Aquaculture Training in Aqaba: A Step Toward a Sustainable Blue Economy

Aquaculture Training in Aqaba: A Step Toward a Sustainable Blue Economy

Aqaba – July 2025

In an innovative step toward sustainability and marine conservation, UNDP Jordan in collaboration with Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), and Marine Science Station (the University of Jordan), conducted a specialized Marine Aquaculture Training Course for local fishermen under the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) programme.

The two-day course blended theory and practice. Day one covered core topics such as the definition and purpose of aquaculture, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), farm setup, fish nutrition, biosecurity, and fish disease indicators. Day two featured an on-site field visit, where fishermen experienced firsthand how to operate and manage the system.

It’s worth noting that the RAS technology was previously established through technical collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), laying the groundwork for this hands-on training — now seen as a cornerstone for establishing Aqaba’s Centre for Sustainable Blue Economy Innovation. This center will serve as a pioneering platform to support reef-friendly businesses, stimulate sustainable investments, and offer fishermen profitable, alternative livelihoods.

Amidst challenges like declining fish stocks and mounting fishing pressures, aquaculture offers a promising shift from depletion to sustainability, providing income while safeguarding marine ecosystems.

These joint efforts align with a broader vision to integrate Red Sea coral reefs into Aqaba’s sustainability-driven economy and champion the blue economy approach — where nature conservation and economic growth go hand in hand.