emirates7 - The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced a major scientific breakthrough: the identification of a second spawning season for kingfish in Abu Dhabi waters, occurring from September to November 2025. This is in addition to the species’ primary spawning period between April and June.
The finding deepens scientific understanding of the kingfish life cycle and supports efforts to sustainably manage Abu Dhabi’s fisheries.
The discovery stems from EAD’s long-running research programme on kingfish reproduction, in which continuous sample collection and laboratory analysis helped accurately determine the species’ spawning patterns.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said the achievement aligns with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to advance scientific research and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources. She noted that documenting a second spawning season strengthens the scientific basis of the models used to guide fishery policies.
She added that the insight will help shape effective, science-driven conservation strategies for kingfish — a key migratory species in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean with significant ecological and economic importance — supporting biodiversity and marine resource sustainability.
Ahmed Esmaeil Alhashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at EAD, said the discovery marks an important step in understanding kingfish biology and provides a clearer picture of their reproductive behaviour. It will also help inform new policies and regulations to protect the species and its spawning areas.
Kingfish are migratory pelagic fish that travel in small groups at varying depths and can cover long distances in search of food and suitable spawning sites.
The confirmation of two spawning periods demonstrates a high level of biological resilience, improving stock replenishment in the Arabian Gulf and bolstering opportunities for sustainable fisheries management through accurate, science-based regulations.
As part of its comprehensive research programme, EAD also conducts DNA studies to better understand the species’ genetic and biological traits.
In 2023, the agency launched the world’s first satellite tracking initiative for kingfish, attaching tracking devices to monitor their movements, migration routes and spawning timelines—providing essential data to support long-term, sustainable fishery strategies.
The finding deepens scientific understanding of the kingfish life cycle and supports efforts to sustainably manage Abu Dhabi’s fisheries.
The discovery stems from EAD’s long-running research programme on kingfish reproduction, in which continuous sample collection and laboratory analysis helped accurately determine the species’ spawning patterns.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said the achievement aligns with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to advance scientific research and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources. She noted that documenting a second spawning season strengthens the scientific basis of the models used to guide fishery policies.
She added that the insight will help shape effective, science-driven conservation strategies for kingfish — a key migratory species in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean with significant ecological and economic importance — supporting biodiversity and marine resource sustainability.
Ahmed Esmaeil Alhashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at EAD, said the discovery marks an important step in understanding kingfish biology and provides a clearer picture of their reproductive behaviour. It will also help inform new policies and regulations to protect the species and its spawning areas.
Kingfish are migratory pelagic fish that travel in small groups at varying depths and can cover long distances in search of food and suitable spawning sites.
The confirmation of two spawning periods demonstrates a high level of biological resilience, improving stock replenishment in the Arabian Gulf and bolstering opportunities for sustainable fisheries management through accurate, science-based regulations.
As part of its comprehensive research programme, EAD also conducts DNA studies to better understand the species’ genetic and biological traits.
In 2023, the agency launched the world’s first satellite tracking initiative for kingfish, attaching tracking devices to monitor their movements, migration routes and spawning timelines—providing essential data to support long-term, sustainable fishery strategies.