{
  "id": 12236090,
  "title": "Qatar steps up programme to strengthen fish stocks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/qatar-steps-up-programme-to-strengthen-fish-stocks",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-05T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/734973/qatar/qatar-steps-up-programme-to-strengthen-fish-stocks"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Fisheries Department within Qatar's Ministry of Municipality is preparing to release approximately 7 million fish fingerlings into local waters by the end of 2026 as part of a comprehensive initiative to bolster fish stocks, preserve marine resources, and cultivate the nation's aquatic assets. Current director Abdulaziz Mohamed al-Duhaimi revealed that the department has already disbursed around 3 million fingerlings in 2026, with an additional 4 million slated for release before the year concludes. This program is a component of ongoing endeavors aimed at replenishing specific fish species and augmenting the efficacy of Qatar's marine ecosystem. The department has also documented substantial gains in the production and availability of multiple fish species since the implementation of stock-enhancement programs. Al-Duhaimi highlighted that the Aquatic Research Centre, under the Fisheries Department, produced 9,573,327 fingerlings last year, comprising 8,263,970 fingerlings of various fish species like grouper, spangled emperor, safi, seabream, and Blonde ray, alongside 1,309,357 shrimp fingerlings. Selected species, including grouper, Yellowfin Seabream, Safi, seabream, and Blonde ray, were subsequently released into Qatari waters. Al-Duhaimi noted that the stock-enhancement program's outcomes have been notably evident in grouper production. Since the program commenced in 2020, annual grouper production has doubled, increasing from roughly 1,000 tonnes in 2020 to over 2,000 tonnes in 2025. The department assesses the impact of fingerling releases by evaluating production statistics for targeted species and gathering insights from fishermen and marine users. The department is also formulating a genetic tracking project employing DNA fingerprinting to ascertain the proportion of released fingerlings in Qatar’s overall fish production, which is anticipated to furnish more precise scientific evidence of the stocking program's efficacy. Al-Duhaimi announced that the center's plans encompass expanding the range of species produced for release. Species under consideration include Sordid Rubberlip and Parrotfish, whose populations have declined, and whose availability in local markets has diminished; supporting these populations would aid in conserving marine biodiversity and fortifying the sustainability of local fisheries. Qatar presently operates four fishermen's ports – Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Al Thakhira, and Al Ruwais – featuring approximately 1,100 berths for fishing vessels and boats equipped with water, electricity, and firefighting services. Al-Duhaimi mentioned that work on enhancing Al Wakrah Port and deepening the navigation channel at Al Thakhira Port is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2027. Currently, there are around 502 licensed fishing vessels and 813 fishing boats. The fishing gear authorized for each vessel or boat is stipulated in its license in accordance with regulations intended to govern fishing activities and safeguard fish stocks. Meanwhile, measures to regulate fishing practices have contributed to the resurgence of key species. The decision to prohibit kingfish capture using gillnets for 45 days annually during the breeding season has aided in increasing the species' stock. Average annual production surged from 1,839 tonnes between 2013-15, prior to the measure's introduction, to 3,181 tonnes during 2023-25, a 73% increase. Production peaked at 3,484 tonnes in 2025, the highest among the 36 stocks evaluated in local waters. However, Al-Duhaimi emphasized that the growth was a result of an integrated management system rather than a solitary measure. The number of fishing vessels has remained constant since 1993, while the department continues to evaluate the individual impact of various conservation measures. The Fisheries Department enforces restrictions on bottom trawling and other fishing practices that may harm seabed habitats, capture juvenile fish, and impact non-target marine organisms. These measures seek to protect shrimp breeding and nursery grounds and diminish pressure on marine resources during crucial life-cycle stages. Additionally, inspection and monitoring campaigns are conducted at sea and in fishing ports. Offenses are recorded in official reports, and legal proceedings and penalties are administered based on the nature, seriousness, and recurrence of each violation.",
  "summary": "The Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Municipality is set to release around 7mn fish fingerlings into local waters by the end of 2026 as part of a wider strategy to strengthen fish stocks, suppo...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}