Fish production in Saudi Arabia saw a remarkable surge in 2023, reaching 214.6 thousand tons, marking an 80% increase from 2022’s 119 thousand tons. Hussein Al-Nazari, head of the Fisheries Department at the Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, shared these figures with Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Ministry has been actively developing 16 fishing ports along the coast to bolster marine catch production, support local fishermen, and enhance national food security. This initiative also aims to elevate food quality, foster job creation, and attract private sector investment in small and medium-sized projects at these ports.
This strategic approach not only benefits fishermen but also contributes to overall economic growth in the country. Al-Nazari emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to supporting private businesses through research initiatives and identifying investment opportunities in manufacturing.
Aligned with Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia seeks to optimize its fisheries’ natural resources for sustainable production, thereby enhancing food security and local output. Al-Nazari highlighted the superior nutritional and safety standards of locally farmed fish compared to imports, attributing this to better handling and shorter supply chains.
The Ministry is actively addressing challenges in the fisheries sector by streamlining practices, providing support, and reinforcing regulations. Collaboration with both large and small companies aim to bolster infrastructure and stimulate investment.
Recognising the pivotal role of the fisheries sector in food security, local production, and export expansion, the government is dedicated to its development. The National Program for Animal and Fisheries Development collaborates with local and international entities to enhance marine fishing, aquaculture systems, and fish product marketing.”
