Public Prosecution Charges Four Indians and Four Bahrainis for Illegal Fishing

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

The Public Prosecution has announced the arrest and detention of eight individuals, including four Indian nationals and four Bahrainis, for violating fishing regulations in separate incidents. The arrests were made following reports from the Coast Guard Command.

The first incident involved the apprehension of four Indian nationals for fishing for “kna’ad” (a type of fish) during the closed season. The second incident saw the arrest of one Bahraini national for possessing 665 kilograms of fresh shrimp caught using bottom trawling nets, which is prohibited. The third incident involved the arrest of three Bahrainis for possessing 90 kilograms of fresh shrimp caught using bottom trawling nets.

The Public Prosecution has initiated investigations into all three cases, questioning the suspects and ordering their detention. Two boats and a vehicle have been seized as part of the investigation. The Public Prosecution has also requested police investigations to identify any additional suspects and has ordered the proceeds from the auction of the seized goods to be deposited. Witnesses will be summoned before the suspects are referred to the criminal court.

The Head of the Public Prosecution for Ministries and Public Entities emphasised in a statement the importance of ministerial decisions regulating fishing activities, highlighting their role in preserving fish stocks and ensuring their sustainability for future generations. He stressed that compliance with these regulations is not only a legal obligation but also an environmental and ethical responsibility for everyone working in the fishing industry.

"By adhering to these regulations, we can achieve an ecological balance that preserves biodiversity in the seas and ensures the continuity of this vital resource on which many depend for their livelihood," he stated.