Fines of up to 100,000 dinars planned for illegal fishing and waste dumping

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Illegal fishing and the dumping of harmful waste could lead to fines of up to 100,000 dinars and longer prison sentences if MPs approve a proposal next Tuesday.

The current penalties, which often consist of small fines and brief prison sentences, have been deemed insufficient for deterring such violations.

Under Article (33) of Decree-Law No. (20) of 2002, fines currently range from 100 to 5,000 dinars, with prison sentences of up to six months. For example, fishing without a licence or using banned gear can result in fines up to 1,000 dinars, while dumping waste at sea can lead to six months in prison and a fine of up to 5,000 dinars. Repeat offenders within a year face doubled fines, but no prison time.

The proposed changes would significantly increase these penalties. Serious offences, such as dumping harmful waste, could incur fines up to 10,000 dinars and at least one year in prison. Unauthorised extraction of marine sand could lead to fines between 30,000 and 100,000 dinars and a minimum of six months in prison. Repeat offenders would face doubled fines and possible imprisonment.

The Public Utilities and Environment Committee has recommended even harsher penalties, proposing fines between 500 and 5,000 dinars for illegal fishing or using banned gear, along with prison terms of six months to one year.

The committee cited Paragraph (h) of Article (9) of the Constitution, which mandates the state to protect the environment and wildlife. They argued that current laws are insufficient in addressing these violations and that the legal framework needs to be updated to meet modern concerns.

The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has confirmed that the proposals align with Bahrain’s legal standards. However, the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee has suggested that penalties for repeat offences be limited to fines alone, in line with existing regulations. The government disagreed, arguing that removing prison sentences for repeat offenders would weaken the law’s impact.

There are also concerns about overlaps with other laws, such as those governing wastewater and marine sand extraction, which already impose heavier fines for similar violations. Nevertheless, the Supreme Council for the Environment and the Ministry of Oil and Environment have supported the plan, stating that it aligns with current environmental policies. The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf has proposed giving judges more discretion by lowering minimum fines for less severe offences, to ensure fair sentencing.

The Public Utilities and Environment Committee has unanimously endorsed the draft law. If passed, the proposed changes will significantly enhance Bahrain’s oversight of its seas and address gaps in enforcement. MPs will debate and vote on the measure next Tuesday.