As part of efforts to protect depleting fish reserves in Qatar’s waters, the country’s Ministry of Environment will stop issuing new fishing licenses for the next decade, local media reports.

In a huge economic blow to fishermen, the ministry has also said that licensed boats will be allowed to take only three fishing trips a month.

Prices of fish have been rising for months as demand is far outpacing supply.

Efforts to cultivate fish have not been very successful; the ministry reports that few fish have been able to survive a salty seawater environment. And those that do are often eaten by bigger fishes.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Richard Messenger