The Kingdom of Bahrain has always gave its marine wealth a special place within its environmental and development vision; In recognition of its vital role in achieving food security, supporting the national economy and preserving the environmental balance. In confirmation of this approach, and in light of the good directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and the continuous follow -up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Supreme Council for the Environment continues his efforts to enhance the commercial marine fishing sector, through adopting policies and organizational decisions, which puts the Bahraini fisherman An essential axis based on all efforts.
The step of “Bahraini fisherman’s license” is not a passing administrative procedure; Rather, a regulatory lever to ensure the sustainability of the fish stock, enhance food security, and to stabilize the Bahraini position in his historical profession. Resolution No. (4) of 2025, which came into effect on August 28, 2025, six months after its issuance, turns the commitment to a binding reality for all registered fishermen, and closed gaps that were exploited for years at the expense of the environment and national livelihood.
The first importance of the decision is that it is redefined by the “professional hunter” in the law: Bahraini nationality, at least 18 years, is valid in health and professional to practice hunting, and holds a personal license that may not be transferred or waived. These conditions cut off the “leasing of licenses”, and put professional responsibility directly on those who actually hunting, not on a borrowed name in paper.
Second, the decision places clear ceilings for the numbers of crew on the ship according to its length, from 3 boats to 21 feet to 9 to 9 individuals for the “banish” ships. This control is not a logistical detail; It is a tool for settling fishermanship and preventing attrition through large crews that take advantage of the tools of more fisheries to regenerate.
Third, the decision is clearly dealt with the procedure episode: the license is proven in the license, the fisherman and employer data, and the hunter is prohibited from working for the non -license, and requests for extraction or renewal are decided within 15 days in accordance with the decree of Law (20) of 2002. This speed and transparency reduce the bureaucratic cost and encourage voluntary compliance.
Fourth, the decision is consistent with a complementary belt, such as Resolution No. (6) of the year 2025 regulating the use of windows, sores, prohibitions and fishing threads, in a way that enhances the control system and limits random practices. The connection between “who hunts” and “how to hunt” is what makes the effect: a responsible Bahraini hunter, tools authorized, and the effort of a codified fishing; A trilogy translated into fisheries capable of recovery, and a more quality and stable local market.
Fifth, the decision is re -enabled Bahrainis to their sector: provided that a Bahraini hunter is on the back of the fishing ship that enhances the transfer of experience and training generations, and reduces the abuses associated with harmful fishing methods, as confirmed by the officials of the marine wealth, It is a realistic path to achieve the goal of local food security under the umbrella of sustainable development.
Finally, the deterrent side is clearly present; Violations are assigned to a punitive system stipulated in the Decree of Law (20) of 2002, which raises the cost of illegal behaviors, and preserves the fairness of competition between the committed. The clarity of the rules, the ease of procedures through the national portal, and its association with effective supervision, is a recipe for converting the sea into a really renewed resource, not a drain arena.
In this sense, the “Bahraini fisherman’s license” is not only an identification card, but rather a new social contract that connects the state with sailors and sea; A contract that honors the profession, preserves the environment, enhances our food security, and puts Bahraini at the heart of the decision and implementation. Today, the bet on the cooperation of everyone and the conscious commitment to legislation. The awareness of society and respect for controls is what will establish the position of Bahrain as a leading model in protecting its maritime resources and its sustainable management, and ensures that the profession remains supplied for future generations.
