its investigation, interrogated the suspects, and ordered their provisional detention while seizing two boats and a vehicle. The police have been tasked with further investigation and identifying additional suspects. The proceeds from the sale of the seized items will go to a public auction, and witnesses will be called in preparation for court proceedings.

The head of the Public Prosecution stressed the importance of ministerial decisions that regulate marine fishing, highlighting their role in preserving fish stocks and ensuring their future availability. He underscored that adhering to these decisions is both a legal obligation and an environmental and moral duty for all involved in this industry. By following these regulations, we aim to maintain an ecological balance that supports biodiversity and sustains this crucial resource for those who depend on it for their livelihoods.