Around 32 tonnes of fish and crustaceans were displayed at an auction held at Umm Salal Central Market following the resumption of fishing activities, attracting strong participation from retailers, traders and restaurants.
The total included 29 tonnes and 625kg of locally caught fish and 2,444kg of crustaceans, along with 4,961kg of imported fish and 1,300kg of imported crustaceans. The auction, held in the market yard for one hour after the dawn (Fajr) prayer, drew representatives from retail outlets, commercial shops and the hospitality sector.
The sale marked the first fish auction since fishing operations resumed after a temporary suspension linked to precautionary measures implemented in recent days.
Dr Raed Abdulilah Shibl, second veterinarian at the Health Control Section of Umm Salal Municipality, said all fish displayed at the auction undergo strict health inspections by municipal veterinary teams. These checks begin upon the arrival of shipments, typically between 11pm and 4am, to ensure products are safe, fresh and properly preserved before the auction.
He explained that inspections are conducted in multiple stages. Transport vehicles are first examined to ensure compliance with standards, including proper refrigeration and the use of sufficient crushed ice that meets health requirements. The use of block ice is not permitted as it does not meet approved preservation standards.
Vehicles are also checked for cleanliness, and the absence of unpleasant odours before unloading is authorised. Indicators of fish quality include bright, bulging eyes, firm texture, no strong odour, and pinkish-red gills.
Once cleared, porters receive and sort the shipments under veterinary supervision between 11pm and 4am. Sorting is carried out based on commercial grading and health classification.
The municipality’s Fish Unit, which includes 19 specialised veterinarians, conducts daily inspections of both local and imported fish and crustaceans to safeguard consumer health and ensure product quality. If spoilage is detected, the affected quantities are immediately discarded, and the remaining stock is reassessed to ensure safety. Additional unfit products are destroyed as necessary.
In the auction process, fishermen appoint representatives to deliver their catch to the foreman, who then transports the fish to the designated auction area for bidding.
In cases where large quantities are discarded, an official destruction certificate is issued, detailing the type and volume of rejected products under the shipment owner’s name.
Following sorting, the auctioneer opens bidding using indicative starting prices set by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with competitive offers continuing until all lots are sold to the highest bidder.