As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, sustainable fisheries management has become a crucial aspect of conserving marine biodiversity and supporting local communities. In Saudi Arabia this is no different, and to tackle this, the KAUST Beacon Development – part of the National transformation Institute (NTI) – led several Fisheries Workshops, aimed at developing effective solutions to combat overfishing and illegal fishing and preserve marine ecosystems.
The workshops, held in Tabuk as part of ongoing engagements with NEOM, brought together diverse stakeholders, including ministries, national and governmental conservation entities, fishermen, and local communities. Their first workshops focused on the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) Management, a framework that considers both environmental sustainability and the socio-economic well-being of fishing communities, making it a vital tool to ensure the longevity of Saudi Arabia’s marine resources.
Starting in 2023, the workshops were designed to address key issues such as illegal fishing practices, and the lack of data on current fisheries in Saudi Arabia. Participants, which included commercial and recreational fishermen, had the opportunity to actively discuss these concerns, contributing with their firsthand knowledge to the process. By fostering collaboration between the government, academia, and local stakeholders, the workshops have made significant progress in identifying risks to both ecological and human well-being.
At the most recent workshop, held in July 2024, the results of previous fisheries research were highlighted and new projects, including a Shark and Ray Management Plan, were introduced. The workshop marked a milestone in finalizing the NEOM Nature Reserve Fisheries Management Plan, expected in 2024. KAUST emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between local fishermen, ministries, and governmental conservation entities, to implement and adjust management measures effectively.
The workshop series supported Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of promoting the sustainable use of marine resources and ensuring ecosystem health while supporting the livelihoods of national communities. Through careful management and the creation of conservation measures, the country is laying the foundation for long-term ecological and economic resilience. These workshops are among KAUST’s contributions to raising awareness on topics such as illegal fishing, implementing fisheries management plans, uniting stakeholders for sustainable development, and strengthening collaboration with local communities to promote sustainable fishing practices, in line with UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
To learn more about all KAUST Beacon Development’s projects and initiatives, read their latest report here.
