UAE

AQUACULTURE
PULSE
UAE
AQUACULTURE
PULSE
 AQUACULTURE
Aquaculture represents one of the most important sectors expected to meet
the increasing demand for food from a global population projected to reach
10.9 billion people by the end of the century. Involving the rearing, breeding
and harvesting of animals and plants that live in various water environments,
aquaculture is the fastest growing food-producing sector and one that
accounts for more than 52 percent of the world’s fish for consumption.

Despite water covering 70 percent of the world’s earth surface and being

FOREWORD home to an abundance of organisms, over-fishing and climate change is

threatening the ability of these aquatic ecosystems to provide adequate
supply of food. This has created a need for effective and efficient farming

IMPORTANCE OF
processes to be applied to aquatic environments. Types of food produced
include freshwater fish, saltwater fish, crustaceans, molluscs and seaweed, but
the sector isn’t just concerned solely with items for consumption. Aquaculture
also delivers other important products, notably biofuel from aquatic plants

THE AQUACULTURE
that are fertilized by fish. Such processes are helping to refine new ways of
creating production synergies.

SE CTOR Aquaculture is typically less land intensive and low in ecological footprint than
traditional farming, with ponds or tanks required to grow some fish species
being much smaller than the space required to produce the same amount
of protein from cattle. With fish converting feed into body protein more
efficiently than cattle or chicken, the production process is also more cost-
effective, conserving resources and enabling greater amounts of food to be
produced for less. As the sector continues to grow rapidly and the technology
advances, it is responsible for an array of employment opportunities, from
research and development through to essential maintenance of the tanks and
other facilities, thereby helping to fuel economic growth.

Finally, aquaculture not only represents a sustainable source of food, the type
of food it provides is amongst the healthiest and nutrient-dense. Seafood is
a very good source of protein but contains less fat than other animal protein
sources. It is generally low in cholesterol and rich in essential vitamins and
minerals, including iodine, zinc, potassium and vitamin B. It also contains
high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have important anti-inflammatory
properties and are implicated in good brain health and mental functioning.

4 5
AQUACULTURE IN THE UAE
The UAE imports up to 90% of its domestic food consumption,
which poses a serious challenge to the country’s food security when
considering global food security challenges. As per international best
practices, countries identify a main source of protein, and then work
to ensure its availability among its ‘Staple Food Items’.

Fish is one source of protein the UAE focuses on, investing heavily in
aquaculture projects and infrastructure. Aquaculture is considered
as one of the most sustainable food production practices to provide
seafood meeting 52% of global demand for fish. However, the
national gap between production and demand is expanding. Statistics
show that the UAE consumes 220,000 tonnes of fish per year, over
75% of which is imported, while aquaculture provides only 2% of the
fish consumed locally.
AQUACULTURE AS PART OF THE NATIONAL
FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY
With that in mind, we launched the ‘National Aquaculture Pulse’
report to be a national document showcasing the most promising
aquaculture opportunities available in the UAE. The report studies
consumption patterns in the local and international markets, taking
into account the product specifications such as quality and size. This Aquaculture represents a central component of the UAE’s National Food Security
strategic document will play a major role in attracting investors, and Strategy, with fish identified as one of its 18 strategic food items. Launched in
ensuring the necessary conditions for success for aquaculture projects November 2018, the National Food Security Strategy was developed to enhance the
in the UAE, highlighting the competitive advantages of the local UAE’s food security. At the time of the strategy’s launch, the UAE stood at 31st place
product in terms of quality and cost. The initiative was introduced and on the Global Food Security Index, with the strategy aiming to increase the country’s
approved at the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings in 2019. standing to reaching number one by 2051. The most recent update to the index
(December 2019) showed that the UAE had jumped 10 places to 21st position, with
the National Food Security Strategy proving its impact in just over a year. It is already
achieving its aim of ensuring that the UAE’s population continues to have access to
sufficient, safe and nutritious food for an active and healthy life at affordable prices at
all times, including emergencies and crises.

The UAE strives to develop its food producing sectors in general and the aquaculture
sector in particular, given its status as a key component in efforts to achieve the UAE
Vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan. The sector enhances marine resources,
maintains their sustainability and helps guarantee food security for current and future
generations.

7
 Fish Hatcheries
The UAE is home to a number of hatcheries that produce fish fingerlings (juvenile fish) from various
species to support aquaculture, promote the sector, and boost national food security. There are two
main types of hatcheries:

HATCHERIES WITHIN AQUAFARMS: These small hatcheries provide fish fingerlings to advanced,
1) 
modern aquafarms and are usually considered part of the amenities with Aquafarms. The hatcheries
mitigate operational risks and ensure a continuous supply of various species including Sea Bream, Sea
Bass and shrimp fingerlings.

SPECIALISED HATCHERIES: These are larger hatcheries that supply fish fingerlings for environmental
2) 
and commercial purposes.

The hatcheries, which produce nearly 35 million fingerlings per year in total, include the following facilities:

GUIDELINE

TY N

IR N
ER

E)
AQUACULTURE

CI IO

M IO
CA DU AL

AT
H

S
PA CT

(E AT

IE
TC

O U

EC
PR NN

C
HA

LO

SP
A
PULSE Sheikh Khalifa
30 Umm Sea Bream, sea Bass, shrimp,
Marine Research Al-Quwain white-spotted rabbitfish,
Centre million hamour, red snapper

Aquaculture
5
Hamour, cobia,
and Marine Studies white-spotted rabbitfish,
Abu Dhabi
Center at Abu Al million gabit, sobaity, shaam,
Abyad island mullet, sheri

The above table shows that the largest hatchery in the UAE is located at the Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre.

8 9
 Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre: Facts and Figures

Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre is a major project and one of the
initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of
the UAE. The first commercial
Production
It aims to promote regional and global leadership, and future outlook of capacity hatchery adopting RAS
advanced research and development in the field of marine resources and (water recycling system)
its associated, development of management and operation of commercial 30 million in the region, in accordance
hatcheries with safe products of high quality and competitive prices using with the latest technologies
fish fingerlings
environmental responsible approaches and channel investment towards and international best
per year
more advanced research and technology application on maricultural practices
development.

Facilities at Hatchery
Marine resources are considered among the UAE’s Work is underway to complete the remaining phases
leading natural and renewable assets. With that of the project. Stage 2 aims to expand the hatchery 1. Pumping, water treatment and cooling facility 4. Live food facility
in mind, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al to produce new varieties of fingerlings species
Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the with a low survival rate and increase production
UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Sheikh capacity to reach to a total of 30 million fish 2. Broodstock facility 5. Weaning facility
Khalifa Marine Research Centre – the first-of-its- fingerlings per year. In addition, a marine research
kind in the region. The centre houses numerous laboratory complex will also be established as part
facilities, including state-of-the-art commercial of the Marine Innovation Park, which specializes in 3. Larvae facility 6. Nursery facility
hatcheries and a specialised laboratory complex various aspects of marine science, fisheries, and
as part of Marine Innovation Park. The latter aims aquaculture. These include facilities specialising in
to be a platform for advanced science, technology, marine biotechnology, marine bio-health, marine
specialized training in marine sciences based on digital technology among others.
sustainable integrated and circular blue economy. The centre uses advanced technologies to produce Furthermore, the centre implements water
juvenile fish in its hatchery, which serves the recycling/reuse systems (RAS), where water
The centre envisages to enhance the UAE’s role and
strategic goal of enhancing food security in the is recycled from fish tanks to reduce water
The first phase of the project has been completed status in the international marine research sector.
UAE. It employs some of the world’s most advanced consumption and waste to ensure sustainability and
with an integrated recirculated system hatchery It aims to establish the country as an international
production systems – such as photo-bioreactors – efficiency. Sea water is pumped into the hatchery,
established in accordance with world-class benchmark for food and environmental
to produce primary live food (microalgae). The treated and purified through a multi-stage process,
advanced technologies. The facility has a production sustainability and conservation efforts and a
facility produces up to one billion cells per millilitre in line with international best practice. The hatchery
capacity of 20 million fish fingerlings per year and gateway to building and developing national
(ml), compared to conventional systems, which only is equipped with a back-up generator unit to
will serve to develop and encourage aquaculture in capabilities and local expertise in all areas of marine
produce around 40 million cells per ml. maintain operations in the event of an emergency.
the UAE and the region. research. Furthermore, it allows the UAE to attract
global expertise in select fields – particularly in the
blue economy.

10 11
 The AMSC hatchery at Abu Al Abyad Island consists of broodstock holding cages and
indoor tanks, spawning tanks, larval rearing tanks, nursery tanks, which supports
facilities for live feed production for marine fish larvae (microalgae, rotifers, artemia and
copepods), water treatment facilities and a water quality monitoring laboratory. It was
established in 1997 as an environmental project with the primary objective of conserving
and enhancing the marine fisheries resources through releasing the produced fingerlings
of various local fish species in the surrounding waters of Abu Al Abyad Island and
adjoining marine protected areas. Another role of the center is to undertake research
and development of breeding processes of local marine fish species.

To support the growing aquaculture industry in the country, the center was tasked in 2015 to supply the
commercial aquafarms with quality fingerlings of cultured local fish species. As per the current industry

AQUACULTURE
demand, the hatchery is capable of producing 3 million fingerlings annually. Currently it produces Safi
(Siganus canaliculatus- White-spotted rabbitfish), Sikil (Rachycentron canadum - Cobia), Sheri (Lethrinus
nebulosus - spangled emperor) and Hamour (Epinephelus coioides - Orange spotted grouper) for some

AND MARINE
of the existing local commercial farms. In addition, the center is producing 2 million fingerlings of Sobaity
(Sparidentex hasts – Bluefin Sea Bream), Shaam (Acanthupagrus latus – Yellowfin Sea Bream), Biyah
(Valamugil seheli – Bluespot mullet) and Gabit (Rhabdosarus sarba – Goldlinned Sea Bream) for release in
the sea to enhance the natural fish stocks.

STUDIES CENTER Over the years, the center has successfully developed and

(AMSC)
standardized the necessary techniques to propagate many
species of local marine fish.

– ABU AL ABYAD All these techniques have been documented

through publishings in books and in local and
international journals/magazines as well as
constraints will serve at the end to ensure safe
transportation of live fish between hatcheries and
fish farms in the country and also provides cost
presented at international conferences, thus effective means of reducing losses due to diseases
establishing the center as one of the primary and hence making aquaculture in the country a
locations in the UAE for local marine fish fingerlings viable and sustainable sector.
production, research and development.
In line with the present plans to develop Cobia
To improve the productivity, quality and aquaculture in the UAE and to improve the
profitability of Abu Al Abyad Fish Hatchery and to slow growth of Cobia in cages compared to its
support the expanding aquaculture sector in the performance in other parts of the world, a selective
UAE, it is imperative to have a certified in-house breeding programme is being envisaged by the
disease diagnostic laboratory. In keeping with center to deliver substantial genetic improvements
this objective, the center is in the process of resulting in better growth performance, better
establishing the first disease diagnostic laboratory tolerance to local culture conditions of high
in the country at Abu Al Abyad Island, to serve salinity and temperature and better resistance to
its activities and to deliver the same to local fish diseases. In this regard, preliminary efforts have
grow-out farms and hatcheries. This laboratory been initiated by the center to collaborate with
is expected to guarantee the safety of the fish local, regional and international universities and
fingerlings produced by the AMSC as well as by institutes to put this programme into action.
other hatcheries and grow-out fish farms in the
country. Controlling disease-related production
12 13
 AL JARAF
FISHERIES LLC

Brief about the companyt

• Al Jaraf Fisheries is the UAE’s first and only commercial shrimp farm.
• Al Jaraf Fisheries was started back in 2004.
• The company is producing around 1000 tons of shrimp and marine fish per year.
• Al Jaraf has been consistently adopting new technologies for shrimp and fish breeding and
farming suitable for the region.
• They have been successful in producing two species of shrimp: Penaeus Indicus (Indian Prawn)

FISH FARMS & and Penaeus Monodon (Giant Tiger Prawn), as well as fish including: Hamour, Sea Bream, and
Sea Bass
• In 2009, Al Jaraf successfully started the hatchery and grow out of ‘Marine Fin Fish’.

AQUACULTURE
• In 2015, Al Jaraf Fisheries established the state-of-the-art commercial RAS Facility for fin fish like
Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Barramundi, Hamour and Tilapia.

C OMPANIES
Products and Production Capacity
400 tons of fish and 600 tons of shrimp.

IN THE UAE
Sites and locations
Barmid Island (Abu Dhabi) , plant farm fish farm (RAK) and Qasr Al Bahr (Abu Dhabi)

Quality and Certification

ISO :22000:2005, HACCAP and process for organic certification on the go shall be certified
by JAN 2020

Any other information

1. Intergated farming in plant farm fish farm farming of vegetables, fish and shrimps
2. Al Jaraf fisheries will start the farming of Penaeus Vannamei

14 15
 EMIRATES FISH
Fish Farm LLC FARMS OWNED
BY ALWATHBA
INVESTMENT LLC

Brief about the company Brief about the company

Fish Farm LLC was founded in 2013 with a focus on marine fish breeding and hatchery to support • Emirates Fish Farms currently has a single farm location at Al Wathba.
the local aquaculture industry and reduce the dependency on the foreign imported fish. • The Farm comprises of a 120 tonne closed environment, bio-secure, recirculating aquaculture
Fish Farm have embarked on a journey towards becoming a global leader in aquaculture. system (RAS) Hamour production facility and a marine hatchery capable of year-round
production with a capacity of 2 million juveniles per year.
Products and Production Capacity • Emirates Fish Farms Al Wathba site is managed by RADAQUA Middle East Farms Management
Organic Salmon, Organic Hamachi, Organic Sea Bream, Organic Sea Bass, Organic Hamour, and Operations LLC who provide turnkey solutions for the design, construction and management
of aquaculture facilities.
Royal Sea Bream, Sea Bass. production capacity of 3000 tons annually.
• RADAQUA specialises in the delivery of customised land based recirculating aquaculture systems
(RAS) for the sustainable production of premium seafood products in an environmentally
Sites and locations
friendly manner through the use of advanced engineering principles, the latest technologies
Headquartered in Dubai, Fish Farm has set up four facilities - Caged farming facility in Dibba-
and innovative operational processes.
Fujairah, Cage farming in Jebel Ali Free Zone, hatchery in Um Al Quwain and Inland farming
facility in Jebel Ali.
Products and Production Capacity
Hamour - 120 ton capacity

Sites and locations

24.11.442N 54.42.550E Al Wathba Area, Abu Dhabi UAE

Quality and Certification

ISO certificate 9001:2015, ISO certificate 14000:2015, ISO certificate 18001:2007, ISO
certificate 22000:2005, United Registration certificate, Halal certificate, Emirates Authority for
standardization & Metrology (Cetificate of Conformity), Emirates Quality Mark.

Any other information

Fish Farm aims to be leading the aquaculture industry in terms of quality, productivity and Quality and Certification
technology in the Middle East, while enhancing the environment, providing sustainable farming Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency, ESMA Certificate.
techniques, developing new methods and innovations.

Any other information

Under Expansion for a further 130 tons of Hamour to reach a total of 250 tons.

16 17
 WATERFRONT MARKET – DUBAI
The Waterfront Market is the best place to buy fresh fish
in Dubai. The state-of-the-art market opened in 2017,
replacing the old Deira Fish Market.

The new venue is very impressive. With polished floors

and air conditioning, its much more like a large shopping
mall than a traditional food market.

Much of the 100,000 square meters is occupied by stalls

selling fish and seafood. There are also sections offering
meat and poultry, fruit and vegetables, spices and dry
goods, and dates.

The market also features an area where customers can

have their fresh fish cut/cleaned on site. There are also a

FISH MARKET
number of other retail outlets (jewellery, mobile phones
etc.), plus a selection of restaurants.

AL JUBAIL MARKET – SHARJAH

Since 1981, we have been proudly providing the market
with fresh produce, and this legacy continues today
with the establishment of Souq Al Jubail.

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan

Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme
Council of the UAE and The Ruler of Sharjah, Souq Al
Jubail has been established as a state-of- the-art facility
unlike anything in the region.

Designed in traditional Islamic style with arches and

domes, Souq Al Jubail attracts more than half a million
shoppers every month. The more than 100 species of
colourful creatures on display provide plenty of fantastic
photo opportunities too.

The fish souk is part of the huge Souq Al Jubail, which

also includes sections for fruit and vegetables, dates and
meat. Conveniently located near Sharjah Corniche and
Al Majaz Waterfront, Souq Al Jubail is divided into three
main areas: Meat, fish, fruits and vegetables shops. At
an impressive 1.075 million sq ft. Souq Al Jubail is the
largest market in the Middle East, and freshness is our
guarantee.

19
 MINA FISH MARKET – ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi Fish Market is one of the largest and oldest fish
TOP MARINE
SPECIES FOR
markets in the UAE. The fish market in Abu Dhabi, formally
known as the Al Mina Fish Market is a bustling marketplace,
where the area’s fishermen unload their catch for the day

UAE MARKET
every morning.

Situated away from the mainland, Abu Dhabi Fish Market

is located in the Mina Zayed Port area of Al Mina. The

THAT C OULD BE
area, with its back-to-basics, small-town vibes is popular
among locals, expats and tourists alike. One of the many
jewels of Mina Port area, Al Mina Fish Market Abu Dhabi is

C ONSIDERED FOR
a reflection of its surroundings – a place that allows you to
enjoy the Arabic culture with its vibrancy, hospitality and
bargain markets.

The initial experience of Abu Dhabi Fish Market can prove

overwhelming for most. But for someone who loves their
seafood, this is the best place to be in Abu Dhabi.
AQUACULTURE
The Abu Dhabi Fish Market is the place where fishermen
from all around the region bring their freshest catch to sell.
This is where you’ll find the most diverse variety of seafood
available for sale, with sellers hawking their offerings in
multiple languages.

The exciting array of seafood you can find here includes

clams, crabs, cuttlefish, hammour, tuna, shrimp, shark,
skate and popular regional fish at the Mina Fish Market. Of
course, the available variety depends on the season and
time of the year.

Once you’ve picked up your catch, it’s now time to enjoy

the delicious seafood fare. Why wait to get home when
you can enjoy the fresh flavours then and there. Spot one
of the men in red to get your seafood cleaned.

Most people simply take their cleaned and de-veined

seafood to one of the restaurants in Abu Dhabi Fish
Market and get it cooked right away. There are a handful
of restaurants near Al Mina Fish Market.

20
 SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF THE MOST

1
DEMANDED MARINE FISH IN THE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Scientific Name

Rachycentron canadum
English Name

Cobia
Arabic Name

‫سكل‬
Rachycentron canadum
(Cobia, Sikil)

It is a semi-pelagic
1
migratory fish, which
occurs in open coastal
2 Epinephelus coioides Orange spotted grouper ‫هامور‬
waters and over shallow
reefs, rocky shores and
3 Siganus canaliculatus White spotted rabbit fish ‫صايف عريب‬
occasionally in estuaries.
4 Lethrinus nebulosus Spangled Emperor ‫شعري عريب‬

5 Mugil cephalus Grey mullet ‫بياح‬

6 Rhabdosargus sarba Goldline Sea Bream ‫قابط‬

1-1 Description
Rachycentron canadum, cobia (locally known as Sikil) is present in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, South
Scomberomorous Narrow-barred Spanish Africa, southern Japan, and all tropical and subtropical oceans and seasonally in temperate waters.
7 ‫الكنعد‬
commerson Mackerel It is the only member of the family Rachycentridae. The body is elongate with a broad and depressed
head. The body color is dark brown above and the belly is yellowish. Two defined narrow silvery white
8 Ethynnus affinis Tuna ‫صداه‬ bands run at about eye level along the length of the body to the tail. The mouth is large and bears fine
viliform teeth in both jaws, palate and tongue. Body covered with small invisible scales. There are two
dorsal fins, the anterior with 7-9 (usually 8) short but strong isolated spines and the posterior is longer
9 Seriola nigrofasciata Black banded trevally ‫حلوايوه‬ with 1-3 spines and 22-28 soft rays. Caudal fin is rounded in young individuals and lunate in adults, the
upper lobe is longer than the lower.

10 Carangoides bajad Orange spotted trevally ‫صال‬

It is a semi-pelagic migratory fish, which occurs in open coastal waters and over shallow reefs, rocky
shores and occasionally in estuaries. Cobia can live up to 15 years in the wild. It is a migratory pelagic fish
11 Penaeus indicus White shrimp ‫الربيان األبيض‬ that travel alone or in small school. It prefers warm water of more than 20 ºC. It tolerates a wide range of
salinities from 22 to 53 ppt salinity. The fish is opportunistic carnivore that eats many species of fish, crab,
shrimp, lobsters and squid but in general, it prefers crustaceans, particularly crabs.

22 23
 Fished in coastal waters by gill nets and lines, it is found Cobia supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market, Sharjah
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018
in local markets and is commercially important. It has also
a good aquaculture potential due to its fast growth rate 4.5

and currently it is being grown in UAE on an experimental/

4
3.5

pilot scale by few private enterprises. 3

2.5

TON
2
1.5
It is a gonochoristic species, in which individuals have hours. Larvae size at hatching is 3.5 mm total length 1
just one distinct sex, either male gonadal tissues or and grow rapidly in comparison to most marine 0.5
female gonadal tissues. Sexual maturity in males 0
species. Juveniles are found in both near shore and
is attained at 1-2 years of age (at about 52 cm fork
length) and in females at 2-3 years of age (at about offshore waters, often among seaweeds where
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
70 cm fork length). The females grow larger and they seek shelter. Observations at the Aquaculture
faster than males with maximum size up to 60 kg. R. and Marine Studies Center (AMSC), Abu al Abyad
canadum spawning in the wild usually occurs from 2016 2.44 1.73 0.61 1.02 2.1 2.5 3.45 2.88 1.73 0.93 1.46 2.25
Island, indicate that cobia spawning occurs during
April through September with the peak in spring and
two distinct periods, from March to May and from
early summer and it occurs in both near shore and off 2017 2.23 1.36 1.42 1.33 2.85 3.15 4.35 3.21 2.03 1.98 2.22 2.33
shore waters where females release several hundred September to October. The onset of gametogenesis
thousand to several million eggs having an average occurs during February-March.
diameter of 1.4 mm (1.28-1.4 mm). The fertilized 2018 3.21 2.5 2.07 2.43 3.44 4.01 3.38 2.71 2.64 2.65 2.5 2.34
eggs are buoyant and hatch in approximately 24
2016 2017 2018

1-2 Supplies during 2016, 2017 and 2018 1-3 Retail Prices
Table 1. Total cobia supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market – Sharjah Table 2. Range and average Cobia Retail Prices (AED/Kg) at Al Jubail Fish Market
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 – Sharjah during the Years 2016, 2017 and 2018

Monthly supply Range Prices Average ± S.D.

Total annual supply Year
Year (AED) (AED)
(Tons) Average ± S.D. Range
(Tons) (Tons) 2016 31.02 – 42.10 35.74 ± 3.61

2016 18.48 1.93 ± 0.68 0.61 – 3.45

2017 32.39 – 39.55 35.90 ± 2.33

2017 28.44 2.37 ± 0.68 1.33 – 4.35

2018 32.52 – 35.34 34.48 ± 0.84

2018 33.87 2.82 ± 0.46 2.10– 4.01

24 25
 2
Cobia retail prices (AED/Kg) during the years 2016, 2017
and 2018 at Al Jubail Fish Market-Sharjah

Epinephelus coioides
(Hamour, Orange Spotted Grouper)
50

40

30
AED/Kg

20

10

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
The orange spotted
2016 34.37 34.56 34.84 42.1 41.08 40.45 36.2 34.56 32.97 31.02 31.74 35.04
grouper, E. coioides,
is known to spawn
2017 36.55 37.65 37.48 37.52 35.9 38.27 39.55 35.07 33.5 32.39 32.45 34.38 readily in tanks and
floating net cages.
2018 34.38 34.36 35.34 35.23 35.18 34.72 35.27 34.57 34.58 33.93 32.52 33.69

2016 2017 2018

2-1 Description
Epinephelus coioides, orange spotted grouper (locally known as Hamour) is present in the Arabian Gulf,
Red Sea, and east coast of Africa, Queensland and southern Japan. It is a member of the family Serranidae.
Body elongate and thick. Colour pale greyish brown with small orange dark brown spots scattered all over
on head and body. Belly yellowish and plain without any spots. Six obscure bands on head and sides. Pectoral
fins reddish while other fins are dark brown with black spots. Caudal fin is round. They are often found in
coastal turbid waters, rocky and coral bottoms. It is a carnivorous fish feeding on fish and crustaceans.

1-4 Product Usage Epinephelus coioides like other Serranid species

are protogynous hermaphrodite. They first mature
Fished in coastal waters and laggons by gargoors
and hook and line. Commercially very important in
as females at around 3-4 kg body weight. Some of UAE.
the fastest growing females transform into males
Ordinary consumers prefer 3-4 kg size when they reach more than 6 kg body weight. The
The high market price and the declining natural
The size preferred by the consumers while hotels, restaurants and orange spotted grouper, E. coioides, is known to
supplies make this species the top potential
labour camps prefer big size fish spawn readily in tanks and floating net cages. At
candidate for aquaculture in the UAE. Many private
Abu Al Abyad Island, captive E. coioides mature
entrepreneurs are evincing keen interest in growing
in April and spawns spontaneously in the cage as
Selling method Whole fish, fillet groupers on a commercial scale. One such recent
well as in spawning tanks without any hormonal
project is a RAS facility at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi,
manipulation. The fertilised eggs of E. coioides are
established in 2016 by the Emirates Fish Farm to
Usage Fresh whole or fillet floating and measure 847 μm (824-864μm) and the
produce 120 MT of orange-spotted grouper for the
average size of newly hatched larvae is 2.11 mm
local market.
(2.03 - 2.15 mm) total body length.

26 27
 2-3 Retail Prices
2-2 Supplies during 2016, 2017 and 2018 Table 4. Range and average Grouper Retail Prices (AED/Kg) at Al Jubail Fish Market – Sharjah
during the Years 2016, 2017 and 2018
Table 3. Total grouper supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market – Sharjah
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 Year Range Prices (AED) Average ± S.D. (AED)

2016 39.48 – 49.85 46.10 ± 3.21

Monthly supply 2017 35.47 – 49.24 44.14 ± 4.02

Total annual supply
Year
(Tons) Average ± S.D. Range 2018 40.55 – 53.44 46.89 ± 3.56
(Tons) (Tons)

2016 129.57 10.80 ± 0.56 9.57 – 12.27

Grouper retail prices (AED/Kg) at Al Jubail Fish Market
2017 153.97 12.83 ± 1.29 10.98 – 14.78 during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018

60

2018 141.31 11.78 ± 1.77 9.04 – 16.13 50

40

AED/Kg
30

20

10
Grouper supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market, Sharjah 0
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018
18
16
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
14
12
2016 48.64 44.95 49.64 46.68 39.48 40.8 46.86 47.07 45.62 45.44 48.19 49.85

10
TON

8
2017 45.35 44.85 42.74 39.22 35.47 44.77 48.68 43.45 49.24 48.96 42.29 44.6

6
4
2018 42.16 40.55 45.08 46.56 44.83 49.67 51.38 45.34 53.44 49.91 51.38 42.33

2
0 2016 2017 2018

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2016 10.68 11.14 9.57 10.66 12.27 10.35 10.63 10.86 10.3 11.86 10.01 11.25

2017 11.89 12.67 14.65 14.78 14.68 12.02 11.37 11.46 10.98 11.67 13.49 14.3 The size preferred by the consumers 3-4 kg

2018 15.68 16.13 14.73 11.13 11.65 11.15 9.04 10.38 9.17 11.54 10.1 10.44
2-4 Product Usage Selling method Whole fish or fillet

Usage Fresh whole or fresh

2016 2017 2018

28 29
 3
3-2 Supplies during 2016, 2017 and 2018
Siganus canaliculatus Table 5. Total grouper supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market – Sharjah

(Safi, White Spotted Rabbit Fish)

during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018

Monthly supply
Total annual supply
Year
(Tons) Average ± S.D. Range
(Tons) (Tons)

2016 20.06 1.67 ± 0.60 1.52 – 2.45

2017 24.93 2.08 ± 1.04 0.03 – 2.79

It is an herbivorous species 2018 22.65 1.97 ± 0.82 0.01 – 3.92

and feeds by scraping
algae from the rocks and
corals and by browsing on
seaweeds and sea grasses. Safi supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market, Sharjah
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018

5
4.5
4

3-1 Description 3.5

3

TON
2.5
Siganus canaliculatus, Whitespotted rabbitfish It is a gonochristic species in which individuals have 2
(locally called Safi Arabi) occurs in the Arabian just one distinct sex, either male gonadal tissues 1.5
Gulf, Red Sea, southern Japan, western Pacific and or female gonadal tissues. Observations at the 1
eastern Mediterranean. It is a member of the family Aquaculture and Marine Studies Center, Abu al 0.5
Siganidae. The body is oval and compressed with Abyad Island, clearly indicates that S. canaliculatus 0

very narrow caudal peduncle. It is covered with have one definite breeding cycle a year with utmost
minute and thin scales, which are deeply embedded activity in March and April; the onset of seasonal Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
in the skin and barely visible. Dorsal fin with 14 maturation is probably controlled by temperature.
spines with one sharp pointed spine in the front and A lunar spawning rhythm for S. canaliculatus has
10 soft rays. The mouth is small and bears incisors – been observed. Spawning starts around the first 2016 2.25 2.05 0 0 2.17 2.45 2.26 1.57 1.83 1.78 1.52 2.18
like teeth in rows in both jaws. The color of the body quarter phase and ends at about the third quarter
is variable depending upon the substrate color but phase of the moon with a peak activity at full moon. 2017 2.59 3.32 0.03 0.06 4.84 2.65 2.79 2.51 1.16 1.23 1.67 2.07
it is generally greenish brown on the back and its Fecundity estimates show S. canaliculatus, like
belly is silvery. Numerous small grey to pearly blue most other siganids, is a highly fecund species and
spots occur on the head and flanks. It is a schooling can release more than a million ova per female 2018 1.84 2.34 0.02 0.01 3.92 3.4 2.77 2.35 1.91 1.62 1.64 1.82
fish, which occurs in shallow coastal waters down to depending on size of the fish.
depth of 40 meters. It is an herbivorous species and
feeds by scraping algae from the rocks and corals 2016 2017 2018
and by browsing on seaweeds and sea grasses. Fished in coastal waters and laggons by gargoors,
Both adults and juveniles are primarily diurnal gill nets and seine nets. Common in local markets
commercially very important in UAE. No supply of Safi in the months of March and April of every year due to Ministerial Decision No. 501 of 2015 which regulates the
feeders, feeding almost continuously during the fishing and trade of Arabian safi and sheri and prohibits the fishing of the two species and any trade in their local and imported
daytime. byproducts
30 31
 4
3-3 Retail Prices
Year Range Prices (AED) Average ± S.D. (AED) Lethrinus nebulosus
2016 27.60 – 52.90 35.26 ± 13.95 (Sheri, spangled Emperor)
2017 30.0 – 60.97 44.38 ± 10.64

2018 36.14 – 57.61 50.53 ± 6.37

Safi retail prices (AED/Kg) during the years

2016, 2017 and 2018 at Al Jubail Fish Market - Sharjah
The fish is a carnivorous
70
bottom feeder and feeds
60
mainly on small crabs,
50 mollusks, marine worms,
40 small fish and other
organisms suspended in
AED/Kg

30

20
the water column.
10

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
4-1 Description
2016 27.6 29.73 0 0 37.81 39.86 47.91 45.4 52.9 48.61 45.84 47.45
Lethrinus nebulosus, Spangled emperor (locally known as Sheri) occurs in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, east
2017 36.67 32 30 33.24 30.06 42.71 42.14 49.72 53.19 60.86 60.97 60.95 Africa, the western-central Pacific, Japan, and coast of India, East China Sea, East Indies and northern
Australia. It is a member of the family Lethrinidae. The colour of the body is olive-green above and fading
2018 56.94 50.63 37.92 40 36.14 55.31 54.89 53.19 58.32 57.61 55.53 49.86 to white on the undersides.The fins are well developed and include a single continous dorsal fin comprising
10 spines and 9 soft rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 soft rays, and a forked caudal fin.The terminal
2016 2017 2018 mouth is surrounded by fleshy lips and bears conical teeth with the teeth that are anterior being caninform
and those occurring posterolaterally including distinct molar in adults Each scale has a bluish center and
there are usually 2-3 blue streaks radiating from the eyes. The fins are yellowish to pinkish. The fish inhabits
inshore, coastal waters associated with coral and rocky reefs. The fish is a carnivorous bottom feeder and
feeds mainly on small crabs, mollusks, marine worms, small fish and other organisms suspended in the water
column.

The size preferred by the consumers 300-400 grams The fish are protogynous hermaphrodites, maturing first as females and then become males within a size
range of 17 – 54 cm. They reach sexual maturity after 2-3 years (17-45 cm in length). Letherinidae is listed
3-4 Product Usage Selling method Whole fish among a number of families of coral reef fish that may aggregate to spawn. Large numbers of ripe spangled
emperor is observed to aggregate between the end of March and end of April each year along an artificially
Usage Fresh whole dredged channel in Abu Al Abyad Island. Fished in coastal waters and lagoons by gargoors and beach
seines, it is a commercially very important in UAE.

32 33
 4-2 Supplies during 2016, 2017 and 2018 4-3 Retail Prices
Table 5. Total Sheri supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market – Sharjah Table 6. Range and average Sheri Retail Prices (AED/Kg) at Al Jubail Fish Market – Sharjah during
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 the Years 2016, 2017 and 2018

Year Range Prices (AED) Average ± S.D. (AED)

Monthly supply
Total annual supply 2016 21.97 – 40.21 26.14 ± 9.95
Year
(Tons) Average ± S.D. Range
2017 17.32 – 29.46 19.56 ± 6.90
(Tons) (Tons)
2018 21.94 – 40.67 25.29 ± 9.61
2016 114.87 9.57 ± 5.21 6.27 – 19.81

2017 163.73 13.64 ± 5.40 12.42 – 24.94

Grouper retail prices (AED/Kg) at Al Jubail Fish Market
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018
2018 89.73 7.48 ± 2.79 6.64 – 13.05

45
40
35
30

AED/Kg
25
Sheri supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market, Sharjah
20
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018
15

25 10
20 5
TON

15 0
10
5 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0
2016 23.59 25.47 0 0 21.97 28.23 33.42 35.92 40.21 39.35 36.8 28.73
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2017 25 29.46 0 0 17.32 20.25 21.26 21.65 25.21 25.4 22.22 26.91

2016 18.42 19.81 0 0 18.87 10.65 9.94 6.58 6.27 6.82 6.49 11.03
2018 26.37 23.95 0 0 22.87 30.89 33.61 34.83 40.67 37.24 31.1 21.94

2017 14.9 13.93 0 0 24.94 18.43 22.3 19.06 12.42 12.85 14.32 10.58
2016 2017 2018

2018 10.14 13.05 0 0 10.44 8.5 7.76 6.64 6.88 7.13 9.14 10.05

2016 2017 2018

The size preferred by the consumers 2 kg

No supply of Sheri in the months of March and April of every year due to Ministerial Decision No. 501 of 2015 which regulates the 4-4 Product Usage Selling method Whole fish
fishing and trade of Arabian safi and sheri and prohibits the fishing of the two species and any trade in their local and imported
by products
Usage Fresh whole

34 35
 5 6
Mugil cephalus Rhabdosargus sarba
(Biah, Grey mullet) (Gabit, Goldline Sea Bream)

It is a diurnal feeder It is a carnivorous,

consuming mainly detritus euryhaline species,
and minute benthic which belongs to
invertebrates, algae and the family Sparidae.
dead plant matter.
5-1 Description 6-1 Description
Mugil cephalus, grey mullet (locally known as Biah The grey mullet is a gonochoristic species, in which Rhabdosargus sarba, Gold-lined Sea Bream (locally brackish mangrove areas. Juveniles in estuaries
wagena) occurs in most tropical and subtropical individuals have just one distinct sex, either male known as Gabit) occurs in the Arabian Gulf, Red move into deeper water as they become older. The
zones. It is found in the Arabian Gulf, the Red gonadal tissues or female gonadal tissues, and Sea, east and south Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, fish often swim in schools. It is a popular angling
Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, eastern and western has a synchronous ovarian maturation and usually southern Japan, China, western Pacific and species commonly captured with hook and line.
Atlantic Ocean, the Black sea, and the eastern spawns only once a year. Captive M. cephalus in Australia. It is a carnivorous, euryhaline species, The fish is highly appreciated due to its white flesh
Pacific Ocean. It is a member of the family Mugilidae. Abu Al Abyad Island mature by end December which belongs to the family Sparidae. Body fairly and very good taste. The fish is carnivorous feeding
Body cylindrical, robust. Head broad, its width and the spawning period lasts only for about 10-12 deep and compressed and its depth is about 2 on benthic invertebrates, particularly mollusks
more than width of mouth cleft; adipose eyelid well days. Fertilized eggs are buoyant and the average times in standard length. Color of the head and crushing them with its developed molars.
developed, covering most of pupil; upper lip thin, diameter of the fertilized egg is 1029 μm, (with body is silvery white with light yellowish tinge on
without papillae, labial teeth of upper jaw small, a range of 984-1064 μm). It has been observed back. Each scale on body and on opercles with In some regions of the world such as Hong Kong and
straight, and dense, usually in several rows; mouth that M. cephalus females undergo vitellogenesis a yellowish to brownish (almost golden) spot South Africa the fish is considered as a protandrous
cleft ending below posterior nostril. Two dorsal fins; irrespective of the salinity; however, they do not formulating horizontal lines on each scale row. These hermaphrodite (possesses both female and male
the first with 4 spines; the second with 8-9 soft rays. spawn naturally in captivity. Females may complete lines are more conspicuous on midlateral portion gonadal tissue and matures first as males and then
Anal fin with 8 soft fin rays. Pectoral fins with 16-19 vitellogenesis but will not proceed with final oocyte of the body side. There is a small dark spot on the becomes female, as it gets older); while in other
rays; pectoral axillary about one-third length of fin maturation. Acceleration of gonadal development anterior end of lateral line. A pale spot on each of regions like Western Australia, it is described as
and it has a dark blotch. Colour back blue/green, and successful spawning for many seasons has the membranes of soft dorsal fin formulating a pale rudimentary hermaphrodite. It starts life with both
flanks and belly pale or silvery; scales on back been achieved using hormonal injections at the streak along fin base. Caudal and anal fins slightly female and male gonadal tissue and becomes
and flanks usually streaked to form longitudinal Aquaculture Center, Abu Al Abyad Island, using darker than dorsal fins. Caudal fin forked. Paired fins either male or female, as it gets older with no sex
stripes. They inhibit coastal waters and bays. It is natural carp pituitaries and luteinizing hormone- both translucent with light brownish tinge. The fish change.
a catadromous fish (migrate from freshwater to releasing analogue, LH-RHa. have a large pair of molar teeth growing posteriorly
seawater). It is a diurnal feeder consuming mainly on both upper and lower jaws. They inhabit coastal Fished in coastal waters and lagoons by gargoors
detritus and minute benthic invertebrates, algae waters, usually entering estuaries. Abundant in and hook and line. Very common local maekets and
and dead plant matter. shallow water and often caught at the surf-line or commercially important in UAE.
in rock pools. Larger, solitary fish sometimes enter

The size preferred by the consumers 2 kg The size preferred by the consumers 1 kg

5-2 Product Usage Selling method Whole fish 6-2 Product Usage Selling method Whole

Usage Fresh whole Usage Fresh whole

36 37
 78
Scomberomorous commerson Ethynnus affinis
(Kanad, Narrow-barred (Sada, Tuna)
Spanish Mackerel)

The kingfish is Like other scombrids,

blue-grey above E. affinis tend to form
with silvery sides schools by size, comprising
and a white belly. from 100 to over 5000
individuals.

7 -1 Description 8-1 Description

Immigrant to the eastern Mediterranean Sea by way of the Suez Canal. Present in the Arabian Gulf, and the Throughout the warm waters of the Indo-West Pacific, including oceanic islands and archipelagos.A few
Red sea. It is a large elongate fish with moderate to strongly compressed body and pointed snout. The fish stray specimens have been collected in the eastern tropical Pacific. Present in the Arabian gulf, the Red
has minute, almost invisible scales which give it a characteristically smooth body surface. sea, east Africa to southern Japan. It is a robust fish with an elongate, fusiform body. A single row of minute
conical teeth occur in each jaw. There are 29-35 gill rakers on the first gill arch. The fins include two barley
separated dorsal fins; the first has 14-17 spines and the second has 10-13 rays followed by 7-8 detached
A distinct lateral line, which abruptly bends downward below the end of the second dorsal fin is present. finlets. Other fins include a spineless anal fin with 12-14 rays followed by 7-8 detached finlets, relatively
The fins are well developed and include a dorsal fin. The first dorsal fin has 15-18 spines and the second one short pectoral and pelvic fins and a stout, forked caudal fin. The back of the fish is dark blue to iridescent
possess 15-20 rays followed by 8-10 detached finlets. The anal fin is spineless and has 18-20 rays followed green and patterned with wavy stripes which do not extend forward beyond the middle of the first dorsal
by 7-12 detached finlets. Three lateral keels occur on the caudal peduncle. The caudal fin is strong and fin. The lower sides and belly are silvery white.
forked. The fish has a large mouth which carries razor-sharp triangular teeth. The kingfish is blue-grey above
with silvery sides and a white belly. Like other scombrids, E. affinis tend to form female (ca 48 cm fork length) spawns approximately
schools by size, comprising from 100 to over 5 0.21 million eggs per batch (corresponding to
000 individuals. Although sexually mature fish about 0.79 million per season), whereas a female
Epipelagic and neretic fish inhabiting near edge of continental shelf to shallow coastal waters, often of low may be encountered throughout the year, there weighing 4.6 kg (65 cm fork length) may spawn
salinity and high turbidity. Feed primarily on small fish like anchovies and sardines also squids and shrimps. are seasonal spawning peaks varying according some 0.68 million eggs per batch (2.5 million per
Usually hunts solitary and often swim in shallow water along coastal slopes. Eggs and larvae are pelagic. to regions: i.e. March to May in Philippine waters; season). The sex ratio in immature fish is about 1:1,
Caught mainly with lines and gill nets. Marketed fresh or salted. It is common in the local market in certain during the period of the NW monsoon (October- while males predominate in the adult stages. E.
seasons and is commercially very important fish in UAE. November to April-May) around the Seychelles; affinis is a highly opportunistic predator feeding
from the middle of the NW monsoon period to the indiscriminately on fish, shrimps and cephalopods.
beginning of the SE monsoon (January to July) off In turn, it is preyed upon by marlins and sharks.
East Africa; and probably from August to October
off Indonesia. The only available information on Fished in coastal waters by gill nets and long lines.
The size preferred by the consumers 3-4 kg fecundity applies to Indian Ocean material: a 1.4 kg Commercially very important in UAE.

Whole fish for the The size preferred by the consumers 3-4 kg
7-2 Product Usage Selling method small sizes, fillet for the
larger sizes
8-2 Product Usage Selling method Whole fish or fillet
Usage Fresh and salted
Usage Fresh or salted
38 39
 9 10
Seriola nigrofasciata Carangoides bajad
(Halwayooh, Black (Sal, Orange spotted
banded trevally) trevally)

Juveniles under weed Xanthic form mostly inhabiting

rafts and adults are near shore waters associated
sometimes seen with the with corals and rocky reefs also
large planktivores such as seen in muddy bays.
whale sharks.

9-1 Description 10-1 Description

Found in the warm waters of Indo-West Pacific, Arabian gulf, Red Sea and East Africa to Japan, Australia and Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman to Indonesia, the Gulf of
Solomon Island. Southeast Atlantic: southeast coast of South Africa. Thailand, the Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan. Adults are common along coastal reef slopes or around large
coral heads in lagoons. The body of this fish is oblong and compressed and has a smoothly curved dorsal
profile which is more convex than the ventral profile. The mouth bears fine villiform teeth set in narrow bands
Body elongated and slightly compressed, with a steep head profile in front of the eyes. No scutes, caudal
in both jaws. A total of 25-33 gill rakers occurs on the first gill arch with 7-9 rakers found on the upper limb
peduncle groove present, young ones with several dark transverse bands on the dorsal side. Ground colour,
with dusky olive brown above, silvery grey below. Feeds on fish and invertebrates. and 18-21 on the lower limb. The fins include two separate dorsals, the first with 8 detached spines followed
by 1 spine and 21-24 rays, long sickle shaped pectorals and a deeply forked caudal fin. Scales cover the
entire body. Numerous conspicuous orange-yellow spots occur on the body.
Found mainly in offshore reefs on the continental shelf, on rocky bottoms. Non-schooling. Juveniles under
weed rafts and adults are sometimes seen with the large planktivores such as whale sharks. Adults feed on
demersal fish, cephalopods, and shrimp. Xanthic form mostly inhabiting near shore waters associated with corals and rocky reefs also seen in muddy
bays. Juveniles often found solitary in sheltered coastal bays. Mainly caught with hook and line, and gill net
traps.
Excellent food fish; marketed fresh and dried salted. In UAE it is fished in continental shelf by gargoors and
commands a high market value.

The size preferred by the consumers 3 kg The size preferred by the consumers 2-3 kg

9-2 Product Usage Selling method Whole fish or fillet 10-2 Product Usage Selling method Whole fish

Usage Fresh or salted Usage Fresh

40 41
 11
Penaeus indicus 11-2 Supplies during 2016, 2017 and 2018
(White shrimp)
Table 21. Total shrimp supply (Ton) to Al Jubail Fish Market – Sharjah
during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018

Monthly supply
Total annual supply
Year
(Tons) Average ± S.D. Range
(Tons) (Tons)

2016 42.30 3.53 ± 2.03 1.05 – 7.14

Carapace is smooth 2017 64.34 5.36 ± 2.80 1.84 – 9.99

lacking gastrofrontal and

hepatic crests; rostrum 2018 75.09 6.26 ± 2.94 2.40 – 10.16

slightly curved at tip and

usually bearing 7-9 upper
teeth including those on
carapace. Shrimp supply (Ton) during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018
to Al Jubail Fish Market Sharjah

12

10

11-1 Description 8

TON
6

P. indicus occurs in the Arabian Gulf, the coasts of color as body and covered with many dark spots. 4
East Africa, South Africa, Madagascar, Pakistan, It is non-burrowing species, active at both day and 2
the southwest and east coast of India, Bangladesh, night, and prefers a sandy mud bottom. Sizes at first
0
Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, southern maturity vary from 13-15 cm total length. Females
China and the northern coast of Australia. Carapace are highly fecund, ranging from 65000-1,000,000
is smooth lacking gastrofrontal and hepatic crests; eggs from females of 14-20 cm in total length.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
rostrum slightly curved at tip and usually bearing 7-9
upper teeth including those on carapace. Petasma
of males with curved distomedian projections. Since there is no trawling in UAE there is no shrimp 2016 4.64 2.37 1.38 1.54 4.17 4.21 7.14 5.79 2.5 1.05 1.8 5.72
Thelycum of a female is of a closed type and is fishery in the country. Only production is from
formed by 2 semi-circular lateral plates. Telson is aquaculture by the private sector farms. The total 2017 9.54 2.43 9.99 8.5 4.25 2.33 1.84 4.95 5.45 6.79 3.57 4.69
broadly triangular and has a median longitudinal production estimated in UAE is about 400 tonnes
groove, which lacks spines. The overall body colour per annum. The remaining market demand is
2018 10.16 8.29 10 8.51 8.13 7.61 6.64 3.48 4.46 2.55 2.4 2.87
is creamy white with small brown specks; legs secured by imported shrimp mainly from India and
may be red and the rostal region brown; antennal Thailand.
flagella yellowish; antennular flagella of same 2016 2017 2018

42 43
 11-3 Retail Prices
Table 22. Range and average shrimp retail prices (AED/Kg)
at Al Jubaubail Fish Market – Sharjah during the Years 2016, 2017 and 2018

Year Range Prices (AED) Average ± S.D. (AED)

Note from Her Excellency
2016 28.37 – 41.48 35.96 ± 3.83
H.E. Mariam Almheiri,
2017 26.51 – 44.88 38.10 ± 5.78
UAE Minister of State for
Food Security
2018 35.52 – 43.34 39.10 ± 2.30

Shrimp retail prices (AED/Kg) during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018
at Al Jubail Fish Market – Sharjah
Thank you for taking the time to read the Aquaculture Pulse Guideline – an important document
45 that has been formulated by the Food Security Office to be an indispensable handbook for
40 aquaculture industry stakeholders and all those with an interest in the UAE’s on-shore fisheries
35 and aquaculture facilities.
30
AED/Kg

25
I do hope that from your engagement with this guide you can appreciate just how important
20
the aquaculture sector is to the UAE. It represents a major strand of the country’s National
15
Food Security Strategy and as such, is a focus for the government’s continued investment and
10
ongoing improvement.
5
0
As part of the UAE’s drive to be in the top 10 most food secure countries and first place by
2051- as per the Global Food Security Index - you can expect the aquaculture sector in the
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec country to grow substantially over the coming years. It will be subject to innovative federal
measures designed to enhance its operations and output, as well as substantive government
2016 31 34.7 35.8 40.7 36.1 37.2 38.4 33.4 39.1 41.5 35.3 28.4 initiatives to increase its attractiveness to investors.

2017 26.5 43.6 34.4 36.6 44 42.5 37.1 36.4 32.9 34.1 44.3 44.9
It is important to note at this stage that this edition is just the first Aquaculture Pulse Guideline
– it will be updated on a regular basis to take into account the changes in what is a rapidly
2018 36.6 41.5 38.9 38.7 37.7 36.9 38.3 41.6 40.3 36.5 39.9 43.3 evolving sector. Subsequent editions will serve to highlight the advances and progress being
made across its various sub-sectors.
2016 2017 2018
As an industry stakeholder, you are key to ensuring the success of the sector. With this in mind,
I would like to affirm that the Food Security Office is open to work with all who have a vested
interest in it. Please do reach out to us at the office if you have any ideas how we can improve
this guide, or more broadly, how we can develop the sector – perhaps with your expertise.
It is by pooling our respective strengths and resources that we can create a globally-leading
The size preferred by the consumers 20-35 grams
aquaculture hub that will be a major pillar of the UAE’s domestic food output, as well as set a

11-4 Product Usage

global aquaculture industry benchmark for other countries to follow.
Selling method Whole

Usage Fresh whole

44 45
UAE
AQUACULTURE
PULSE
www.foodsecurity.gov.ae