MoECC Initiatives Enhance Marine Biodiversity: Al Subaie

Marine Wildlife Forum organized by MoECC in Doha yesterday

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has significantly enriched biodiversity in Qatari territorial waters through its measures.

“These measures have created safe habitats for marine animals such as dugongs and whale sharks, which are found in their largest concentrations in the Al Shaheen Field area,” stated H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Dr. Al Subaie highlighted that the MoECC operates within a vision and strategy centered on multiple pillars to ensure marine environment protection and sustainability.

"Qatar has designated 2.5% of its total area as marine reserves and has completed a national action plan to preserve marine resources, including the preparation of coastal and benthic habitat maps," said Al Subaie. He noted that these efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2023-2030.

The Minister spoke at the Marine Wildlife Forum, themed “The Impact of Fishing Methods on Marine Habitats and their Sustainability,” organized by MoECC in Doha yesterday.

Dr. Al Subaie emphasized that the marine environment is integral to the Qatari people, which led Qatar to become one of the first countries to implement regulations and laws protecting its marine environment through the establishment of the Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves in the mid-1970s. “MoECC's efforts to protect the marine environment in recent years have included issuing legislation and laws to strictly monitor overfishing,” he added.

The Ministry also conducts campaigns to monitor the country's territorial waters, prevent overfishing during fish breeding seasons, and inspect seafarers' and fishermen's equipment in cooperation with relevant state agencies. The forum discussed MoECC’s efforts to protect the marine environment and prevent overfishing through patrol and monitoring operations.

Speakers reviewed ministerial decisions and legislation aimed at protecting fish stocks in Qatari waters, and discussed the adverse effects of overfishing, such as fish stock depletion, biodiversity loss, and damage to marine habitats and coral grasses caused by environmentally harmful fishing tools.

Forum Chairman Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari emphasized the importance of continuing to protect Qatar's marine environment, which is experiencing significant richness due to MoECC's efforts.

He noted that the Ministry has implemented numerous environmental programs and initiatives that have contributed to the sustainability and increased biodiversity of the marine environment.

 

Source: The Peninsula Qatar