Over 700 Fishing Boats In Eastern Province Ready For 2024 Shrimp Season

Fishermen in the Eastern Province are gearing up for the 2024 shrimp season, which starts on August 1 and continues for six months. Shrimp fishing will occur along the Arabian Gulf coasts, spanning 1,000 kilometers from Khafji Governorate in the north to Uqair Governorate in the south.

For this season, 710 fishing boats have been authorised. These include both large and small vessels. The distribution is as follows: 30 boats at Manifa port, 20 at Safaniya port, 330 at Jubail port, 160 at Qatif port, and 170 at Darin Island port.

The Director of the Eastern Province Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Fahd bin Ahmed Al-Hamzi, emphasised that the region eagerly anticipates the shrimp season each year starting on August 1. He highlighted that this period lasts for six months.

Eng. Al-Hamzi noted that the ministry has streamlined services for fishermen. They have facilitated tasks and reduced the time needed to issue shrimp fishing permits. Additionally, these permits can now be accessed electronically.

The ministry's projects and initiatives for Saudi fishermen in the Eastern Province include establishing and developing fishing ports in the region. There is also a project to supply and install engines for fishing boats.

Safety Measures

Another significant initiative is providing Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) for small fishing boats operated by Saudi fishermen. This measure aims to enhance safety during their operations.

The efforts by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture ensure that fishermen are well-prepared for a successful shrimp season along the Arabian Gulf coasts.

With inputs from SPA