Ministry Of Municipality Announces Ban On Blue Crab Fishing In March Each Year

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has announced a decision, Ministerial Decision No. 108 of 2025, outlining updated regulations for blue crab fishing in Qatari waters.

The move aims to enhance the sustainability and protection of marine life while introducing more flexible measures for the fishing community.

Under the new decision, the seasonal ban on blue crab fishing will now be limited to the month of March each year.

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This is a significant change from the previous regulation, which imposed a three-month ban spanning March, April, and May.

However, a crucial aspect of the new decision is the permanent, year-round prohibition on fishing female blue crabs carrying eggs.

These "spongy" females, easily identifiable by visible eggs beneath their shells, are vital for the continuous reproduction and health of the blue crab population.

The Ministry emphasizes that this permanent ban is a cornerstone of ensuring sustainable breeding for marine species.

The specialized department within the Ministry will be tasked with collecting data and samples to assess the blue crab stock, allowing for the annual determination of permissible catch quantities.

This scientific approach underscores Qatar's commitment to data-driven environmental management.

The Ministry highlighted several benefits of the new decision, including:

- Protecting the blue crab breeding season by focusing the seasonal ban during this critical period.
- Supporting the overall environmental balance within Qatar's marine ecosystems.
- Preserving the country's fish stock.
- Regulating and determining annual permissible fishing quantities to prevent overfishing.

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