Kuwait shrimp season opens with 13 tons of shrimp on opening day
240 boats bring in abundant catch, optimism grows for lower market prices
Kuwait’s shrimp fishing season began on a strong note on Saturday, with more than 13 tons of shrimp arriving at local markets on the opening day, raising expectations of increased supply and lower prices in the coming weeks.
The first catch was delivered by around 240 fishing boats, following the decision by the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources to reopen fishing in the country’s economic waters after the end of the seasonal ban.
The arrival of the first shrimp shipments at the Sharq market, where Fishermen’s Union Chairman Abdullah Al-Sarheed said approximately 600 baskets were supplied to the Sharq and Al-Kout markets on the first day.
He explained that the auction price for a basket weighing 23 kilograms ranged between 30 and 35 dinars at Al-Kout market, while prices at Sharq market ranged between 45 and 55 dinars, reflecting strong demand and good production levels at the start of the season.
Al-Sarheed said the large quantities arriving on the first day indicate a promising season, adding that continued fishing activity is expected to increase market supply and gradually reduce prices.
He noted that the price of shrimp is currently around 1.5 dinars per kilogram, depending on the size and quality of the catch, particularly the popular “Na’iriya” variety.
He said the season began after completing the required approvals and coordination with relevant authorities, ensuring a balance between protecting marine resources and supporting the fishing sector.
The shrimp fishing season will continue from August 1 until the end of December, with fishermen required to use the approved back-trawling method through environmentally friendly “Kufa nets”, which help reduce environmental impact and protect marine biodiversity.
The Fishermen’s Union stressed the importance of complying with fishing regulations and using only approved equipment, emphasizing that protecting marine resources is a shared responsibility among all those working in the sector.
Meanwhile, the market also witnessed the arrival of imported Iraqi Zubaidi fish through the Al-Abdali border crossing. The increased availability of the fish contributed to a decline in prices, which fell from around 17 dinars to 8 dinars per kilogram, amid continued demand from consumers.
