WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2025 17 the biomass reaches ~300 kg per raft. After each harvest, a portion of the biomass can be used to re-seed the rafts for the next cycle (or fresh seedlings can be collected if needed). This cyclical harvesting maximizes annual yield while keeping the standing crop within the raft’s carrying capacity (300 kg). The farm will operate year-round, focusing on production from October to May and performing maintenance or other activities during the off-season (June to September, when harsh summer conditions prevail). Overall, with 350 rafts in operation, the farm is expected to produce approximately 525 metric tons of wet seaweed per year, yielding around 15.75 tons of agar. This is a substantial output that can supply local industries (such as culinary gelatin and microbiological media) and reduce imports. The feasibility analysis for farming Gracilaria multipartita in the coastline (using a raft system for agar production) is strongly positive. The technical viability is supported by the species’ fast growth and proven raft culture methods, and the economic potential is excellent due to the high value of agar. Based on the results of biomass increment obtained in the smallscale production and feasibility analysis, it was clear that the region of Jeddah area was the most suitable for initiating small-scale seaweed production. Challenges and opportunities The development of seaweed aquaculture in Saudi Arabia holds significant promise for economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and food security. The successful implementation of small-scale production in the coastline area demonstrates the feasibility and potential of seaweed farming in the Middle East region. However, there are still several limitations to be overcome: 1. Natural environmental restrictions: Seawater along the Saudi Arabian coast typically exhibits salinity levels of 42–45‰. However, high water temperatures ranging from 17.5°C to a maximum of 35°C have posed challenges (Young and Shaikhi 2023), limiting both suitable seaweed culture species and the duration of cultivation periods (Figure 9). 2. Expansion of smallscale production: Scaling up farming projects to other small-scale producers’ operations in different regions. Especially in the Red Sea coastal regions, where water temperatures and salinity are more suitable, these areas are usually more capable of subsequent processing for food or feed. 3. Market development: Establishing supply chains and market linkages for seaweed products, both domestically and internationally. It is necessary to form alliances through industry-governmentacademia collaborations, especially in the fields of food and medicine. These projects can be achieved through local academic institutions and private enterprises and can also lead to increased employment opportunities and industrial development. 4. Capacity building and training: Providing training programs for local communities and stakeholders to build expertise in seaweed farming and processing, especially for female and youth fishermen in coastal rural communities. 5. Quality Control of product: Producing food-grade and lab-grade agar requires maintaining quality during processing. Gel strength and purity are essential for market acceptance. The processing facility must adhere to strict hygienic standards, and the producer may require training in best practices for agar extraction. Any quality issues could impact the selling price or marketability, so this risk must be mitigated through effective quality assurance protocols. Overall, although slightly constrained by environmental factors, the feasibility analysis for seaweed farming in Saudi Arabia’s coastal areas is strongly positive. Technical viability is supported by the species’ fast growth and proven raft culture methods. The economic potential is excellent due to the high value of agar and other processed products. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18) FIGURE 5. Pilot project in Farasan islands testing the growing daily rate. Source: Raul Rincones. FIGURE 6. Raft floating system installation. Source: Osamah Ahmad.
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