Saudi Fish Company, Aqua Bridge Farms forge aquaculture partnership

SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Fish Company (SFC) has signed a nine-month Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Aqua Bridge Farms Co. to advance aquaculture development. 

This collaboration aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and investment in the sector, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.  

By merging their strengths, the two companies seek to set global benchmarks for sustainable aquaculture practices. 

Saudi Fish Company brings its decades-long expertise in fisheries, seafood manufacturing, and retail, while Aqua Bridge Farms contributes cutting-edge knowledge in aquaculture solutions and marine environmental management.  

Aqua Bridge Farms is recognised for its interdisciplinary approach, which integrates aquaculture, fisheries, and environmental sciences to pioneer innovative solutions. 

From conducting feasibility studies and planning projects to shaping fisheries policies, the company fosters sustainable practices across the industry.  

Complementing this expertise, SFC, headquartered in Dammam, operates a robust network of fishing vessels, seafood processing facilities, and retail outlets.

Its pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s seafood industry extends to both domestic and international markets, bolstering the Kingdom’s aquaculture ambitions.  

Vision for growth  

This partnership reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand its aquaculture sector, which has witnessed remarkable progress. 

According to Chaitanya GRK, regional director at agribusiness consultancy Farrelly Mitchell, seafood production in the Kingdom surged by 400% between 2015 and 2022, fueled by government initiatives, infrastructure investment, and educational programs.  

Saudi Arabia’s extensive Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines offer ideal conditions for aquaculture, putting the country on track to achieve its ambitious production target of 600,000 tons annually by 2030. 

Key species such as shrimp, Nile tilapia, and sea bass are driving this growth, with production figures surpassing 66,000 tons, 45,000 tons, and 13,000 tons, respectively, in 2023.  

The MoU highlights the commitment of both companies to innovation and sustainability. Aqua Bridge Farms emphasises environmentally friendly practices, leveraging bioengineering and emerging technologies to enhance aquatic food production.  

Through strategic collaborations like this, Saudi Arabia is poised to solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture. 

In LinkedIn announcements, the companies expressed optimism about their partnership, underscoring a shared vision to transform aquaculture in the region and beyond. 

By integrating their expertise and resources, they aim to elevate the industry, set new standards for sustainability, and enhance food security across Saudi Arabia and neighbouring regions.  

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