Bahrain Fishing License: Procedures and Approved Zones

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a fishing license in Bahrain may seem complex for newcomers, but understanding the necessary steps significantly simplifies the process. In this article, we will guide you through the essential administrative procedures, while highlighting the authorized fishing zones, ensuring your passion for fishing activities complies with current legislation. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, you’ll discover essential information to practice your favorite hobby in this beautiful island kingdom, while preserving its rich marine biodiversity.

Detailed Regulations for Obtaining a Fishing License in Bahrain

Specific Regulations for Obtaining a Fishing License in Bahrain

License Type	Permitted Use	Validity Period	Approximate Fees
Recreational License	Sport fishing, leisure	Annual or temporary	Varies by category
Commercial License	Professional fishing	Annual	Higher, depends on boat and quotas

Required Documents for Application:

• Completed official application form
• Copy of valid passport (valid for at least six months after entry)
• Proof of address in Bahrain
• Boat registration certificate (for commercial fishing)
• Medical certificate attesting physical fitness (sometimes required)
• Recent identification photo

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old for commercial licenses
• Legally reside in Bahrain or possess an appropriate visa
• Not be subject to administrative bans related to environmental or maritime offenses

Official Application Process:

1. Prepare all documents listed above.
2. Submit the application to the Bahraini Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning, typically through their online portal.
3. Wait for document verification and, if necessary, undergo a brief interview on environmental best practices.
4. Pay administrative fees by credit card or transfer upon submission.

Useful Addresses:
Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning – Fisheries Department
Manama – Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel.: +973 XXXX XXXX
Official Portal: https://www.mun.gov.bh (check for forms and procedures)

Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Immediate fixed fine for fishing without a license (amount varies by severity).
• Immediate seizure of illegally used equipment.
• Temporary or permanent suspension of the right to apply for a new license.
• Possible legal penalties for serious repeat offenses.

Special Regulations Regarding Protected Species and Seasons:

• Strict ban on certain threatened species like dugongs, several types of sea turtles, and some coastal sharks.
• Mandatory closed seasons for local shrimp reproduction between May and July; any capture during this period results in increased fines.
• Annual quotas applied by species to ensure local biological renewal.

For any official fishing procedures:
Contact the Bahraini Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning, Fisheries Department (Fisheries Department), which is the competent authority for both issuing licenses and monitoring compliance.

For additional information on general administrative formalities related to stay:
Also consult the official website of the Bahraini Ministry of Interior, eVisa section (https://www.evisa.gov.bh).

Authorized Fishing Zones in Bahrain

Authorized fishing zones in Bahrain are strictly defined by local authorities, who designate specific maritime regions along the coastline and around the main islands. Geographical boundaries notably include:

• The northwest coast near Budaiya
• Waters south of the main island to Ras Abu Jarjur
• Vicinity of Hawar Islands (with increased restrictions)
• Central area around Manama Port (often reserved for commercial fishing)

Summary Table: Authorized Zones and Restrictions

Maritime Zone	Access	Environmental Restrictions	Activity Type
Northwest Coast (Budaiya)	Free	Quotas on threatened species	Recreational/commercial
Southeast towards Ras Abu Jarjur	Permitted with special license	Periodic protected areas	Commercial
Hawar Islands	Highly regulated, limited access	Marine reserves, temporary seasonal bans	Research/science
Central Port (Manama)	Controlled	Ban during reproduction periods	Commercial

Current regulations impose:

• Mandatory license for all types of fishing.
• Strict respect for protected areas, often closed during sensitive periods for marine species reproduction or restocking.
• Limitation on the number of gear and control over types used: drift nets prohibited in certain sensitive areas.

Specific Restrictions:

Seasonal ban periods are applied to protect fish stocks during spawning. Some species are subject to annual quotas or may be prohibited from capture throughout the archipelago. Natural reserves prohibit all fishing activity except scientific research.

To access areas subject to enhanced regulation, it is necessary to obtain a special authorization issued by the relevant local ministry, typically after verification of environmental records and compliance with technical criteria.

The difference between commercial and recreational fishing is mainly evident in:

• Access to main ports (priority given to commercial boats)
• More restrictive quotas for recreational fishing
• Strict limitation on the type of vessel authorized for each category

Procedure for Checking Regular Updates:

1. Frequently consult the official website of the “Bahraini Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs”
2. Subscribe to monthly bulletins published locally regarding urgent or temporary changes
3. Check with municipal/port offices before any outing

Regulatory monitoring is essential, as some decisions may be made quickly following ecological changes or environmental alerts affecting specific coastal areas.

Key Takeaway:

It is imperative that every fisherman carefully checks these lists before any activity, under penalty of severe administrative sanctions if an offense is detected.

Practical Guide for Expatriate Fishermen in Bahrain

Process for Obtaining a Fishing License in Bahrain

To fish legally in Bahrain, it is mandatory to obtain a license issued by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. Both expatriates and citizens must follow a strict administrative process including preparation of specific documents, online or in-person submission, and payment of associated fees.

Required Documents for Application

• Passport or ID card (copy)
• Valid visa or residence permit for expatriates
• Recent identification photos
• Completed official application form
• Proof of residence in Bahrain (recent bill, lease, etc.)
• Proof of administrative fee payment

Administrative Procedures

1. Prepare the documents listed above.
2. Complete the official form available:
   • On the eGovernment Bahrain.bh portal (Fisheries License section).
   • Or at the main office: Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture – Directorate of Fisheries.
3. Electronic submission via the online portal or physical deposit at the counter.
4. Payment of fees according to the type of license requested.
5. Wait for administrative processing (typically 7 to 14 business days).
6. Collect the issued license in paper or electronic form.

License Type	Target Audience	Approximate Annual Cost (BHD)
Amateur/Recreational	Residents and expatriates	~10–15 BHD
Professional	Companies/professional individuals	~50–100 BHD

Amounts may vary by activity and are subject to updates.

Authorized Fishing Zones

Category	Authorized Zones
Amateurs	Designated public beaches, urban piers
Professionals	Maritime zones assigned by special license

Some protected areas are strictly prohibited to preserve marine biodiversity.

Local Regulations: Practical Tips

• Respect daily quotas imposed on certain species (example: max 10 fish per day for some predators).
• Strict prohibition during annual biological closure periods (“closed season”) aimed at protecting reproduction—typically between February and April for several local species.
• Mandatory use of approved gear; drift nets prohibited outside regulated professional framework.
• Systematic requirement to carry license during fishing activities; frequent checks in ports and beaches.

Popular Recommended Areas for Recreational Fishing

• Al Jazair Beach: known for family/amateur accessibility
• North Manama Corniche: well-equipped urban pier
• Muharraq Jetty: locally appreciated area with facilities

Always respect on-site markers and any signage related to seasonal restrictions.

!!! Strictly observe closed seasons, under penalty of high fines or immediate equipment seizure !!!

For any additional information: regularly consult the official website Bahrain.bh – “Fisheries & Marine Resources” section, which contains regulatory updates, downloadable forms, and useful numbers in case of maritime incidents.