By Sanaullah Ataullah
DOHA: Large quantities of fish coming fresh from Qatari waters are offered for sale at attractive prices at the popular winter vegetable market — Al Mazrouah Yard in Umm Salal.
A three-day fish exhibition began yesterday at the yard, organised by the Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to provide a platform for local fishermen to sell their catch directly to customers.
Varieties such as Hamour, Shaari and kingfish favoured by citizens and expatriates are brought to the market directly from the sea. “April and May are considered the season with the highest catch for most fish species,” said Mohammad Saed Al Muhannadi, Head, Fisheries Department.
“Only locally grown fish is allowed for sale at the exhibition. Special discounts are offered to attract customers. Fish prices at the yard are less compared with other local markets,” he added. In the coming years, similar exhibitions will be held at other winter markets — Al Khor-Al Thakhira and Al Wakrah, he added.
An awareness campaign about fishing is needed to protect marine life, including corals and seaweeds, that provide food and shelter to sea creatures, he said.
GCC countries have signed an agreement to ban catching kingfish through fishing net from August 15 to October 15 to protect the reserves in view of the hatching season for the species, he added.
The winter vegetable markets during weekends (Thursday to Saturday) will continue until May, offering local produce, including vegetables, fish, poultry and livestock at attractive prices, said Al Sulaiti.
The Peninsula
