Bahrain - The duration of fishing licences in Bahrain has been extended from the existing one year to three years.

Shura Council yesterday approved amendments to the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Catching and Protection Law, which were passed by parliament in February.

The amendments were drawn up because fishermen were being banned from entering the sea as the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry took time to asses applications for renewal of licences.

This is despite objections from the government, which warned it would hit state revenues and did not correspond with other licensing procedures.

“The current one-year licensing is impractical and should the process be delayed and not renewed within particular high catch seasons then it is a missed opportunity for fishermen,” said public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Fouad Al Haji.

“The government has reservations on the amendments, because they don’t match a vessel certificate needed every year following inspections by Coastguards, but we don’t believe they need to be done together – similar to driving licences renewed every five years and vehicle inspections done every year.

“The fees will not be reduced, they will be calculated annually as they are, with the ministry deciding on whether the fishermen should receive licensing for a year, two or three, depending on how they are disciplined or conduct themselves in the profession.”

Services committee chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel also said that a package of reforms need to be drawn up by legislators to help the fishing industry thrive.

“The fishing licences is just one of many ideas to help improve government support towards the sector and we should think about having a fund to support fishermen when there are seasonal fishing bans on shrimps and certain fish,” she said during debate on the amendments.

“Legislators need to give more attention to the livelihoods of fishermen as they are in need of every possible help with the profession being their sole source of income.”

The amendments will be referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification.

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