February 5, 2022

Red Sea Development Company to begin aquaculture trials in April 2022

A senior official from the Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) said the company will commence its planned aquaculture project in April 2022, Arab News reported.

Michael Slage, TRSDC ventures director, said the focus will be to farm native species that have been difficult to raise using traditional methods.

The new project builds on a partnership with Blue Planet Ecosystems that was inked previously, but the collaboration project has been delayed because of the pandemic.

Slage said the new project will avoid the use of pesticides and antibiotics to maintain the highest standards in seafood farming.

He said the company is looking into artisanal seafood farming, such as mangrove aquaculture to make its aquaculture project sustainable.

He also said the project will create new job opportunities as well, adding that the TRSDC is in talks with other innovative companies and organizations to define a sustainable aquaculture framework and strengthen partnerships with local communities.

Rusty Brainard, chief environmental officer at TRSDC, said the company is closely working with the Prince Mohamed bin Salman Reserve to create the biggest no-take marine protected area in the entire region.

Brainard said they are seeking partners and investors to pioneer recirculating aquaculture systems, which are typically used in in areas where water exchange is limited.

He said they are hoping to improve biological diversity throughout the entire special economic zone, about 20,000 sqkm by 30% by 2040.

-      Arab News