Aquaculture is a sector supported by Saudi Arabia as part of its food security plans, with projects ranging from small indoor tanks on inland farms to large coastal fish and shrimp farms. Each type has different environmental requirements, and the most important are location and water discharge. This article explains the environmental requirements for aquaculture projects, the competent authorities, and why proximity to the coast and sensitive areas determines the size of the environmental file.
The competent authorities
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture: licenses the aquaculture activity itself under its requirements.
- National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC): issues the environmental construction and operating permits after classifying the activity.
- Permanent Committee for the Protection of the Coastal Environment: the Saudi Business Center lists its approval among the environmental approval requirements for projects involving reclamation or dredging within 400 meters of the shoreline.
The activity license and the environmental permit are two separate files, and neither replaces the other.
Why location is the key decision
The Environmental Permits Regulation defines environmentally sensitive areas as including protected areas, wetlands, mangroves, important bird areas, beaches, waterways, aquifers and water catchment and flow areas. It states that activities within, or 500 meters or less from, sensitive areas or receptors must carry out a detailed environmental impact assessment. Coastal aquaculture often sits near mangroves, reefs or beaches, so its environmental file grows automatically.
Main environmental aspects
| Aspect | Potential impact | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Pond water discharge | Organic matter, feed residues and nutrients reaching receiving waters | Settling and treatment before discharge, water quality monitoring |
| Water abstraction | Depletion of groundwater on inland farms | Recirculation and efficient use |
| Mortalities and organic waste | Odors, disease and pollution | Regular collection and lawful disposal through a licensed party |
| Sludge from settling ponds | Accumulated organic matter | Handover to a licensed party or treatment under the conditions |
| Coastal site | Reclamation or dredging that alters the shoreline | Coastal committee approval and a detailed study |
Water discharge: the legal framework
The Implementing Regulation for Protecting Water Media from Pollution applies to everyone and every activity related to water media in the Kingdom, including territorial waters. It defines wastewater as water whose color, odor or environmental safety has changed through use, including water used for agricultural purposes, and it includes standards for treated wastewater before discharge to coastal and marine waters. Dumping untreated wastewater or liquid components into any environmental medium is among the violations heard by the competent court under the Penalties Regulation.
Steps of the environmental file for an aquaculture project
- Site study: identify sensitive areas within 500 meters and the distance from the shoreline.
- Environmental classification form: with production capacity, water sources and the discharge system.
- Study or plan by category: an environmental management plan for Category 1, an EIA study for Categories 2 and 3, or a detailed study if the project is near a sensitive area.
- Coastal committee approval: if the project involves reclamation or dredging within 400 meters of the shoreline.
- Construction then operating permit, followed by water quality monitoring and reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aquaculture
Do small indoor tanks need an environmental permit?
NCEC decides after classification, based on size, location, water source and discharge method.
Why do coastal projects need a bigger study?
Because beaches, mangroves and wetlands are environmentally sensitive areas under the regulation, and a project within or 500 meters or less from them needs a detailed EIA.
Is the Ministry's license enough?
No. The activity license from the Ministry and the environmental permit from NCEC are different, and the project needs both.
How should pond water be handled before discharge?
Through settling and treatment that reduce organic and suspended matter, with water quality monitoring under the permit conditions and the standards for the discharge destination.
How Abak Green helps
We review your project's site and surroundings before you invest, estimate the category and requirements, manage the environmental permit file, manage the EIA file through approval if the project needs one, and prepare the water and waste management plan. Contact us about your aquaculture project.
