Talks held to address fishermen’s concerns

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A meeting was held to address the pressing concerns raised by a Bahraini fishermen’s community regarding the ban on shrimp fishing and the prohibition of certain fish species, namely Al-Safi, Al-Shaari, and Al-Anaq.

This came as House of Representatives Speaker, His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, held talks with the President of the Bahraini Professional Fishermen’s Association, Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Buainain, along with distinguished representatives including His Excellency Representative Abdulnabi Salman Ahmed, First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other notable figures.

Central to the discussions was the urgent call for a re-evaluation of the ban on these fish species, ensuring that any decision made does not jeopardise the livelihoods of fishermen nor compromise the marine environment.

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of appropriate compensation for the adverse impacts experienced by fishermen due to the ban on shrimp fishing.

Speaker Al Musallam underscored the paramount importance of preserving fish wealth and implementing stringent measures to sustainably manage fisheries, aligning with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the efforts of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Parliamentary support for the fishing profession was reiterated, emphasizing the protection of fishermen’s rights, the encouragement of traditional fishing practices, and the conservation of marine resources.

Viable solutions

The Parliament will liaise with relevant authorities to explore viable solutions and ensure that the interests of affected fishermen are duly considered.