Bahrain Fisheries & Aquaculture Market Analysis
The Bahrain Fisheries And Aquaculture Market size is estimated at USD 430 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 513 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.30% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Bahraini Fisheries and Aquaculture sector operates as a specialized market, with the Directorate of Fisheries establishing the National Mariculture Centre (NMC) for applied research. The NMC serves as the primary marine fish seed supplier for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI) member nations. Through aquatic product exports, the country generates foreign exchange revenue. The development of the aquaculture sector is projected to enhance Bahrain's food security and self-sufficiency.
E-commerce platforms are gaining prominence in fisheries product distribution due to improved product accessibility and consumer reach. This trend indicates potential growth in online sales of fisheries products in the future.
The Ministry of Agriculture is implementing comprehensive measures to develop aquaculture in coastal and interior regions to improve food security and self-sufficiency. As consumption patterns show an upward trend, aquaculture emerges as the primary solution to meet market demand. The government's increasing initiatives to boost domestic production contribute to market growth during the forecast period.
Bahrain Fisheries & Aquaculture Market Trends
Increasing Exports to Saudi Arabia is Driving the Market
The Kingdom of Bahrain encompasses a coastline of 950 km, a continental shelf of approximately 10,000 sq. km, and a land territory of around 760 sq. km. While the majority of aquaculture production serves the local market, exports are increasing. The Ministry's development plan for the National Centre for Mariculture targets the production of 20 million fingerlings by 2025.
The Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning is implementing fish farming projects to increase local fish production and enhance food security and self-sufficiency. ITC Trademap data indicates a substantial increase in fisheries exports to Saudi Arabia in 2023. The growth in seafood demand across Middle Eastern countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, drives market expansion.
The region has received substantial exports of Sobaity bream, gilthead bream, and grouper juveniles. Given Bahrain's limited freshwater resources, aquaculture efforts focus primarily on marine species, with minimal land-based tank cultivation. These factors indicate continued market growth in the future.
Rise in Live Fish Imports in the Country
The value of fish and fishery imports in Bahrain increased from USD 513 thousand in 2021 to USD 757 thousand in 2022, according to ITC Trademap. While shrimp fishing remains Bahrain's primary fishery with increasing total catches, the composition of landings has shifted significantly. Traditional target species like groupers have declined, leading to increased harvesting of crustaceans (shrimps and crabs) and other finfish.
According to the International Trade Centre (ITC) in 2022, Thailand dominates live fish exports to Bahrain with approximately 40% market share, followed by Sri Lanka with 20%. Indonesia also ranks among the major exporters to the Bahraini market.
The Bahraini government is actively promoting private investment in large-scale fish farming projects. While historically such projects received funding from Gulf development agencies (Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia), foreign companies can now access partial financing through the state-owned Bahraini Development Bank (BDB). These aquaculture initiatives serve multiple purposes: reducing pressure on natural marine resources, enhancing food security, and supporting marine population restoration through fingerling release programs. These developments are projected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Bahrain Fisheries & Aquaculture Market News
- February 2022: The government placed a ban on the catching, trading, and selling of shrimp which was valid till July 31st, 2022. This decision was aimed at preserving marine wealth in a way that contributes to the development of the shrimping industry and the protection of fish stock in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
- January 2022: In partnership with the Professional Fishermen's Society, The Government of Bahrain charted out plans to develop the fishing sector in the country. The aim was to launch initiatives that support Bahraini fishermen, in particular, and the fishing profession, in general.
