Fin-fish Fisheries' Potential in the Territorial Waters of Kuwait

Abstract

Fishing has been a part of the traditional heritage of Kuwait for centuries. Nearly 130 fish species are known to occur in Kuwait waters. The fin-fish fisheries are licensed to be caught by gill nets, gargoor traps and hand lines using dhow wooden and fibreglass boats. A complete ban on fishing within the 3-mile limit off the Kuwait coast and Kuwait Bay has been maintained as part of conservation of fish breeding and nursery areas. However only Hadra stake nets are allowed to be operated for fin-fish catches within the coastal zone. Annual 1995 fin-fish catch comprised nearly 80% of the total marine fisheries' harvest. Recent catch composition of highly palatable fish, namely the silver croaker, Otolithes argenteus, the shad, Hilsa ilisha, the silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus, the brown spotted grouper, Epinephelus tauvina and the silvery grunt, Pomadasys argenteus has been found to be 23, 17, 16, 5 and 3% of the total fin-fish catch respectively. It has been noticed that edible fish preference varies from state to state as species-specific preferences appear to differ among Gulf tribes. The consumer demand for fish and the price stability equilibrium have been evaluated. The pattern of regional fin-fish import and export has been discussed. Although mariculture production potential has been estimated to be high, only 90 tons/annum of sea bream has been cultivated in floating cages. Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research in collaboration with the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources have initiated cultivation of tilapia and other fish species in the local brackish water fish farms. Suggestions and recommendations have been made for sustainable fin-fish development in Kuwait.