What was the main motivation behind establishing a trout farm in Saudi Arabia?
The project was inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which places a strong emphasis on food security and the development of aquaculture. Special focus was given to trout, due to its health benefits, the lack of domestic trout production and the strong national demand.
Can you provide an overview of the farm?
Our project consists of three main phases: hatchery, grow-out and processing, in an area of 64,000 m2. It includes 47 circular tanks, each 8 metres in diameter and 2.3 metres in depth, operating under a recirculating aquaculture system at a stocking density of 100 kilograms per cubic metre, equating to an annual production capacity of 1,000 tonnes, and we aim to increase this to 5,000 tonnes by 2030. Meanwhile, the hatchery has a production capacity of 5 million fingerlings per year.
The tanks are separated to ensure protection against the transmission of diseases in line with biosecurity standards. And the used water is recycled for irrigating crops.
In addition, we operate a pilot system with the capacity to produce 5 tonnes of crayfish a year, along with processing facilities that convert rainbow trout into value-added products such as fillets, while we are also continuously working to develop new products.
They are also trialling the production of crayfish
What have been the major milestones achieved so far?
One of our most important achievements is being the first farm in Saudi Arabia to produce rainbow trout and crayfish. We are proud to have obtained a quality certification developed by the Saudi Aquaculture Society under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (SAMAQ).
What are the key challenges?
The main challenge we face is providing a suitable environment for raising trout in Saudi Arabia, given its hot climate, limited open water sources and the lack of local trout feed. However, we overcome these challenges by relying on groundwater and wells, taking advantage of the cooler environment in Al-Shafa, in the city of Taif, and using cooling systems when temperatures rise.
Where do you source essential inputs such as feed and fingerlings?
We currently source trout eggs from France, but the eggs will soon be 100 percent Saudi-produced [from their own hatchery] . As for feed, we import it from abroad.
Will you mainly target the domestic market, or are there also plans for export?
We are already exploring exporting part of our production [initially to Egypt]. We take pride in seeing the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on our products
What are your future plans for expanding and developing the project?
Our goal is to develop and increase production to reach 5,000 tonnes of rainbow trout annually, achieve commercial production of crayfish, and expand our fish processing unit to include new value-added products.
What advice would you give to people interested in entering the aquaculture sector?
Focus on adding value to their fish by processing them into marketable products such as fillets and fish burgers. The goal should not be limited to production alone, but also include the development and marketing of these products, as this represents an important and profitable aspect of the business.
Wabil Alshareef woud ike to thank the Saudi leadership for their continuous support to investors. special appreciation to Abdulrahman Al-fadhli, Dr Ahmed Al-eyada, Ali Al-shaikhi, and the agricultural development fund for their valuable support of aquaculture projects and their contribution to enhancing food security
