Ibrahim Salman al-Muhannadi, head of the Aquatic Research Center of the Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Municipality, revealed a plan to increase fish stocks and production, including the release of 5.5 million small fish into the sea, since 2020, including one million and 500 thousand small groupers, and 4 million small groupers. He told local Arabic daily Arrayah that the process of releasing young fish in the sea aims to increase the stock and production of fish species that were produced in the Aquatic Biological Research Center in Ras Matbakh.
Al-Mohannadi said: This is the first time that the Aquarium Center releases young fish in the old port of Doha, as it is considered a marine protected area in which fishing is prohibited by any means and where no marine activity takes place. It is characterized by the fact that it contains all nutrients, such as: seaweeds, and algae that fish need, such as barley. Stressing that based on the studies conducted at the site, it appeared that the site is suitable for the growth and reproduction of these fish, and includes the availability of appropriate conditions for their growth, feeding their young, and protecting them from predators.
Regarding the species produced in the fish and shrimp hatchery at the Aquatic Research Center, he confirmed that the production capacity of young fish ranges from 8 to 10 million fingerlings per year. The production capacity of shrimp is close to 20 million larvae per year as well, pointing out that the center uses the latest methods of fish technology and “bio flock” technology in shrimp farming. They are advanced farming systems, characterized by the use of small amounts of marine water, with the recycling of the bulk in the tanks, thus achieving high quality of the farming water.
He pointed out that the Aquatic Research Center in Ras Matbakh is the largest of its kind in the region and has achieved all its environmental goals, in addition to developmental goals. As it has succeeded in the field of fish and shrimp farming, and the production of large quantities of young grouper, Shaam, Safi, Sbaiti and Shaqra fish.
He stressed that the Aquarium Center is keen on cultivating the desired fish in Qatar, such as: grouper, bream, and net, in addition to the European seabream, and tilapia, which are freshwater fish, as well as crustaceans, such as shrimp imported from the United States of America, which are among the species that tolerate all climatic conditions and easy production.
He confirmed that the process of releasing young fish into the sea requires a scientific and field team to make it a success. Launching sites and filming the process during transportation and under water, pointing out that the goal of releasing all kinds of small fish is to support fish stocks and support food security by supporting fish farm owners.
