KAUST and MEWA's Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) showcased achievements at the 6th International Saudi Aquaculture Development Workshop. New fish nutrition formulations developed by KAUST Beacon Development (KBD) could save Saudi Arabia $417 million per year in aquaculture production costs by 2030 through improved feed conversion ratios. KBD has also established complete production cycles for Sobaity and Gilthead seabream under Red Sea conditions. Why it matters: These advancements boost Saudi Arabia's food security and promote sustainable aquaculture, reducing reliance on imports and diversifying the economy in line with Vision 2030.
KAUST and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) are collaborating on the Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) to advance Saudi Arabia's food security goals under Vision 2030. The ADP aims to increase domestic seafood production to 530,000 tons annually by 2030 through sustainable aquaculture practices. KAUST is employing a multidisciplinary team and innovative approaches like Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. Why it matters: This partnership aims to transform Saudi Arabia's aquaculture sector, reducing reliance on imports and promoting economic diversification while preserving marine biodiversity.
KAUST researchers have developed new techniques to produce nutritious microalgae in industrial volumes using seawater-adapted Spirulina and Chlorella strains. This innovation eliminates the need for freshwater, making algae-based livestock feed production sustainable and economically viable. The new Saudi Center for Algal Biotechnology Development and Aquaculture will scale up operations from a 1,000 square meter pilot plant to 42,000 square meters. Why it matters: This could help Saudi Arabia decrease its dependency on imported feed and raw food materials, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals for increased domestic food security.
KAUST researchers are developing an AI tool to classify fish species based on economic value and population growth rate, aiming to aid sustainable fisheries management in Saudi Arabia. The tool will help identify species at risk of decline, supporting marine conservation and food security goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia aims to increase self-sufficiency in seafood production amid declining Red Sea fish populations. Why it matters: This initiative could significantly improve fisheries management and conservation efforts in the Red Sea, informing policy decisions and supporting sustainable food production in line with national objectives.
Red Sea Farms, a Saudi AgTech company based at KAUST, secured a $10 million venture capital investment from Saudi and UAE investors. Their technology enables commercial farming using primarily saltwater, reducing freshwater consumption by 85-90%. The funding will be used to expand operations in Saudi Arabia, building more than six hectares of commercial farming facilities. Why it matters: This investment signals growing interest in sustainable AgTech solutions within the Gulf region to enhance food security and combat supply chain disruptions.