| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 180.16 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 229.93 Million |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.00 % |
Qatar Aquaculture Market Analysis
The Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market size is estimated at USD 180.16 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 229.93 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Qatar has the potential to be a world leader in marine salt-based aquaculture, which is possible with research and exploration of its natural water resources. The Qatari fisheries sector for the country is important from a socio-economic viewpoint. In many coastal communities, the sector enables economic activity and employment opportunities.
- Aquaculture is not a traditional activity in Qatar, as there is little aquaculture production. The existing aquaculture activities have been conducted by researchers in small-scale freshwater facilities, using tilapia. The major fish market in Qatar is in Doha. However, smaller markets exist at Al-Shamal, al-Wakra, and al-Khour. Most of the produce is consumed locally, although some fish are exported to neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.
- Over the long term, the fisheries and aquaculture market in Qatar is estimated to grow steadily as people shift toward foods rich in protein sources. According to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, seafood consumption in Qatar has risen to 24.5 kg per year due to increased awareness about the health benefits of consuming fish, which outreaches domestic production. Hence, the government has started initiatives to make Qatar self-sufficient in seafood which increases the production of aquaculture. For instance, in 2022, aquaculture production reached 98 metric tons from 23 metric tons in 2020.
- Due to the pivotal role fisheries and aquaculture play in achieving self-sufficiency and meeting human protein needs, the government is focusing on the development of the industry. The rate of over-exploitation of the species has pushed it to the brink of extinction. To reduce that, the government has launched many projects and schemes to encourage sustainable farming practices. For instance, in 2020, the Qatar government launched the first offshore Aquaculture project in open water using floating cages technology in Qatar and the region.
Qatar Aquaculture Market Trends
Increase In Seafood Demand
Qatar’s growing population, thriving economy, and profile as one of the popular tourist destinations have increased the demand for quality food products. According to the World Bank, the population in the country was 2,688,235 in 2021, this rose to 2,716,391 thousand in 2023, placing a critical need on the sustainable and efficient management of marine resources and fish stock. The population growth rate and the consumption rate are likely to be the major factors driving the aquaculture sector production in the country. For instance, according to World Bank statistics, in 2022, aquaculture production reached 98 metric tons from 23 metric tons in 2020.
However, the marginal rise in disposable incomes and prosperity, accompanied by a noticeable shift in the dietary preferences of consumers in the country, as they have expanded their diets to include more meat, fish, and seafood, may consequently contribute to the growth of the market. With the growing awareness, consumers mostly prefer products that are produced sustainably without over-exploiting the species and produced organically. Additionally, the growing concerns about obesity and diabetes in the country and the presence of various expatriates have also resulted in rising demand for healthy foods, and opportunities for healthy and light value-added seafood products are anticipated to increase.
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Freshwater Fish is a Significant Segment by Type
Tilapia is the major freshwater fish sold in local fish markets and retail stores. According to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), the production of freshwater fish in Qatar is around 1,000 metric tons per annum. However, the local demand, especially coming from expatriates in Asian countries, is comparatively high as they are fond of freshwater fish. Further, the country plans to produce other types of fish as well in the near future in line with demand from the local market.
Besides, Qatar imports a significant amount of freshwater fish to meet local demand, as the country has limited natural freshwater resources. Qatar’s fish imports are largely driven by the need to diversify its food sources and maintain food security. Qatar imports freshwater fish from several countries, mainly neighboring regions and international exporters like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Thailand. These countries are known for their aquaculture industries, supplying fish like tilapia, carp, and catfish. For instance, according to the ITC Trade Map, Qatar's import of tilapia was USD 2,393 thousand in 2020, which increased by USD 2,584 thousand in 2022. Besides, the Qatari government, through entities like the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), has been encouraging the development of freshwater aquaculture to reduce the reliance on fish imports and improve food security. Investment in inland aquaculture farms and closed-system aquaculture could boost the production of freshwater fish.
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Qatar Aquaculture Market News
- October 2022: Unibio and Gulf Biotech constructed the first single-cell protein (SCP) plant in Qatar, using Unibio's U-Loop technology that will convert methane into a valuable feed ingredient for fish.
- May 2022: Strategic Food Security Projects 2019-23 launched under the National Food Security Program that is targeted to increase self-sufficiency of the country in fish production registered the increase in humor fish production to 30%.
- January 2022: Agrico, a Qatari agricultural firm, constructed a new land-based shrimp facility with a 10,000 sq.m area in Al Khor, Qatar, to supply fresh and sustainable shrimp.
Qatar Aquaculture Industry Segmentation
Aquaculture is the production of aquatic organisms under controlled conditions throughout part or all of their lifecycle. Qatar's aquaculture industry has been expanding over the past few years. The Qatar Fisheries and Aquaculture Market is segmented by Type (Pelagic Fish [Sardine, Mackerel, Tuna, and Barracuda], Demersal Fish [Grouper, Trevally, Emperor, and Pomfret], Freshwater Fish, Scallop, Shrimp, Lobsters, Caviar and Other Types). The report offers market sizes and forecasts in volume (metric tons) and value (USD) for all the above segments.
| Type | Pelagic Fish | Sardines | |
| Mackerel | |||
| Tuna | |||
| Barracuda | |||
| Demersal Fish | Grouper | ||
| Trevally | |||
| Emperor | |||
| Pomfret | |||
| Freshwater Fish | |||
| Scallop | |||
| Shrimp | |||
| Lobsters | |||
| Caviar | |||
| Other Types | |||
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Qatar Aquaculture and Fisheries Market Research FAQs
How big is the Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market?
The Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market size is expected to reach USD 180.16 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5% to reach USD 229.93 million by 2030.
What is the current Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market size?
In 2025, the Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market size is expected to reach USD 180.16 million.
What years does this Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market size was estimated at USD 171.15 million. The report covers the Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Qatar Aquaculture and Fisheries Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Qatar Fisheries And Aquaculture analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
