Kuwait’s shrimp farming gets boost: Biofloc tech powers push for food security
In a significant breakthrough for Kuwait’s aquaculture sector, Dr. Shireen Al-Subaie, a researcher at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), has announced the successful development of biofloc (bioflocalization) technology for shrimp farming.
This advanced system yielded 2.8 kilograms of shrimp per cubic meter of water and produced high-quality, chemical-free shrimp that entered the local market within just two hours of harvest — a first for Kuwait.
Dr. Al-Subaie described the shrimp as exceptionally fresh and nutrient-rich, thanks to the use of high-quality, eco-friendly feed and the employment of beneficial bacteria that replace the need for chemical additives, reports Al-Rai daily.
Al-Subaie emphasized that this local shrimp surpasses imported varieties — such as Iranian shrimp or even wild Kuwaiti shrimp — which typically take an entire day to reach the market post-harvest.
She stated, “Private sector investors and farm owners can confidently adopt this technology. It enables shrimp to be farmed and traded rapidly and freshly, helping them compete directly with imports.”
Dr. Al-Subaie pointed out that farm owners can easily estimate potential yields by multiplying 2.8 kg by the available volume of water in cubic meters.
For example, she said, 1,000 square meters water can yield 2,800 kg of shrimp.
She added that harvesting and distribution efforts are still ongoing, and the final production numbers will be calculated after the entire process concludes.
So far, the response from the local market has been strong, with all harvested shrimp being sold out quickly. “The demand for this farmed shrimp has been comparable to natural shrimp — thanks to its freshness and rapid market availability,” she said.
This innovation marks a significant step toward sustainable aquaculture in Kuwait and presents promising opportunities for food security, local production, and private sector investment in environmentally friendly seafood farming.
