KAUST hosted representatives from Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) member countries to showcase its aquaculture expertise. The IsDB funded the visit, with co-investment from Innovative Contractors for Advanced Dimensions (ICAD), to introduce KAUST's aquaculture technology to representatives from Morocco, Mali, Burkina Faso and Egypt. The visit aimed to accelerate aquaculture capabilities in North and West Africa, with ICAD pledging up to $20 million in grants for future projects using KAUST technology. Why it matters: This collaboration demonstrates KAUST's role as a regional hub for advanced aquaculture technology and promotes sustainable food production in IsDB member countries.
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 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.
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and KAUST have signed a strategic partnership agreement focused on research, development, and innovation. As part of this, MEWA is sponsoring Phase II of the Algae & Aquaculture Technologies Development Project at KAUST. The project aims to establish an algae industry in Saudi Arabia, create jobs, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Why it matters: This partnership signals a commitment to developing sustainable technologies and diversifying the Saudi economy through aquaculture and algal biotechnology.
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.