Kuwait allows ‘exceptional’ fishing of mullet in Kuwait Bay to boost supply
Fishing has been permitted in Kuwait Bay for the first time since November 2000, following a landmark decision
The Director General of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, Engineer Salem Al-Hai, has issued a decision to permit, what he called, the exceptional fishing of ‘maid fish’ in Kuwait Bay.
The move aims to increase supply in the local market and curb rising prices, reports Al-Rai daily.
In a statement today, the Authority explained that the decision was made under the directives of the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Acting Minister of Finance for Economic Affairs and Investment, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem.
The measure, taken in coordination with the Environment Public Authority and the Directorate-General of Coast Guard, will be implemented at specific locations and on a trial basis.
Officials emphasized that the step is expected to stimulate Kuwait’s fish market and improve consumer access.
The Authority also underlined that fishing operations will be closely supervised by its Marine Control Department to ensure compliance with environmental standards and to protect marine biodiversity.
The mullet (maid) fishing has been permitted in Kuwait Bay for the first time since November 2000, following a landmark decision issued by the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources. Decision No. 1860 of 2025 which authorizes fishing in a designated area stretching from coordinates (58-48-47-E / 49-25-29-N) to Ras Al-Subbiya along the bay’s northern coast, while maintaining restrictions on all other areas.
The decision allows only 50 temporary seasonal permits, with fishing limited to live mullet using mid-range nets approved by the Authority. Catches will be capped at 400 tons per season, and operations are restricted from sunrise to sunset. Entry into the bay will be through the sail passage under Jaber Bridge, under the supervision of the Maritime Control Department and Coast Guard patrols.
Further conditions require boats to operate AIS (Automatic Identification System) devices, provide daily reports of catch quantities at Souq Sharq, and comply strictly with environmental safeguards.
Any violations—including fishing in prohibited areas, using illegal gear, or exceeding catch limits—will result in the immediate withdrawal of licenses and possible cancellation of the exemption.
Calling the move a “breakthrough,” Fishermen’s Union head Abdullah Al-Sarheed told Al-Rai that the decision ends a decades-long deprivation of access to Kuwait Bay and meets strong public demand for mullet.
He added that, if weather conditions allow for abundant catches, Friday and Saturday fish auctions are expected to see high turnout, with prices ranging between KD 20 and KD 30 per 22-kg basket, before easing as supply increases.
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