March 19, 2020

Qatar to ramp up shrimp, fish production

Through its recently opened aquatic research centre at Ras Matbakh in Al Khor and Al Thakira Municipality, Qatar is looking forward to ramp up production of fish and shrimp.

"The plan is to produce 15 million baby fish and shrimp during the first three years by making use of 180 ponds," the centre director Mohamed Mahmoud al-Abdullah said.

In the long run, the goal is to produce 80 million baby fish and shrimp yearly. It was in January this year that the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) opened the centre as part of the efforts to increase fish production, preserve marine wealth and promote research.

The director said that the centre is working on a programme to produce 2.5 million baby fishes of Hamour, yellowfin seabream (Al Shaam) and sparidentex hasta (Al Sobeiti) this year. There is an integrated unit for the production of algae at the centre. "It's not possible to produce all types of fish at the centre as each needs certain facilities. Hamour is a fish in huge demand in the local market and it's caught in a big way. One of the main goals of the centre is production and not commercial purposes. But, food security and reviving the marine environment are on its focus as it was assigned by the MME. The plan is to provide sufficient supply in the local market and export the surplus.

The official explained that the centre is working on techniques that help the hatchery for production during February and March. "We are looking to produce baby fishes throughout the year.

The centre also has plans to support the private sector to increase production. 

"After three years of the production of Hamour, Al Shaam, Al Sobeiti and local shrimp, there is a plan to focus on specific species in order to achieve self-sufficiency and meet the needs of the market," al-Abdullah added.