Fishermen’s Union calls for regulating and expanding fishing areas

The Secretary-General of the Kuwait Fishermen’s Union, Barak Al-Subaie, has underscored the urgent need to regulate the fishing profession and develop the sector to better serve fishermen and support Kuwait’s food security.

Al-Subaie highlighted the challenges facing ‘tararid’ boat owners, noting that many are unfairly affected by restrictions on fishing in numerous harbor areas.

He urged the authorities to reconsider reopening mead (mullet) fishing within Kuwait Bay, stressing that fish migration patterns often result in local stocks being lost and later reimported at higher costs.

He pointed out that tararid vessels — small boats that make up nearly half of Kuwait’s fishing fleet — play a vital role in the sector. Recent government approval to extend their maximum length to 12 meters has eased operations, enabling them to catch both surface fish with nets and bottom-dwelling species using traps.

Al-Subaie explained that expanding the fishing zones is essential to avoid harming local fishermen and to sustain the supply of fresh fish to the market. He emphasized that the lagoon areas, home to migratory species influenced by seasonal weather, should be reconsidered for regulated fishing access.

On the shrimp season, he noted that this year’s catch in Kuwait’s economic waters promises abundance, helping stabilize prices in local markets. Since the start of August, fishermen have supplied over 273 tons of shrimp and 300 tons of various permitted fish to the East and Fahaheel markets.

Al-Subaie expressed appreciation to government bodies overseeing the sector for their ongoing support, adding that fishermen are committed to protecting marine resources, ensuring sustainable food security, and contributing to the goals of New Kuwait 2035.

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