Scores of fishmongers caught selling small fish

Scores of fishmongers across the Kingdom have been recently caught selling small fish, a prohibited practice by law and existing regulations to preserve the fisheries wealth. Tribune had reported that the local fish stocks have witnessed a huge decline during the past decade because of harmful and prohibited fishing methods used by fishermen.

Agriculture and Marine Resources Undersecretary at the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa confirmed that three teams were formed to detect any violations at ports, central markets, and local fishmongers.

The official said in a statement published by Bahrain News Agency on Sunday that the teams detected a number of violators within the first week of initiating its field inspection visits. The violations included the use of prohibited fishing nets and catching and selling small fish, not allowing them to grow and breed.

Shaikh Mohammed said: “A number of fishmongers were caught in the central markets in Manama, Muharraq, and Riffa while selling small fish and shrimps, contrary to the instructions of Law Decree 20 of 2002 with regards to the protection of marine resources. “The inspection visits also included fishing ports in Manama, Sitra and Bandar Al Dar.