Bahrain will enforce its annual fishing ban on sheri, safi, and andaq starting this Wednesday. The seasonal restriction runs through May 31.

The Supreme Council for Environment announced the measure to preserve local fish stocks.

Authorities Protect Marine Ecosystems

The environmental council states the ban enhances sustainability. Officials hope to rehabilitate the marine ecosystem and increase available marine life.

The council ordered fishermen to promptly release these specific species back into the sea safely. The Coast Guard will patrol territorial waters to ensure strict compliance.

Authorities refer violators directly to the Criminal Courts.

Concurrent Restrictions And Local Concerns

Bahrain currently enforces two other marine restrictions. A six-month ban on catching and trading shrimp continues until July 31.

A separate restriction on catching crabs remains active until May 15. However, local fishermen have asked authorities to reconsider these seasonal rules.

The Fishermen’s Society claims the blanket bans severely hurt their livelihoods.

Fishermen Request Scientific Approach

The society suggests limiting catches instead of imposing total bans. They argue that protecting juvenile fish in September offers better results than halting spring fishing.

Society secretary Fayez Al Arees told local media the fish often migrate during the ban. He noted this migration leaves fewer fish for the local Bahraini market later.

Al Arees urged authorities to base future regulations on updated scientific evidence.

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