Qassim Region Significantly Contributes To One-Third Of Saudi Arabia’s Fish Production

Qassim Region stands out in Saudi Arabia for its significant contribution to fish farming, producing a diverse range of species. Tilapia dominates the production, making up about 95% of the region's output. Other species include carp, sea bream, sturgeon, and ornamental fish. The region's favourable environmental conditions and abundant groundwater resources support this thriving industry.

According to the Saudi Aquaculture Society (SAS), Qassim accounts for nearly one-third of the country's inland aquaculture production. The region is particularly focused on tilapia and sea bream farming, contributing around 20% of Saudi Arabia’s total tilapia production. Additionally, more than 70 species of ornamental fish are cultivated here and sold both locally and internationally.

Groundwater is essential for filling fish ponds in Qassim, enabling farmers to diversify their agricultural income. This practice creates investment opportunities by using nutrient-rich pond water as a natural organic fertiliser for crops like date palms. The farms primarily focus on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which adapts well to freshwater aquaculture.

Yousef Al-Munawer, a fish farming enthusiast, highlighted the sector's success in Qassim due to strong demand and advanced technologies like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). These systems allow fish to be raised in controlled environments that efficiently use water. High-quality feeds made from corn, soybeans, and other plant-based ingredients ensure healthy yields.

The pond water is later repurposed to irrigate palm trees, supporting organic date production. The aquaculture sector in Saudi Arabia has experienced substantial growth, with production rising from 32,000 tons in 2016 to 119,000 tons in 2022. The Kingdom aims for a self-sufficiency rate of 59%, aligning production with per capita consumption.

Saudi Arabia places strategic importance on aquaculture under its national strategy. The goal is to increase production beyond 600,000 tons by 2030. This involves advancing fish-farming technologies through collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and SAS.

Qassim continues to play a crucial role in this growth trajectory. Its status as a major hub for fish farming reinforces its importance within the Kingdom’s broader aquaculture ambitions.

With inputs from SPA