Marine reserves designated; violators warned

His Majesty’s Personal Representative, Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) President His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Khalifa issued an edict designating “Najwat Bulthamat” and the pear oyster beds of “bulthamat”, “Shtaya”, “Bu’amama” and the surrounding barrier belt as protected marine reserves.

The edict prohibits illegal fishing and unauthorized activities inside the demarcated zones to avert any negative impact on the marine environment. The ban exempts, however, professional seafarers using fishing traps, as well as amateur fishermen and seafarers. Violators would face action as per legal provisions.

The measure complies with the national plan to revive pearl industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Cabinet has already endorsed the scheme, which was first studied and approved by the Executive Committee, as part of efforts to protect the marine environment and regulate fishing.

HH Shaikh Abdulla paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, hailing royal keenness on protecting the environment and conserving the wildlife. He also commended the government, chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

He underlined the crucial role and dedicated work of the Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, to demarcate pearl oyster beds and designate them as reserves, in consultation with competent authorities.

“The move aims at protecting the wildlife at the designated areas, particularly coral reefs and pearl oyster beds, and reviving longstanding pearling heritage”, he said. “The constitution of Bahrain and the National Action Charter have guaranteed the protection the environment to optimize resources and ensure sustainable ecosystems”, he added.

Source: Fana News