RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has announced a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s fish farming sector, revealing a 56.4% increase in production since 2021, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. In 2023, fish farmed in saltwater and inland waters reached an unprecedented 140,000 tons.
According to the SPA, marine fisheries in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf contributed 74,700 tons, marking a 16.2% increase over 2022. This brings the total fish production from both aquaculture and marine fishing to 214,000 tons in 2023.
The ministry has implemented strategic plans to enhance domestic fish production, improve quality, diversify species, and attract investment. One of their goals is to increase per capita fish consumption to 13 kilograms annually, SPA reported.
Popular fish varieties in Saudi Arabia include Nile tilapia, sea bass, dentex, and shrimp. The fisheries sector has experienced rapid growth due to the ministry’s initiatives to modernize the industry and draw in investments. The number of fish farming projects has expanded significantly, with development loans now available for aquaculture and marine fishing.
By supporting small fishermen, encouraging technology adoption, and streamlining investment processes, the ministry aims to empower the private sector and boost the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy.
