KAUST Directs Research toward Aquaculture to Enhance Food Security.

Riyadh: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): has focused its scientific research and promising innovations on advancing aquaculture to bolster food security, where new developments in fish nutrition are projected to save Saudi Arabia up to $417 million annually in production costs by 2030. According to Saudi Press Agency, the Sixth Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) Workshop, hosted by KAUST in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, revealed that the joint aquaculture development program initially aims to produce some 280,000 tons of seafood, increasing to 530,000 tons annually by 2030. This initiative seeks to build a sustainable and locally driven aquaculture sector in the Kingdom. The program has made significant progress in enhancing food security by improving fish production and developing sustainable aquaculture strategies. As fish feed represents up to 70% of production costs, the program seeks to reduce reliance on imported fish, create new jobs, attract investments, and support fishing-dependent communities in achieving self-sufficiency. The program also aims to alleviate pressure on natural fish stocks, which are under strain along Saudi coasts due to overfishing and environmental challenges, thereby preserving marine biodiversity.