Stock image from Freepik used for representational purposes
Doha: In a powerful appeal to the fishing community and sea-goers, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has emphasised the need to protect the country’s marine environment, calling it not just a resource, but a national heritage that must be preserved for future generations.
The message comes as part of a wider awareness campaign launched at Al Wakrah Port, urging fishermen to avoid using nylon and plastic bags on their fishing trips—or, if used, to ensure these materials are safely returned to land.
“The sea is not just your source of livelihood—it’s also a shared heritage for future generations.
Protecting it is your responsibility,” said Abdullah Majed Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, Head of Marine Protection for the Central Region at the MECC.
Speaking to Qatar TV recently, he said that the campaign follows observations of plastic waste polluting Qatar’s coastal waters, with plastic bags found entangled in coral reefs and floating in harbors.
This waste, often left behind from fishing trips, poses a serious risk to marine ecosystems and long-term sustainability.
In response, the Ministry formed a joint committee with the Fisheries Department, organizing both inspection drives and educational outreach to address the issue head-on.
These efforts are designed not only to enforce regulations, but also to instill a culture of environmental stewardship within the fishing community.
While there were initial concerns about changing long-standing habits, many fishermen responded positively after learning about the environmental impact.
The campaign provided reusable fabric bags as alternatives to plastic, distributed free of charge at Al Wakrah Port and other locations.
“Once the risks were explained—how plastic harms the sea, the fish, and ultimately their own safety—fishermen began to cooperate and embrace the change,” said Al-Kuwari.
As part of the campaign, teams from the Ministry and the Fisheries Department have been conducting joint inspections ensuring proper handling of materials onboard fishing boats.
Divers have even recovered plastic bags from coral reefs and deep-sea fishing areas, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
The Ministry is also leveraging social media platforms to spread awareness, sharing videos and photos from the campaigns to reach a wider audience and promote a collective sense of responsibility.
In his closing remarks, Al-Kuwari emphasized that environmental protection is not only a legal duty but a moral obligation to the generations yet to come.
“When you go out to sea, remember: it’s not only about what you take from it, but what you leave behind.
If we destroy it now, our children and grandchildren will have nothing to enjoy.
Protecting the sea means preserving your legacy.”
