Manama: Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, emphasized Bahrain's dedication to bolstering national food security through strategic initiatives aimed at developing marine resources and enriching fish stocks. This announcement was made during the Supreme Council for Environment's (SCE) launch event of the fish release season in Bahrain's territorial waters, attended by Amna Hamad Al Rumaihi, CEO of the Council, and Mohammed Yousif Al Asam, Director General of Marine Resources at SCE. The initiative plans the release of approximately 100,000 juvenile fish throughout the year.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Bin Dainah praised the National Mariculture Centre team's efforts across all production stages, leading to the initial release phase executed with precision. The release occurred in three phases at selected marine sites, adhering to scientific standards to ensure suitable conditions for the fish's growth, feeding, and protection from predators.
Dr. Bin Dainah highlighted that all necessary technical and environmental precautions were taken to ensure the fish's health and the success of the release process. This included using boats equipped with air pumps and oxygen cylinders to safely transport the juvenile fish to designated release sites.
The National Mariculture Centre continues to produce fish fingerlings suitable for sea release and species demanded in the local market, providing optimal conditions throughout their growth. These efforts aim to reduce pressure on natural fisheries, increase fish stocks, and support sustainable development goals.
The centre has achieved milestones, including the first production of Meid fish in the Gulf region in 2023, followed by Bayah fish in 2024, and Shaam fish in 2025, reinforcing Bahrain's efforts to alleviate pressure on natural fish stocks through regular release programmes in its territorial waters.