Fish processing, quality and safety in the state of Qatar

Abstract

The second National Development Strategy (NDS) of the State of Qatar 2018–2022 aims to achieve 90% self sufficiency in fish production by 2023 and balance food production with conservation of natural resources by promoting responsible consumption of food products. The high demand for fresh fish has shed light on the importance of managing the fishery sector in a sustainable way to avoid overfishing and stock extinction. One way to achieve this is to shift to processed fish consumption as a step toward supporting the growing economic diversification. The government actively works to encourage local investors and foreign companies to invest in food products in the country. This is done by the use of the latest technologies and modern methods to provide fresh and healthy food to citizens and residents in Qatar following the Standardization Organization for the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute [SESRI] conducted its fifteenth in 2019 “Qatar Semi-Annual Survey” [QSAS] through telephone interviews of 1,354 participants (Qataris and residents) living in Qatar. The survey covered various topics and included a section dedicated to the fishery sector. This report presents consumers’ perceptions toward the consumption of processed fish as well as fish safety and quality standards in order to provide policy recommendations that may help both investors and the government in achieving sustainable development in the fishery sector in Qatar.