With over 85% of marine fish stocks overexploited, aquaculture has become essential to global food security. KAUST Beacon Development, partnering with a KSA governmental agency, is pioneering sustainable aquaculture, innovative feeds, and endemic species domestication to lift fish production to 530,000 tonnes by 2030 and empower coastal communities.
Aquaculture can deliver food security—if feeds are efficient, species are suited to local conditions, and farms are sited to protect ecosystems. Many operators lack cost-effective feeds, decision-grade site data, and standard methods that scale. KBD closes this readiness gap with a science-to-practice program tailored to the Red Sea.
A major focus of our work is fish nutrition, which can account for up to 70% of production costs. Our team is developing more than 30 new feed formulations designed to improve feed conversion ratios (FCR) by 10–15%. In parallel, we are assessing alternative raw materials—including single-cell protein, insect proteins, and microalgae—to reduce dependence on traditional fish meal and fish oil.
We are also working to diversify farmed species in Saudi Arabia. By evaluating multiple species under local environmental conditions, we identify those most suitable for commercial aquaculture. Our successful breeding trials demonstrate strong potential to broaden the species portfolio and increase resilience in the sector.
Seasonal and environmental constraints—such as fluctuating water temperatures—are another key challenge. To address these, we apply advanced modelling tools to identify optimal sites for cage aquaculture that balance production potential with environmental protection. This integrated approach helps ensure that future growth in seafood production is sustainable, efficient, and well-adapted to Saudi waters.
Participants and partners gain:
Lower costs via efficient feeds (up to US$417M/year modeled savings if KBD diets are adopted at scale).
Higher yields & resilience through species suited to local environments.
Defensible siting and carrying-capacity limits that protect ecosystems.
Workforce readiness via hands-on training in hatchery and offshore systems
mapped for aquaculture siting
national production target (Vision 2030)
potential annual production-cost savings
feed formulations
Sustainable aquaculture is critical to meeting future food demand without further depleting wild fish stocks. By improving feeds, diversifying locally suited species, and guiding environmentally responsible farm siting, KBD helps scale Blue Foods production while protecting Red Sea ecosystems and supporting long-term coastal livelihoods. can you change this.
Ensuring a sustainable supply of fish for the Kingdom.
Economic GrowthSupporting the fishing industry and local communities.
BiodiversityConserving coral reef and coastal ecosystems that are globally unique.
With a multidisciplinary team of over 150 professionals KBD combines local talent with global experts under one roof. Our mission is to drive transformative change and help achieve the nation’s Vision 2030 by providing strategic, science-backed solutions.
