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9. 

fishing equipment. Customs officials are always suspicious, from ignorance alone if nothing else. 

I believe that most fishermen are licensed to fish, but the laws probably vary. I think that laws are more liberal in Bahrain Island than in Saudi-Arabia. In the development of any fishery or a survey, agreements should be made ahead of time with the Saudi-Arab government to admit such fishing equipment duty free. I paid a $30.00 duty on a $70.00 camera, which belonged to the U. S. Government. 

12. [[underlined]]Religious Problems and Customs[[/underlined]]

Saudi-Arabia is Moslem, in theory, law and strict practice. The Moslem is a way of life for all of its followers in a way that Christianity cannot boast of. Frequent periods of prayer are observed during the day, and the practice of the month of "Rhamadhan" is strictly observed. "Rhamadhan" is the Moslem period of fasting. Nothing is to be eaten or drunk from dawn till sunset for 28 days. Though there are prescribed exceptions, the month of Rhamadhan greatly slows down fishing and all business as far as Arabs are concerned. 

The Arabs of Bahrain and Ras Tanura and Saihat do not eat "sea catfish", because they think the catfish does not belong to the sea. The fact that catfish do not have scales may also be a factor (See Blegvad p. 73). Most other fish are eaten with the exception of the blowfish (Tetraodontidae) which are said to be poisonous. The small nurse shark ([[underlined]]Chiloscyllium griseum[[/underlined]]) is not good for fish bait or food. The "naud" (a small grey shark), on the other hand is a popular delicacy among the Arabs. 

The Moslem religion tends to hold its people back from accepting new ways, and in all probability any progress will be slow. 

References: 

"Fishes of the Iranian Gulf" by H. Blegvad, Danish Scientific Investigations, Part III, Copenhagen, 1944.

"Den Persiske Bukt" by Anthon Mohr, Oslo, Norway, 1929.