Eng. Riyad bin Hussein Al-Faqih, Director General of the National Center for Fish Wealth, confirmed that the aquaculture sector in the Kingdom plays a crucial role in achieving national food security by providing a safe and healthy food source for citizens and residents, as well as contributing to the gross domestic product. He highlighted that investment opportunities in this sector are experiencing unprecedented development, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Al-Faqih explained that the National Center for Fish Wealth aims to develop the sustainability and growth of the aquaculture industry, implement research programs on all suitable species for marine fish and shrimp farming, localize aquaculture industries, and train national staff.

He said, "The establishment of the National Center for Fish Wealth is closely linked to the beginning of aquaculture in the Kingdom, which started over four decades ago following recommendations from international bodies provided to the Kingdom in a study on its fish wealth. This led to the initial steps of cooperation with these international bodies to create the Fish Farms Center in 1982 in Jeddah, under a deposit agreement between the Kingdom's government, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture at the time, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Following the establishment of the Fish Farms Center, which later became known as the 'Fish Wealth Research Center in Jeddah,' the center provided studies on local species suitable for aquatic farming, introduced breeding and cultivation techniques, trained national staff, and studied suitable sites for aquatic farming. This marked the Kingdom's initial steps in practical engagement with aquaculture issues and the development of its industry. In 2022, the center's name was changed from the Fish Wealth Research Center in Jeddah to the National Center for Fish Wealth."

He added, "Currently, the National Center for Fish Wealth in Jeddah is unique for its viral diagnostic testing of shrimp diseases, being the only one of its kind in the Kingdom, and thus the first reference laboratory for diagnosing viral shrimp diseases in the Middle East. It serves diagnostic work at the national, regional, and international levels in this field and other related areas. The laboratory has received accreditation for a twinning program with the University of Arizona for viral disease diagnostics. At the center’s laboratories, local biosecurity program samples are tested and analyzed, and the center issues health certificates for exported Saudi aquaculture products. It also plays a role in training various sectors in fish wealth, diagnostic methods, and techniques through the development of human resources and providing a distinguished training environment."

Al-Faqih noted that the training programs cover a wide range of topics related to aquaculture, fish production technology, fisheries management, aquatic farming techniques, and food security, among other related subjects. He regarded the summer training programs offered to students as a valuable opportunity to enhance development and transfer expertise and skills to trainees. He also pointed out that the center contributes to supporting local fish producers and sets high standards for imported aquaculture products.

The National Center has undertaken several pioneering projects in collaboration with many universities and relevant entities, including a project on farming using seawater and renewable energy with modern agriculture. The National Center for Fish Wealth has supported the aquaculture sector with more than 3 million marine tilapia larvae for distribution and has contributed to issuing over 80 licenses for aquaculture projects in the Makkah Region, including 18 projects during the first half of 2024.