Bahrain bans fishing on Spanish mackerel

Manama : A two-month ban on net fishing and selling of barred Spanish mackerel will be implemented from August 15, the Ministry of Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning announced yesterday.

According to the Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs Directorate, the ban will continue until October 15. “It will help boost the reserves of this species, avert their depletion and maintain marine biological balance.”

In a statement, the directorate warned that violators of the ban will be held accountable under Law Decree 20 of 2002 on regulating and conserving marine resources.

The ministry also announced that it would take all necessary measures to ensure the strict enforcement of the two-month ban on fishing and selling barred Spanish mackerel. “Warning notices will be displayed at all jetties to inform fishermen about the two-month ban,” it said.

Inspectors working with the Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs Directorate will launch an awareness campaign on the importance of enforcing the law and avoiding violations.