Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s discovery of a second kingfish spawning season is shedding fresh light on how the species adjusts its life cycle to the Gulf’s unique environment – insights that could guide future conservation and fisheries management, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) told Aletihad.
EAD researchers have found that kingfish in the emirate’s waters spawn twice a year: from April to June and again from September to November, which was previously undocumented.
It was a breakthrough that offered unprecedented insight into the biology of a species that is both economically and ecologically crucial to the region.
Speaking to Aletihad, EAD said the new data suggests that kingfish may have a “more flexible reproductive behaviour” in the Arabian Gulf than earlier believed.
“This does not contradict earlier knowledge, but rather adds depth to our understanding of how kingfish may adapt their life cycle to local environmental conditions, especially in an ecosystem as dynamic and extreme as the Gulf,” it said.
With two reproductive windows now identified, the implications for conservation and sustainability are significant.
“A second spawning season would mean that kingfish have additional opportunities for reproduction, which could be an important natural factor supporting stock resilience. This insight can contribute to more accurate stock assessments and management of the stock.”
While it is too early to introduce new fishing regulations, EAD said the discovery lays important groundwork for future decisions.
“It is premature to propose specific regulatory adjustments. However, this finding already enhances our understanding of kingfish reproductive dynamics and provides an important scientific foundation for future decision-making.”
As for threats during the newly documented spawning months, EAD said more data is needed before issuing targeted guidance, but stressed that the principle of protection remains unchanged.
“Sustainable management should ensure that fishing effort does not compromise the species’ ability to reproduce successfully. As our knowledge improves through ongoing research, it will support the development of practical, science-based measures that protect reproductive periods.”
Behind the Breakthrough
The EAD findings were based on rigorous research that combined biological
sampling, reproductive condition assessments and long-term monitoring data.
“During targeted sampling in the autumn months, we observed consistent indicators of reproductive activity that suggested a second peak in spawning. While the research is still ongoing, the convergence of multiple indicators provides strong evidence of a secondary spawning season,” the agency explained.
Satellite tracking has been key to uncovering patterns in kingfish behaviour, and EAD said it would remain central to future marine research.
“This research is part of a broader programme that includes an important tagging project. Each component will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the species, and satellite tracking will not only complement our current findings but will also shape future marine research by enabling more precise, data-driven management for highly migratory species like kingfish.”
Further, the agency said this discovery should reshape long-term fisheries management strategies across the UAE and the Gulf.
“The identification of two spawning seasons would highlight the need for continued research, as we can never take biological assumptions for granted, ensuring management measures accurately reflect the species’ behaviour and ecological needs.”
