Shrimping ban reduced

Manama : The government has decided to reduce the six-month ban on shrimping to five-months as per the directives issued by Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday.

The instructions were given during the weekly Cabinet meeting held at Gudaibiya Palace. Local fishermen earlier made pleas to reduce the ban period as it was claimed having a negative impact on their livelihoods.

As per the directives issued, shrimping ban this year will end on August 1.

The new instruction cancels Resolution 27 of 2017 issued by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf on March 7, banning all shrimping in the period between March 15 and September 15.

“The Premier’s directives are in response to the calls made by fishermen, and in line with his keenness to ensure their livelihoods. The directives have been issued to the competent authorities to take necessary procedures, stressing that the shrimping ban seasons should coincide with those in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries,” a statement issued after the meeting mentioned.