Asir .. Fish wealth exceeds 4,000 tons annually with a market value of 155 million riyals

Fish production on the coasts of the Asir region achieved a qualitative leap during the past year 2024 to exceed 4,000 tons annually, supported by a number of incentive programs and initiatives provided by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Eng. Ahmed Al-Majthal, Director of the Ministry’s branch in Asir, confirmed that the coasts of the Asir region have become one of the most important comparative advantages of the region due to its rich marine environment that includes high-quality fish wealth that brought economic returns to fishermen amounting to “155 million riyals” during the past year 2024 AD.

He pointed out that the Ministry, represented by its branch in the Asir region, has prepared a plan to increase fish production to “6,000 tons” over the next three years, equivalent to 165 million riyals.

Regarding government support for the fishing profession, Al-Majthal explained that there are currently 126 boats operating on the region’s coasts, in addition to supporting Saudi fishermen who work on their own with private boats, as 35 fishermen will be handed their boats in the coming period, noting that one of the most prominent initiatives to support the fishing profession in the Asir region is the initiative to transfer expertise from veteran generations to new generations through 85 fishermen who provide their expertise to all those wishing to enter the fishing profession. The Asir branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture organized the first fish and marine heritage festival on the coast of the Asir region during the period (8-11) of this January, which was held in the historic port of Al-Qahmah and included 39 corners to display seafood of all kinds, in addition to the participation of many productive families, government agencies and civil institutions in a number of awareness and educational programs for festival goers, in addition to shows and events about the fishing profession, sea trips, boat races and folkloric shows. The coasts of Asir extend along the Red Sea for a length of approximately 140 kilometers and include a number of unique marine terrains and components such as coral reefs and mangrove forests, in addition to tourist islands such as “Kadmbel” Island.