JEDDAH: Fish farming is vital for the Kingdom’s food security needs, according to Riyadh Al-Fageeh, general director of the National Center of Fisheries. Al-Fageeh said there are significant investment opportunities in the industry, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to boost agriculture, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. He said the center was formed four decades ago in Jeddah, and subsequently developed partnerships with a number of international organizations. The center has undertaken several projects in collaboration with various universities and other entities, including the use of renewable energy for agriculture. The center has supported the aquaculture sector with over 3 million saltwater tilapia larvae, he said. In addition, it has issued more than 80 licenses for aquaculture projects in Makkah, which includes 18 in the first half of 2024, Al-Fageeh added.