HM King issues new law to safeguard marine resources

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has ratified and issued Law (14) of 2025, amending Article (33) of Decree-Law (20) of 2002 concerning the regulation of fishing, exploitation, and protection of marine resources.

The updated legislation, approved by both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, introduces new penalties — including prison sentences and substantial fines — for violations of various provisions of the marine resources law and its implementing decisions.

According to the law, Article (33) of Decree-Law (20) of 2002 shall be replaced with the following:

Harsher penalties

“Without prejudice to harsher penalties prescribed in the Penal Code or any other legislation:

a. A penalty of imprisonment for not less than one year and a fine between BD1,000 and BD10,000, or either penalty, shall apply to violations of Article (18) of this law and its implementing decisions.

b. A penalty of imprisonment for not less than six months and a fine between BD30,000 and BD100,000, or either penalty, shall apply to violations of Article (23) of this law and its implementing decisions. c. A penalty of imprisonment and a fine between BD1,000 and BD5,000, or either penalty, shall apply to violations of Article (21), paragraph (d), and Article (22) of this law and their implementing decisions.

d. A penalty of imprisonment and a fine between BD500 and BD3,000, or either penalty, shall apply to violations of Articles (3), (16), (17), (19), (20), (21) paragraphs (a, b, c, e, f ), (24), (25), (27), (29), and (30) and their implementing decisions.

Imprisonment

e. A penalty of imprisonment and a fine between BD100 and BD2,000, or either penalty, shall apply to violations of Articles (12), (13) paragraph (d), (14), (21) paragraph (g), (26), and (28) and their implementing decisions.

f. In all instances mentioned above, the fine shall be doubled in the event of repeat violations within one year from the completion of the sentence or the lapse of its statute of limitations.