Shrimping ban; Violators to face penal action

Manama : Fishermen violating the summer shrimping ban would face stringent actions like arrests and hefty penalties, DT News has learnt.
In a telephonic interview with DT News yesterday, Bahrain Fishermen’s Society (BFS) President Waheed Al Dossary confirmed that more stringent penalties need to be enforced to curb the continuous breach of the annual ban and draining of marine resources.
Al Dossary said that smugglers of fresh shrimp would face legal accountability.
“There are plans to coordinate with the Saudi Customs on King Fahad Causeway to arrest and handover smugglers and to confiscate the smuggled shrimp,” Al Dossary informed.
Al Dossary’s statements followed a meeting between a delegation representing local fishermen and Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf yesterday.
Al Dossary said that a set of grievances and demands were handed over to the minister who pledged to refer them to the Cabinet and reply to the delegation within two weeks from now. He said that the period could be possibly adjusted.
“We demanded the reconsideration of the period of the ban, as many fishermen remain jobless for six months. It was previously implemented for four months and we wish for it to continue that way,” Al Dossary told.
The delegation also shared several points with the minister that included restoring the financial support of BD3 million to local fishermen that was previously received from the Labour Fund (Tamkeen).
In addition to BFS members, the delegation included Sitra Fishermen Society President Mohammed Mansour and other members.
They voiced out their support to the ban, yet insisted on altering the length of its period. The delegation also thanked the minister for immediately opening the doors of his office and arranging a meeting with fishermen.
On his part, Khalaf affirmed that the ministry is keen on fulfilling the demands of local fishermen, considering the importance of the sector in achieving food security in the Kingdom.
DT News reported earlier this month that Minister Khalaf issued Resolution 27 of 2017 on March 7, banning shrimping and the sale of fresh shrimps for six months.
The ban came into effect on March 15, banning shrimping and the sale of fresh shrimps. This irked the local professional fishermen, as 400 of them who are only licensed to catch and sell shrimps will remain jobless for six months.