Overlooking the Arabian Gulf with
a coastline of 128 kilometres long, Kuwait has always depended
on the resources of the sea for much of its food.
The economic success of Kuwaits fishery is due to strong
market demand, which is met by local production, regional imports
and some imports from outside the region. There are now two fishing
harbours for industrial vessels, two modern harbours for artisanal
boats (in Kuwait Bay) and two harbours, which will be modernized
in the near future (one in Kuwait Bay and other south of Kuwait
Bay). These modern harbours are established within the Kuwait
waterfront project. The old fish section in the central city market
was modernized and another modern fish market, attached to a new
harbour, was established recently. Three new, but smaller, fish
markets will be constructed in 2003.
In comparison to the oil industry, the contribution of the fishing
industry to Kuwaits economy is very small. Although there
is little Kuwaiti employment in fishing operations, the industry
offers a significant investment opportunity for the Kuwaiti private
sector. In addition to commercial food production, the fishery
resource also supports recreational fishing.