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A fortnight since the annual restrictions on fishing in the seas around Doha came into effect due to the breeding season, the catch has reportedly been “exceptionally good for most vessels”, it is learnt. |
Speaking to Gulf Times, sources in the fishing community said most boats that were on duty in the first fortnight since the seasonal regulations came into effect on April 1 have had a “good time” during this period and the prices have “somewhat stabilised”.
The annual restrictions, which are put in place for a two-month period, last until May 31. These are mainly aimed at protecting the region’s marine wealth, including popular fish varieties such as Hamour and Sheri.
The seasonal restrictions stipulate that no vessel can catch fish for more than 12 days a month. Also, a boat’s stay in the sea cannot exceed four days on a single visit.
Suppliers feel that the two-month regulation period is “by and large good for the industry” as adequate supply is available in the local market. “Usually, the markets never experience any shortage during this period as the catch is good in April-May,” said a wholesaler, who recalled that except for a couple of seasons in the past decade, the catch during the two-month period had always been good.
While King fish was being traded for prices ranging from QR32/kilo (large) to QR40/kilo (small) on Monday, Hamour was being sold for QR36/kilo. Large quantities of Shafi have been stocked and its wholesale price hovered between QR16 and QR18, enquiries found. Sheri was being sold for QR7/kilo.
However, a shortage was being felt for Red Snapper and prices soared to QR30-38/kilo, said a supplier. There was a similar shortage of Jesh and Red Hamour as well, he added.
Meanwhile, some suppliers and stall owners at the Doha wholesale market speculated that the “chances of strong winds in a few days from now” might lead to higher prices in the coming weeks.
However, sources in the fishing community said the winds were unlikely to be strong enough to hit their work. They also said most of the boats from Wakrah, Shamal and Al Khor were venturing into the sea - even as the restrictions were in place - and no shortage was expected in the local market. “But the demand at retailers is expected to shoot up in a few days and more quantities will be needed to meet the market’s requirements,” Ismail, a trader, said.
