March 2014 79 www.bahrainthismonth.com Fishing and fresh catch from the sea has been a pride for Bahrainis in their centuries-old relationship with the sea. With the local fishing industry in decline lately, a team of entrepreneurs is looking to revive the sector. The young men behind Fish Transporter deliver fish and seafood to the doorstep of their customers across Bahrain. Orders can be placed the night before on their website and a phone app. The group provides seasonal recommendations and delivery is made between 8am to 6pm every day. “We live on an island where fresh fish is available daily at the local markets. It doesn’t make sense to buy refrigerated, frozen or processed fish here,” notes Sayed Jaafar Al Samak, a third generation fisherman from a family in Manama. The group delivers fish based on customer specification relating to size, cleaning and chopping technique. Since they source from the wholesale market, rates compare favourably with local markets. Value addition comes in the form of clean and, if required, marinated fish that’s delivered at the doorstep ready to cook. Prices can fluctuate on some winter days when fishing boats cannot enter the sea in adverse weather conditions. But the group guarantees the freshness of their produce. “We procure only from local Bahraini fishermen and supply to customers the same day. For this reason we’ll never have a shop or storage unit, simply because we don’t believe in storing fish,” says Mohammed Toraif, co-founder. The group believes the success in their venture rests on their ability to maintain quality and gain people’s trust in the process. “Bahrainis are gradually withdrawing from the fishing industry, but we want to revive this tradition and modernise it to fit with our time,” he says. Sayed remembers his grandfather heading the fishing trade in Bahrain. A representative for his community, he bought from them and supplied to small enterprises as well as corporate clients across Bahrain. The market was organised during his father’s time, who worked for a fishing corporation supplying seafood to local retailers. Around ten years ago, most big fishing corporations left Bahrain for other regional waters following the erosion of the fishing habitats of the Kingdom. Many species of fish have disappeared and fishermen tend to drift out of Bahrain’s waters in their pursuit of a good catch. Given this scenario, the group has plans to develop and create new marine environments in Bahrain for fish to thrive in the long run. “We have plans for building fishing farms where we’ll introduce new breeds such as sea bream and snapper in our waters. We want to improve the habitat both for traditional sea fish as well as prawns,” says Mohammed. Also on the horizon is a social media campaign for cleaning up the beaches. “Our ancestors took care of the sea and never threw rubbish into the waters. Our present generation of seafood lovers should know that their waste disposal methods are killing this habitat,” Mohammed adds. SIMI KAMBOJ Bahrain is losing touch with its sea heritage. In supporting the fishing industry, this group of businessmen are out to reclaim lost traditions. businessentrepreneur xxxxx We live on an island where fresh fish is available daily at the local markets. It doesn’t make sense to buy refrigerated, frozen or processed fish here Sayed Jaffer, Sayed Md Kadhem and Mohammed Toraif Seafood Calling
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