Aquaculture in Saudi Arabia began with the establishment of Jeddah Fisheries Research Center in 1982. The center's mission was to study local fish species suitable for aquaculture, train national personnel, provide technical and advisory support to emerging aquatic farms, and introduce hatchery and aquaculture techniques.
Several aquatic species have been cultured in Saudi Arabia, including shrimp, which is one of the most important cultured species in the Kingdom. Among the key marine fish species are barramundi, dentex, trevally, grouper, and segan. Freshwater fish are the most important fish cultivated in inland water farms, including Nile tilapia, which constitute the majority of the production by 98 percent, and marine algae, such as microalgae.
Within the Ministry's licensed fisheries projects for 2019, thirteen saltwater fish farms, six shrimp farms, 136 inland fish farms, and one aquarium fish farm.
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