Transforming the future of Saudi aquaculture through KAUST’s partnership with MEWA

Summary

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.