Kuwait Shrimp Season Revitalizes Markets: Strong Catch and Stable Supply

16/08/2025

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 16: With the conclusion of the second week of the shrimp fishing season in Kuwait’s economic waters, the Kuwaiti fishing fleet has successfully landed approximately 214 tons of shrimp, 50 tons of various local fish, and 221 tons of imported fish, thereby revitalizing local markets and strengthening the country’s fish stocks. Hamoud Al-Hamdi, Shift A Supervisor at Sharq Fish Market, explained that since the start of the fishing season on August 1, the Kuwaiti fleet has caught around 214 tons of local shrimp, 90 percent of which is the Umm Al-Nairah variety.

Its prices have ranged between KD 45 and KD 65 per basket, with each basket weighing 23 kilograms. Approximately 50 tons of various Kuwaiti fish were supplied to the market, including around 4.75 tons of Zubaidi fish, with prices ranging between KD 35 and KD 130 per 10-kilogram lot. The prices for Kuwaiti Hamour ranged from KD 20 to KD 65, Balool from KD 11 to KD 18, and Sha’um from KD 25 to KD 66. Regarding imported fish, Al-Hamdi explained that around 52 tons of imported shrimp were brought in over the past two weeks. This included jumbo shrimp priced between KD 85 and KD 110 per basket, and Umm Al-Nairah priced between KD 40 and KD 76 per basket. Approximately 221 tons of imported fish were supplied to the markets.

This included Hamour (grouper) priced between KD 17 and KD 58 per basket, Balool priced between KD 4 and KD 21 per basket, and Sha’um ranging from KD 12 to KD 40 per basket. Local fish prices: Umm Al-Nairah shrimp: KD 45-65 per basket; Zubaidi fish: KD 35-130; Balool fish: KD 11-18; Hamour fish: KD 20-65; Sha’um fish: KD 25-66. Imported fish prices: Jumbo shrimp: KD 85-110 per basket; Umm Al-Nairah shrimp: KD 40-67 per basket; Zubaidi fish: KD 35-107; Hamour fish: KD 17-58; Balool fish: KD 4-21; Sha’um fish: KD 12-40. In related news, Vice President of Kuwait Fishermen Union Jaber Al-Ali affirmed that the union is working diligently to provide all types of fresh fish and shrimp on a daily basis, in accordance with the fishing seasons set by the Fisheries Sector at the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR).

Al-Ali made the statement during a symposium conducted by union for students attending the ‘Blue Pioneer’ summer camp, organized by the Regional Organization for the Protection of Marine Environment. He confirmed the commitment of the union to protect the marine environment through its vital role in educating fishermen. He stressed that the members of the union are licensed fishermen using trawls, nets, traps, integrated ‘lanjat’ and trawlers. He disclosed that the shrimp fishing season in the economic waters of Kuwait started on Aug 1, while the season in regional waters will begin early next month.

He said all vessels in the Kuwaiti fishing fleet continue their operations to ensure marine food security for consumers in the country. He asserted that the union, in cooperation with PAAAFR, is regulating the fishing process and maintaining fish stocks in accordance with the laws. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of PAAAFR, particularly its full support and cooperation with the union in achieving the sustainable development of marine resources.

He said this collaboration serves the interests of both fishermen and consumers; as per the directives of Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al- Mukhaizeem. He acknowledged as well the cooperation of the Coast Guard General Department with the union, stating that the department ensures maritime security. He praised the efforts of Director General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah and the contributions of various government agencies involved in supporting the fishing sector like the Ministry of Finance, Environment Public Authority, Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff