Total ban on shrimping despite fishermen’s plea

Manama : The annual ban on shrimping will begin tomorrow despite pleas of local fishermen to freeze it, confirmed an official communication issued yesterday. It also said the violators’ boats will be confiscated.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said yesterday that the ban will remain until September 15.
It is to serve the purpose of protecting the shrimp crops, the minister said.

“The period of ban has been extended to six months this year against the usual four, and it is in accordance with the recommendations of the Joint GCC Agricultural Cooperation Committee to unify the periods of ban,” he said.
“There are 256 shrimping licences currently active in Bahrain. The method followed in shrimping is considered harmful to the environment as it affects the reproduction and growth of marine creatures.
“The penalties mentioned in Law 20 of 2002 specify confiscation of ships and equipment used in shrimping during the ban. Violators will not be granted right to claim their equipment or demand compensation. Violators licences’ would be suspended temporarily or permanently,” said Khalaf.
Khalaf issued Resolution 27 of 2017 on March 7, banning shrimping and the sale of fresh shrimps for six months.
The statements came a day after Bahrain’s fishermen gathered to express their rejection to the decision, claiming that 400 of them will be left jobless.