March 10, 2005

 

Bahrain experiences 50 percent drop in shrimp catch

 

 

Bahrain recorded a decline in the annual shrimp catch.

 

Jassim Al Qaseer, director of Commission Fisheries in the Public Commission for The Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife, highlighted the drop in the yield from 2000 tonnes to 1000 tonnes during the open season ending on Monday.

 

According  to Jassim Al Qaseer, the drop in the yield is due to excessive shrimping, reclamation of land which are breeding areas and damage to the shrimp growth cycle.

 

Mr Al Qaseer advised to stop trawling the waters for shrimps even before the season's shrimping ban goes into effect on Tuesday, if they want the future yield to improve.

 

"Many fishermen have already stopped shrimping and others should follow suit in order to protect shrimps for a better yield when the season reopens on July 15," he said.

 

"This will help ensure the stock is not exhausted, meaning that consumers would benefit as the shrimp caught followed during the closed season will be much larger," he said.

 

Mr Al Qaseer urged fishermen to respect the four-month shrimping ban, warning those who break the law of strict penalties.

 

Traders violating the ban will face penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of up to BD300, according to decree issued by the commission.

 

Fishermen who catch shrimp during the closed season will also face the same penalties and risk having their boats and equipment confiscated.

 

A call also went from the commission for fishermen not to carry shrimping equipment on board during the ban season to avoid any suspicion that they may be breaking the law.

 

Mr Al Qaseer said it was crucial for the public and fishermen to co-operate with authorities because of benefits the ban would have for everyone in the long run.

 

He said, that still fishermens are catching shrimps for quick profit knowing that it is banned for their own long run interest.