Latest news with #Abdulqader
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- General
- Daily Tribune
‘Review Shrimp Trawling Ban' : Expert urges Gulf nations to reexamine restrictions based on ‘questionable' data evidence
Flawed data used to justify the Gulf shrimp trawling ban should be urgently reassessed, according to fisheries consultant Dr. Ibrahim Abdulqader. Speaking at Bahrain's Professional Fishermen Society yesterday, Abdulqader argued that evidence against shrimp trawling—used to support prohibitions introduced by Bahrain in 2018 and Kuwait four years later—failed to match up with reality. The fishing consultant presented decades-worth of figures from Bahraini and Saudi waters, challenging the often-cited claim that shrimp nets led to a 90 per cent drop in local fish stocks. Rather, his evidence suggested far smaller impacts, with only minor numbers of commercially valuable fish ending up as unintended catch. Shrimp fishing in the Gulf took off in 1959 with Kuwaiti vessels, and the Bahraini fleet joined the boom in 1967. Profits Catches surged, generating profits from markets in the United States and Japan, sparking factory openings along the coast. Yet unregulated fishing throughout the year gradually reduced yields, causing the collapse of industrial-scale shrimp fishing by the late 1970s. Nevertheless, trawling carried on through smaller local vessels, maintaining productivity over the following decades. Abdulqader cited recent field studies from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia showing minimal disruption to targeted fish species. Only one commercially valuable fish, the Imsalagh, accounted for less than one per cent of Bahrain's shrimp-related bycatch. Species In Saudi waters, three species— Imsalagh, Safi, and Shaari —made up around 20 per cent. Far from a catastrophic ecological impact, these numbers indicated a much more limited influence on marine life. Historical catch records backed up Abdulqader's claims. Rather than sustained declines in key species, catches of Badh, Safi, and Shaari fluctuated over the years, suggesting they were influenced primarily by direct fishing practices rather than accidental catches by shrimp trawlers. Harm Even crab catches, which rose after shrimp fishing became common, showed little sign of harm linked to shrimp nets. Abdulqader also pointed out unintended consequences of the shrimp ban. Fishermen have reported no noticeable recovery in fish stocks since restrictions came into force. Instead, illegal fishing has reportedly increased, driven partly by official shrimp seasons, which remain publicised despite gear restrictions. Benefits This contradiction fuels underground fishing and undermines the ban's intended environmental benefits. He recommended lifting the current restrictions to allow for a controlled and modern shrimp fishing industry under improved environmental guidelines. Alternatively, Abdulqader suggested that authorities abandon public shrimp-season announcements altogether and strengthen enforcement against unlawful trawling.
Daily Tribune
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Leads the Region with Fully Local VAR Rollout
TDT | Manama Project executed without foreign support, setting a first in the Gulf The Bahrain Football Association has become the first in the Gulf to implement the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system entirely through local talent, without relying on foreign expertise. Project Director Abdulrahman Abdulqader credited the success to strong backing from the country's sports leadership, particularly the full support of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. Abdulqader also thanked BFA President Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Vice President HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, and Secretary General Rashid Al Zubi, whose confidence and involvement in the project were instrumental from start to finish. Fully Local Execution Abdulqader noted that the entire project was executed with national staff, a milestone that sets Bahrain apart regionally. 'This is a proud achievement — the only Gulf federation to carry out VAR with 100% local expertise,' he said. How VAR Works on Match Day He explained that preparations begin the day before each match. Coordination involves linking the television broadcast truck, the VAR room, and match officials on the pitch. A referee monitor is installed pitch-side, and a technician from the provider Hawk-Eye is present to ensure system readiness. On match day, work begins six hours before kickoff and includes an IT representative from the Bahrain FA. Strategic Partnerships and Training The project was a coordinated effort between the General Sports Authority (as funder and lead), the BFA (operator), production company Flamingo (for filming), and Bahrain TV (for broadcasts). Forty referees (VAR and AVAR) were selected by the Referees Committee and underwent certified theoretical and practical training. Stadium Selection and AFC Use Stadiums were chosen based on proximity to broadcast trucks, compliance with FIFA's technical standards, and international accreditation. The AFC also benefited from Bahrain's infrastructure during World Cup qualifiers, with the National Stadium used for official matches.
Shafaq News
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Sulaymaniyah celebrates Women's Day: 55 Journalists honoured
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Al-Sulaymaniyah marked the International Women's Day with a series of meaningful events, emphasizing the critical importance of women's rights, gender equality, and the ongoing battle against violence and marginalization. One of the central highlights of the day took place at the Institute of International Law, where 55 female journalists were honoured for their invaluable contributions to media and journalism. This recognition, attended by members of the Iraqi parliament, the Kurdistan Region's legislature, and representatives from various international organizations, underscored the vital role that women play in shaping public discourse and promoting freedom of expression. Bashdar Hassan, head of the Institute, delivered a powerful address during the ceremony, stressing the importance of providing female journalists with a safer and more supportive work environment. He acknowledged the challenges that women in journalism continue to face and noted that similar recognition events would be held across the Kurdistan Region in the coming weeks, demonstrating a regional commitment to advancing women's representation in journalism. 'Today's event is not just a celebration of women's achievements in journalism; it is a pledge to foster a more inclusive and balanced media landscape,' said Hassan, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to create a more equitable working environment for women. Women's rights activist Kzhall Abdulqader also participated in the day's events, emphasizing the importance of an informed and empowered female population to build a healthier society. She praised the progress women in the Kurdistan Region have made in overcoming political barriers and becoming more active in community and public work. Abdulqader framed March 8 not just as a celebration, but as a call to action. 'This day is not only a celebration; it is a call for change,' she said, paying tribute to prominent Kurdish women, such as Habsah Khan Naqeeb, Qadam Khair, and Khanzad, who have made significant sacrifices for the advancement of women's rights. However, Abdulqader also highlighted the persistent political and social obstacles women face, particularly within political parties where women's empowerment is often stifled by party agendas. 'A free and independent woman is the foundation of real change,' she declared, urging the need for greater autonomy for women in all sectors of society. In addition, Abdulqader raised concerns about the rising rates of violence against women in the Kurdistan Region. She pointed to the troubling statistic that eight women, aged between 18 and 50, have been killed this year, with no justice served. She expressed frustration with women's organizations that, despite receiving substantial funding, have not taken sufficient action to address these pressing issues. About This Day International Women's Day has its origins in the labour movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first major protests took place in 1857 when textile workers in New York demanded better working conditions. Though these demonstrations were met with violent repression, they marked a critical turning point in the fight for women's rights. In 1908, another women-led strike in New York further solidified March 8 as an important date in the ongoing struggle for gender equality. For the people of Kurdistan, International Women's Day carries particularly deep significance. It serves as a reminder of the countless sacrifices made by women in politics, resistance, and beyond. Despite the challenges that persist, the demand for women's rights and gender equality continues to gain strength across the region.
