Aqaba, May 13 (Petra) -- Aqaba has resumed one of its most prominent maritime traditions with the return of the annual Fishing Festival following the end of a four-month seasonal fishing ban imposed to protect marine life and replenish fish stocks in the Gulf of Aqaba.
The festival, launched at the Fishermen’s Marina, is organized by the Jordan Port Fishermen Association in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and Aqaba Facilities Management Company.
Officials said the annual event highlights Aqaba’s maritime heritage and the role of traditional fishing in the city’s social and economic history while attracting visitors interested in Aqaba’s coastal identity and local culture.
Shadi Al-Majali, chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, said the return of the festival supports efforts to preserve Aqaba’s cultural heritage and strengthen its position as a tourism destination.
He added that the festival reflects the deep connection between Aqaba residents and the sea and recognizes the role fishermen have played in shaping the city’s heritage and daily life.
Thabet Al-Nabulsi, tourism and youth commissioner at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, said the authority provided financial support to fishermen during the fishing suspension period.
He said the resumption of fishing activity is expected to support economic, tourism and maritime activity in Aqaba due to the sector’s links with several related industries.
Al-Nabulsi added that seafood products are marketed through the central fish market established by the authority, where fish are received and distributed through the "Fisherman’s House" facility under organized procedures designed to maintain quality standards and efficient distribution.
He also noted that environmental protection measures and seasonal fishing bans have contributed to the return and growth of several fish species in the Gulf of Aqaba.
Meanwhile, Bader Yassin, head of the Jordan Port Fishermen Association in Aqaba, praised the authority’s support for the fishing sector and related infrastructure, describing the festival as a direct message of support for fishermen and workers in maritime industries.
He said support measures provided during the fishing ban helped ease pressures facing fishermen and contributed to the organized return of fishing activities.
Fishermen participating in the festival said the event provides an opportunity to preserve the profession inherited from previous generations while introducing visitors to Aqaba’s maritime traditions and fishing culture.
They added that the festival allows fishermen to market seafood products directly to visitors, helping stimulate demand for locally caught fish and supporting commercial activity in the city.
The Fishermen’s Marina in Aqaba, managed by Aqaba Facilities Management Company, includes modern docks, a central fish market and maintenance facilities serving the local fishing sector.
//Petra// RZ
