Oil and Environment Ministry cracks down on shrimp smuggling and illegal fishing practices

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Shrimp smuggling, unlicensed trawling and other illegal fishing practices have triggered a clampdown by the Oil and Environment Ministry, according to a letter from the Minister, His Excellency Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, addressed to the Shura Council.

Dr Bin Daina detailed a raft of violations, including the illegal sale of shrimp during the closed season, fishing without permits, and the use of banned tools such as bottom trawling nets.

“These practices threaten the delicate balance of our marine ecosystem, and we are taking decisive steps to confront them,” the Minister wrote.

The crackdown includes the removal of unauthorised fishing structures, with the Supreme Council for Environment covering the costs.

Electronic monitoring, introduced in collaboration with Customs Affairs, has strengthened control over marine resource imports and exports, ensuring only lawful fishing tools and healthy seafood enter Bahrain.

Online sales

The Ministry is also working with the Cybercrime Directorate to stamp out online sales of prohibited fishing equipment.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to protect Bahrain’s waters,” Dr Bin Daina said.

Raising awareness among fishermen has been central to the Ministry’s efforts.

Regular meetings have been held to explain existing laws and encourage sustainable practices.

Penalties

Notices in public spaces and posts on social media have been used to warn against illegal fishing methods and educate people on the penalties they face if caught breaking the rules.

Joint enforcement campaigns, involving the Coast Guard, Customs Affairs, and other government directorates, have targeted a range of violations, including breaches of temporary fishing bans.

The Ministry is revising penalties for offenders and preparing new rules to regulate the capture of large predators, aiming to prevent any exploitation.

Smart monitoring room

It also plans to establish a smart monitoring room equipped with advanced systems, in partnership with the Survey and Land Registration Bureau.

Dr Bin Daina concluded his letter with a call for cooperation with the Shura Council. “Protecting Bahrain’s marine resources is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to ensuring their preservation for future generations,” he said.