Two-month ban on fishing barred Spanish mackerel announced

Manama, Aug. 7 (BNA): A two-month ban on net fishing and selling of barred Spanish mackerel will start on August 15, the Ministry of Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning announced . The Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs Directorate said that the ban which will run until October 15 will help boost the reserves of this species, avert their depletion and maintain marine biological balance. In a statement today, the directorate said that lawbreakers who will be caught violating the two-month ban will be held accountable under law decree 20 of 2002 on regulating and conserving marine resources. The ministry announced that it would take all necessary measures to ensure the strict enforcement of the two-month ban on fishing and selling barred Spanish mackerel. Warning notices will be displayed at all jetties to inform fishermen about the two-month ban which will take effect on August 15. Inspectors working with the Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs Directorate will launch an awareness-enhancing campaign on the importance of enforcing the law and avoiding violations.