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The Regional Center for Sustainable Development of Fisheries

Discover the new fish hatchery and aquaculture center on Abu Ali island.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Aramco recently inaugurated the Regional Center for Sustainable Development of Fisheries (Arabian Gulf Branch).

Through this initiative, Aramco is highlighting its investment in citizenship initiatives, efforts to drive economic growth, support for local fishermen and their livelihoods, building expertise, and the adoption of best practices to enhance production. The Center will also focus on breeding fish at marketable and globally competitive sizes.

The Center, which is part of the company’s efforts to protect marine life in the Arabian Gulf, features a fish hatchery on Abu Ali Island on the coast at Jubail. The hatchery will produce local fish species whose populations have declined due to fishing practices before reintroducing them into Gulf waters.

"This center supports local economies through responsible and sustainable practices while enhancing the marine ecosystem. It reflects Aramco’s commitment to sustainability and our aspiration to make a positive impact on biodiversity. "

Salem A. Al Huraish, Senior Vice President of Community Services

“We believe this center will significantly contribute to the Gulf’s ecological system while aligning with national vision goals for aquaculture. It also exemplifies how biodiversity protection can be integrated with economic sustainability. This project is the result of ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, supporting our shared efforts in community development and environmental conservation,” Al Huraish added.

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The Center’s operations are designed to cover the full life cycle of fish in specialized tanks, from breeding fish for egg production, to raising larvae fed on plankton cultivated on-site, and finally releasing the juvenile fish into the Arabian Gulf. The hatchery employs modern aquaculture techniques to ensure fish health and utilizes advanced water recycling technologies, enhancing efficiency and supporting Aramco’s circular economy objectives.

The project complements the Company’s mangrove initiative, which has planted more than 43 million mangrove trees as of the end of 2024. Mangroves serve as a vital nursery habitat for juvenile fish released into the Gulf.

Abu Ali Island nature reserve

Located on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, north of the industrial city of Jubail, the island was designated a nature reserve in 2014.

Biodiversity initiatives

We strive to create a culture that prioritizes understanding of ecological habitats, and promotes their protection.

People and safety