The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia celebrated World Fisheries Day, marked annually on November 21, affirming the Kingdom's leading role in developing the fisheries sector and supporting its sustainability in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The celebration included honoring the Saudi team that chaired the 36th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) between 2022 and 2024, in recognition of its outstanding efforts in supporting fisheries sustainability and developing global policy.

Notable Achievements in the Fisheries Sector

The ministry noted that the sector has seen remarkable growth thanks to ambitious strategies and plans aimed at boosting investment and efficiency. Saudi Arabia recorded historic fisheries production figures in 2023, with total output reaching 214,000 tons, an exceptional growth rate of 56.4%. Aquaculture production exceeded 140,000 tons, compared with 90,000 tons in 2021, while marine fisheries output rose 16.2% to a total of 74.7 thousand tons, up from 64.3 thousand tons in 2022.

Among the key initiatives behind this success were development loans for aquaculture and marine fishing projects, the promotion of modern technologies, and capacity-building for small-scale fishermen.

Diverse Activities to Celebrate and Raise Awareness

The celebrations included exhibitions and awareness workshops at shopping centers and public areas, along with media campaigns and digital programs aimed at raising awareness of the importance of fisheries and their sustainability. These activities support national food security and economic development in line with the targets of Saudi Vision 2030.

Honoring the Saudi Team at the FAO

The ceremony honored the Saudi team that chaired the FAO's Committee on Fisheries (COFI 36), which led notable global efforts to strengthen the sustainability of fish stocks. During its chairmanship of the committee last July, the team showcased the Kingdom's efforts to develop the fisheries sector, with the participation of 19 ministers from around the world and more than 300 officials and delegates from FAO member states in attendance.