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Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province welcomed the arrival of the first catch of shrimps on Tuesday, signaling the commencement of the annual shrimp-hunting season. This eagerly anticipated season, which kicks off on the first day of August each year, spans six months, bringing a flurry of activity to the region.
Amer bin Ali Al-Mutairi, the director general of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Eastern Province, expressed the ministry’s commitment to preserving natural resources while actively working towards the sustainability of shrimp stocks. Emphasizing the importance of allowing the shrimp colony to reproduce and maintain their numbers, he highlighted the six-month ban on shrimp fishing as a crucial measure.
The Eastern Province branch of the ministry continues to play a pivotal role by issuing shrimp fishing permits to all eligible shrimp boats along the extensive coastline, stretching from Al-Khafji in the north to Uqair in the south of Al-Ahsa.
Waleed Alshwared, the head of fish farms at the Fisheries Research Center of the Eastern Province, shared insights from the 2022 season, revealing that an impressive 10,000 tons of shrimps were caught in the province. As the current season unfolds, he anticipates that the cost of shrimps will vary, with 16 kg expected to be priced at SR 400 (USD 106) for small shrimps, SR 500 for medium-sized, SR 700 for large, and SR 1,000 for the biggest size.
Salah Al-Muhaishi, a seasoned fish and shrimp salesman, applauded the decision to permit shrimp fishing following the six-month hiatus. He regarded this strategy as a wise move, creating opportunities for fishermen, traders, and eager shoppers alike.