710 Fishing Boats in Eastern Region Ready for 2025 Shrimp Season

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Eastern Region has completed preparations for the 2025 shrimp fishing season, set to begin on August 1 and run for six months. A total of 710 fishing vessels, including both large and small boats, have been licensed across various fishing ports in the region.
 Director General of the ministry’s branch in Eastern Region Eng. Fahad Al-Hamzi stated that several strategies have been implemented this season, including the issuance of electronic permits to streamline procedures. This allows fishermen to easily convert licenses from fish to shrimp fishing. He added that the ministry is coordinating with the National Company for Agricultural Services (AgriServ) to facilitate the licensing process.
 Additionally, the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program “Reef Saudi” offers financial support to Saudi fishermen for each fishing trip lasting at least six hours, for up to 15 trips per month. These efforts aim to support Saudi fishermen and advance the fisheries sector in line with national strategic goals.
 Al-Hamzi highlighted that the ministry enforced a six-month fishing ban ahead of the season to allow shrimp and fish stocks to regenerate. He noted that the Fish Resources Research Center, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Border Guard, conducts monitoring campaigns throughout the season to detect violations and protect the marine environment. Fishermen are urged to comply with all regulations to preserve marine life and avoid penalties.