New licenses to further shrink scant fish stocks

There is a recent call for the immediate issuance of fishing licenses by the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) to alleviate monopolistic practices, boost supply, and curb prices, In response to this, it has been underscored by specialized scientific and field assessments that Kuwait’s fish stock is ill-equipped to withstand the introduction of new licenses. This comes after a hiatus of approximately four decades in license issuance.

Experts in marine biology and fishing operations have voiced unanimous concerns regarding the precarious state of the fish population, cautioning against further exploitation which could exacerbate the existing shortage rather than alleviate it, reports Al-Rai daily. Field experts have outlined various reasons why expanding license issuance would be futile, citing diminishing seafood stocks, limited fishing areas, and prohibitive costs, alongside a scarcity of fishermen.

Meanwhile, scientific and environmental assessments have sounded alarms regarding the future repercussions on food security and biodiversity if licenses are haphazardly distributed. They advocate for holistic fisheries management strategies such as implementing fishing quotas, seasonal bans, and safeguarding critical environmental habitats, drawing insights from successful international practices.

Dhaher Al-Suwayyan, head of the Kuwaiti Fishermen’s Union, vehemently opposes the idea of issuing new licenses, emphasizing the need to address existing license holders’ grievances first. He highlights the fragility of fish stocks and the inadequate fishing zones, with less than half of the marine area designated for fishing activities. Moreover, Al-Suwayyan raises concerns about the lack of infrastructure to accommodate additional boats and ships, with only two overcrowded docking points currently available.

Al-Suwayyan also points out the exodus of fishermen to neighboring countries with more favorable fishing conditions, exacerbating the labor shortage among existing license holders.

He explains that fishing licenses were halted by government decree in 1984 due to an oversaturation of licenses and limited marine territory, with reductions made following the Iran-Iraq war. Contrary to allegations of monopolistic practices, Al-Suwayyan asserts that fish auctions are transparent and subject to market dynamics like any other industry. He attributes price fluctuations to factors such as supply and demand, with participation from various entities including restaurants, hotels, and cooperative societies.

To sum up, the consensus among experts and industry stakeholders is clear: Kuwait’s fish stocks are already under strain, and opening the floodgates to new licenses would only compound the problem. Instead, a comprehensive approach to fisheries management, coupled with addressing existing challenges, is imperative to ensure the sustainability of Kuwait’s marine resources.