Identifying Suitable Fin Fish Cage Farming Sites in the Eastern Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia

The present study was aimed to survey the eastern Red Sea region of Saudi Arabia for selecting suitable cage farming sites. Nine stations along the Red Sea coast were selected for this study. Water, sediment, and biological samples were collected from the stations for the analysis of physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Results indicate that the environmental parameters such as water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen content of the coastal waters were within the normal range reported for a suitable cage fish farming site. Most of the stations are located near to residential or industrial areas and hence not suitable for a cage farming project. Two stations which are far away from the industrial and residential areas and showed optimal environmental conditions are recommended for possible cage farming after further feasibility studies.