Overfishing rules must be heeded

Regulations were put in place to protect the industry, not harm fishermen’s livelihoods

The people of this land have always been intimately connected to the sea, and fishing has been an important economic activity. Silvia Razgova / The National

There appears to be a lack of appreciation among fishermen of the rules and regulations covering marine ecosystems. As The National reported yesterday, fishermen have questioned the need for a protection zone off the east coast of Khor Kalba, saying it negatively affects their livelihoods.

These concerns are understandable. The people of this land have always been intimately connected to the sea, and fishing has been an important economic activity. Families depend on the ability to catch and sell a large number of fish.

At the same time, fish need the time and space to reproduce, or their levels will deplete. Quite simply, we must protect fishery stocks and marine ecosystems or there will be no fish left to catch. The rules have been put there for a purpose and they should be respected. In just nine years between 2002 and 2011, the number of fish off the east coast decreased by more than two-thirds, according to figures from the ministry of environment and water. There has been a serious decline in numbers of commercially in-demand species, such as the orange-spotted grouper, popularly known as hammour, the shaari and the farsh.

If fishermen are not aware of the reasons behind the rules, then the ministry should conduct more awareness campaigns in cooperation with local authorities. There is also a need for proactive measures regarding older fishermen who continue to use banned traps in shallow waters. If they cannot adapt to modern practices, perhaps the ministry can help ease them into retirement.

The fishermen who spoke to The National were rightly concerned that the same rules did not apply in the waters of neighbouring countries. Any inconsistencies in regulations should be addressed at the GCC level. After all, fish don't recognise borders and we have a mutual interest in preserving the health of our fish stocks. Fishermen across the region need to appreciate that the enforcement of regulations prohibiting overfishing is essential to guarantee the long-term future of the fishing industry – and to protect their own livelihoods.