Freshly produced shrimp from local farms debuts in Kuwaiti markets for the first time
The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has made significant strides in its sustainable aquaculture project for shrimp farming, marking a fourth consecutive year of successful production. The latest harvest saw a production rate of over two kilograms per square meter, with the shrimp reaching an ideal market weight of 20 grams.
The success of the project can be attributed to the use of advanced technologies, notably the implementation of Biofloc technology. This eco-friendly, chemical-free system recycles water continuously, making it adaptable to Kuwait's unique environmental challenges, such as low-salinity groundwater conditions. This approach has enabled KISR to reduce shrimp import reliance by over 70%, and it marks the first successful marketing of locally farmed shrimp using sustainable methods.
Dr. Shireen Al-Subaie, head of the shrimp farm project, announced these achievements at the "Shrimp Harvest" event held at the Kabd Research and Innovation Station. The event was sponsored by Acting Director General Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan.
In a bid to expand its operations, KISR has proposed the establishment of a 100,000 square-meter fish farming complex in Bar Ghadi. This facility aims for an annual output of 1,200 tons of fish and shrimp, including species such as seabream, grouper, and sheim. The complex will also include fish feed production and seafood manufacturing facilities.
The proposed complex aligns with Kuwait's national sustainability, job creation, and economic diversification goals, contributing significantly to Kuwait's food resilience and supporting the country's broader food security and development strategies. The initiative also supports the New Kuwait 2035 vision, which emphasizes the importance of scientific research and innovation in achieving a sustainable and prosperous future.
However, further details about the potential impact of the fish farming complex on sustainable aquaculture development were not provided. Dr. Al-Subaie did not provide updates on this year's shrimp yields or weight, but emphasized that the shrimp farming efforts pave the way for private sector investment.
The success of KISR's shrimp farming project also offers potential job creation opportunities for national talent, further bolstering Kuwait's self-reliance in food production. The project's focus on sustainable practices and local capabilities underscores KISR's commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in Kuwait's agricultural sector.
[1] Al-Rai Daily, (Date), Title of the article. [2] KISR Press Release, (Date), Title of the press release.
- The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) is extending its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation by proposing a 100,000 square-meter fish farming complex that adopts sustainable practices, highlighting the importance of science in health-and-wellness and environmental-science, as well as fitness-and-exercise through the production of seafood.
- The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research's (KISR) advancements in sustainable aquaculture, particularly the shrimp farming project, not only benefit food resilience and job creation but also encourage research and innovation in health-and-wellness, encompassing fitness-and-exercise and environmental-science, by showcasing eco-friendly, chemical-free systems that address environmental challenges.
