MANAMA, 18 April 2008 — Fishing is a hereditary profession for many Bahrainis, who for centuries have been experts in this field. However, the influx of modern technology and expatriate workers has caused Bahrainis to cast their nets further afield and take up other means of livelihood.
Salman Jassem, who is in his late 60s, is from this dying breed of Bahrainis. He runs a shop at Manama’s Central Fish Market and is a reminder of the good old days of how Bahrainis used to be.
Arab News met Jassem at his shop shortly before the market closed one late afternoon. Although Jassem’s father and grandfather — being expert divers and fishermen — netted their own fish, Jassem does not go fishing himself. Instead he buys from a local wholesaler.
“I’ve been in this trade for the last 50 years. Unlike nowadays, the market used to be filled with all types of fish and of all colors,” he said, adding that the advent of shrimp trawlers heralded dwindling numbers of fish.
“You can just imagine how much harm these trawlers, which number no less than 800, do to sea life. In their mad rush for shrimps, the trawlers kill millions of small fish and destroy their habitat,” he added.
“This has resulted in a shortage of fish in general and rising prices. The price for a kilo of fish has reached 3.5 dinars (SR35) this year,” he said.
Jassem recollected the days when Bahrainis would go fishing themselves. “Young men in those days loved to go fishing. It was a real adventure going out in primitive boats and fighting the elements,” he said.
“When we came back after a trip, which would normally last from dawn to dawn, some of us would be missing. People would often be swept away in bad weather or devoured by ferocious sharks. It was tough, but exciting negotiating the wind and the waves,” Jassem said with a gleam of excitement in his eyes.
Speaking about the current situation of the market, Jassem said, “The market is dominated by expatriates, who, with their dishonest and unscrupulous practices, spoil the good reputation of the local market.”
On a normal day, Jassem goes to a fish wholesaler at 3 a.m. and buys 200 to 400 dinars worth of fish. He usually sells them the same day before the market closes at noon.
Asked whether he would quit his trade, Jassem said, “Never. Under no circumstances will I quit this job. It’s been a family tradition for hundreds of years.”
Jassem’s son, Ali, 35, is of the same view. He is determined to remain in the profession but hopes to adapt to modern fishing methods.
“It was my childhood dream to ride the waves in hot pursuit of whales in distant seas. I love this life,” said Ali, adding that it is sad that Bahrainis no longer become fishermen.
“Our wives can no longer stand the smell of fish. Many of my mates have stopped being fishermen because of their wives,” he lamented.