Saudi Arabia’s food security strategy has been strengthened with a trout farming project developed through a collaboration between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and King Abdulaziz University. The initiative, conducted at KACST’s research station in Al-Muzahmiyya Governorate, received support from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program.
The trout farming project in Saudi Arabia introduces a species that thrives in diverse environmental conditions, expanding the availability of fish rich in nutrients. This initiative aims to meet the growing domestic demand for seafood while reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to boost domestic fish production to 600,000 tonnes annually, the project supports sustainable food supply goals. It also contributes to the National Fisheries Development Program’s objectives of optimizing resource use, increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP, achieving seafood self-sufficiency, and diversifying income sources.
The project uses a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), which consumes less water than traditional methods and minimizes the risk of parasites and viral infections. This system regulates environmental factors like temperature, oxygen levels, and nutrition, enhancing fish health and quality. The initiative also complements the National Laboratory’s efforts to localize RAS technology using fresh water.
Trout were successfully farmed from the egg incubation stage to a commercial size of over 1,200 grams. This achievement has spurred the private sector to adopt the technology in various regions of Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, and the northern areas.
Trout and other cold-water fish were chosen for local farming to cater to the increasing demand for high-protein, omega-3-rich, and vitamin-packed fish essential for human health.
In October, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced that Saudi Arabia’s fisheries and aquaculture production grew by 55.56% in 2023, surpassing 140,000 tonnes. This reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency and sustainable development. Notably, the country has achieved record-breaking production levels in both saltwater and inland aquaculture projects, exceeding the 90,000 tonnes recorded in 2021.
Since the start of aquaculture in 1982, the Kingdom has seen significant growth, establishing itself as a leading exporter of white shrimp.
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