KUWAIT CITY, Sept 1: The government’s decision to permit fishing for mead fish (mullets) from July to November has not succeeded in making this fish available in Kuwait’s local market, primarily due to several significant obstacles. Despite this permission, fishing circles report that the restrictions imposed on fishermen, such as the reduction of subsidized diesel for fishing boats, have severely limited their operations.

As a result, many fishing boats have ceased activity, and some fishermen have migrated to other countries where conditions might be more favorable. One of the key issues is the complete ban on fishing for mead in Kuwait Bay, which is considered its main habitat. This ban, intended to protect fish stocks, is seen by fishermen as counterproductive. They argue that instead of promoting reproduction, the ban causes the mead fish to migrate in search of food, thereby reducing their presence in Kuwaiti waters.

The ban is also viewed as a waste of fish resources, as organized fishing in the bay could potentially contribute to a more balanced marine environment. Additionally, the areas where fishing is permitted are home to other fish species, leading to a significant increase in the prices of mead fish due to its scarcity. This scarcity has forced the local market to rely on imported mead fish, further driving up prices and limiting availability. The combination of reduced fuel subsidies, restrictions on fishing areas, and the ban on fishing in Kuwait Bay has created a situation where mead fish is both scarce and expensive in the local market, despite the government’s efforts to open the fishing season.