Doha: Dehaimi noted that the department pursued this ban based on accurate scientific studies and field data, which demonstrated that persistent overfishing depletes the kingfish stockpile, thereby threatening its sustainability.

According to Qatar News Agency, he stressed that the department gives foremost priority to this kind of fish and other species in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, to bolster coordinated efforts by sharing data and expertise through the GCC's Standing Fisheries Committee, under the umbrella of the FAO-affiliated Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI), to ensure that unified fishing ban seasons are proposed to strengthen the sustainability of shared fish stockpiles throughout the Gulf region.

Periodic studies are conducted annually by the department to assess kingfish stockpiles alongside 36 other marine species. These assessments measure biomass and estimate the appropriate fishing effort to secure maximum sustainable yield, Dehaimi highlighted.

He said the results have consistently shown a marked improvement in the abundance of these stockpiles in recent years, underscoring the effectiveness of the ban in meeting its objectives.

Kingfish, members of the mackerel family and close relatives of tuna, rank among the fastest pelagic fish, he added, affirming that they can sustain high speeds over extended periods without significant energy depletion, at times reaching up to 60 km per hour.

The Arabian Gulf stands as one of the world's foremost habitats for kingfish. Its warm, relatively shallow waters create ideal conditions for growth and reproduction. They are also native to the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea, while the Gulf of Oman functions as a vital corridor for their migration between the Indian Ocean and the Gulf, where vast numbers converge during seasonal movements, Dehaimi outlined.

Kingfish are among the richest natural reservoirs of essential nutrients, boasting a balanced composition of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and vital vitamins and minerals indispensable to human health, making them an ideal choice for those pursuing a wholesome and well-balanced diet.