Qatar is expected to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production within the next five years through 14 farms, a senior official has said.
“The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) gives special importance to fish farming projects in the country,” Department of Fisheries director Abdulaziz Mohamed al-Duhaimi told local Arabic daily Arrayah.
The initiative, a part of the National Development Strategy 2017-2022, is also meant to protect and improve the natural reserves of fish and ensure the well-being of the marine environment in the country. 
“The projects also aim at boosting the participation of the private sector in food security and production,” he said while explaining that the upcoming farms include 10 small size fish farms at Ras Matbakh marine life research centre with a production capacity of 500 tonnes a year on an area of five hectares. 
“There are also three other fish farms to produce fish through floating cages in the sea at the northern and eastern areas of the country on a space of 90 hectares each at a depth of around 25-35m. The three farms have a target to produce 6,000 tonnes of fish a year. A tender will be floated so that the private sector can  create a shrimp farm on 111 hectares targeting the ultimate production of 1,000 tonnes annually.”
The construction of some of these projects has already started. Al-Duhaimi stressed that the MME is keen to encourage Qatari fishermen and offer them technical and financial support on condition that their fishing vessels have valid licences and are in good condition.
The move is part of Qatar’s initiative to achieve food security.
Meanwhile, Qatari farms have increased their production of fresh vegetables by 100% this winter compared to the same period last year.