Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Issam bin Abdulla Khalaf today held a meeting with fishermen, with the participation of fishermen's associations and in the presence of the ministry's Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Wealth Shaikh Khalifa bin Isa Al Khalifa, the CEO of the Supreme Council for Environment Dr. Mohammed bin Daina and a number of officials.

Held following directives from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the meeting aimed to discuss the fishermen's needs and identify their demands regarding the revision of regulations in a way that supports their livelihoods, on the one hand, and preserves the marine health and wildlife, on the other.

The minister underlined constant keenness to support fishermen and provide them with the basic requirements so as to continue practising their profession, develop the national marine wealth and safeguard it from overexploitation, and keenness to harness all potentials to boost the sector and protect the fish stocks in the country.

He said that the marine environment had faced many challenges recently had had affected fish stocks negatively and led to a decline in productivity. These challenges include mainly population increase and wrong fishing practices.

He underscored the importance of cooperation among all relevant parties to maintain balanced natural resources to achieve sustainable development of marine wealth and give them it time to recover its biodiversity, calling for a real partnership to preserve marine environment and increase productivity, which will benefit the present and future generations.

Representing fishermen, members of the Bahrain Fishermen's Society presented its vision on developing the kingdom's marine wealth and preserving its fish socks.

They called for the need to provide suitable alternatives for holders of shrimp fishing licences during the ban period, taking advantages of the experiences of GCC countries in this regard.

They called for stepping up security at ports, providing the necessary equipment and regular maintenance.

They also asked for more control procedures by the competent authorities to ensure laws are not violated and marine wealth is preserved.

They warned of the danger of expatriate workers on the fishing sector, noting that their use of inappropriate fishing tools will lead to the depletion to the fish stock.

They appealed to the government to reduce the number of fishing licences, stressing the large number of fishermen has affected marine life negatively.

Fishermen extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for his directives to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry to meet then, listen to their concerns and suggestions and then submit a report to the cabinet.

They highlighted HRH the Prime Minister's stances which aim to benefit the nation and the citizens.