Parliament approves return of traditional haddoor fishing traps

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Fishermen and their families are one step closer to regaining their livelihoods after Parliament gave the green light to an urgent proposal to bring back haddoor — traditional fishing traps removed in recent years.

The plan, driven by MP Khalid Buanaq and supported by four other colleagues, calls on the government to act without delay, recognising the traps’ dual importance as a source of income and a pillar of Bahraini heritage.

For generations, haddoor have provided sustenance and stability for families along Bahrain’s shores. But their removal left many struggling to make ends meet, cutting off what is often their only source of income.

Damage

“The harm inflicted upon them should not be prolonged,” the proposal’s explanatory note warns, urging the government to step in with “suitable and reasonable solutions” to repair the damage.

Supporters of the proposal argue that restoring the traps isn’t just about economics — it’s about preserving Bahrain’s distinct identity.

The traps are a living link to the island’s fishing traditions, a craft that has set Bahrain apart from its Gulf neighbours.

Cultural significance

“This proposal aligns with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s approach to preserving its heritage and safeguarding its historical identity,” the document adds, underscoring the cultural significance of the haddoor.

The financial strain on affected families is real.

Without haddoor, many have found themselves in dire straits, unable to support their households.

Advocates stress that restoring the traps could bring much-needed relief while honouring a tradition that has long defined Bahrain’s coastal communities.

First step

The proposal’s approval by Parliament is a crucial first step, but the MPs behind it — led by Buanaq — are pushing for immediate government action.

They argue that reinstating the traps would be a straightforward yet meaningful way to help struggling families while ensuring that a treasured piece of Bahraini heritage isn’t lost to time.

For now, fishermen and their families await action, hopeful that the government will take this opportunity to right a wrong and restore not just their livelihoods, but a piece of Bahrain’s soul.