Two-month ban on fishing kingfish from Aug 15

Kingfish

The Ministry of Municipality has announced the start of the ban on kingfish fishing in Qatari waters from today, August 15 until October 15, 2023.

The implementation is in accordance to a ministerial decision, as agreed between GCC countries, in order to preserve the fish stocks. The ministry aims to protect and preserve kingfish through maintaining the size that is legally allowed to be fished, stating that the legal size allowed for fishing is 45cm.

Kingfish are of important economic value, thus the ministry's goal is to ensure sustainability of the fish reserve/population.

During the fishing ban period, it is forbidden to transport and trade kingfish fishing nets in fishing vessels, provided that boats or ships licensed by the Fisheries Department are allowed to fish using only fishing rods and no other tools.

The seasonal ban does not apply to those licensed for the purpose of scientific research after obtaining a fixed-term license from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.

The ministry stated that banning fishing during the breeding season is one of the most successful ways to preserve fish stocks and ensure the continuity of marine life, adding that the ban decision achieved positive results during the past years and succeeded in preserving the stocks of these migratory fish.

The penalty for violators amount to a fine not exceeding QR 5,000, according to the statement.