Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth

Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth
1 / 3
“Kunnah” fishing season has arrived, marking a period eagerly anticipated by local fishermen for its exceptional marine bounty. (Supplied)
Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth
2 / 3
“Kunnah” fishing season has arrived, marking a period eagerly anticipated by local fishermen for its exceptional marine bounty. (Supplied)
Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth
3 / 3
“Kunnah” fishing season has arrived, marking a period eagerly anticipated by local fishermen for its exceptional marine bounty. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 16 May 2025
Follow

Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth

Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth
  • Abundance of the sought-after kingfish and other species
  • Govt supports with finance, boats, official tells Arab News

MAKKAH: Along the warm coastal waters of Jazan, the annual Kunnah fishing season has arrived, marking a period eagerly anticipated by local fishermen for its exceptional marine bounty.

This renowned season, which runs from mid-April to mid-June, is celebrated for the abundance of kingfish, known locally as Al-Dhirak or Tyrak.

In an interview with Arab News, Muhannad bin Abdulaziz Khawaji, director-general of the Fisheries Research Center in Jazan, provided insight into this economically vital season.

“The Kunnah season highlights the valuable marine resources that make Jazan’s coastline so distinctive,” Khawaji explained.

“While officially beginning in late April, we typically see catch volumes increase significantly from mid-April, continuing through mid-June.”

The season is characterized by gradually rising temperatures and initial wind conditions.

“Fishing operations continue uninterrupted except when safety warnings are issued by the National Center for Environmental Compliance or Border Guards,” Khawaji noted.

Market dynamics shift dramatically during this period, with lower prices for kingfish because of the increased supply.

“April through July represents our most diverse and abundant fishing period of the entire year in Jazan,” he said.

Khawaji said anticipation builds in Jazan’s fishing community as the Kunnah season approaches.

The waterfront becomes particularly vibrant as amateur anglers and tourists, permitted to use hook-and-line methods with catch limits, join professional fishermen on the waters.

“The Kunnah season is not a time of scarcity — it is when the sea offers its greatest gifts,” said Mohammed Al-Qurbi, a fisherman from Jazan’s coastal waters.

Al-Qurbi said Kunnah season brings remarkable abundance. The waters teem with prized catches including green snappers, leopard coral groupers, and the coveted kingfish.

“Those who truly understand the rhythms of the sea recognize this as a time of providence, not pause,” Al-Qurbi said, emphasizing the importance of experience to garner the greatest benefit from the season.

Khawaji said the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture responds to this seasonal surge by offering specialized permits, with an accompanying sailor license.

Preparations for the season begin well in advance, with authorities noting significant increases in applications for boat preparation, license renewals, and equipment upgrades.

The ministry facilitates these preparations through coordination with the Transport General Authority and Border Guards.

Khawaji pointed to conservation efforts, including a ban on fishing in spawning and other protected marine areas.

He said the ministry organizes periodic workshops to raise awareness and provides support including fully-equipped boats, loans, and direct financial support of up to SR50,000 ($13,330) annually for every active fisherman.

Ibrahim Qassim, another local fisherman, said: “Kunnah marks the annual migration of kingfish through the Red Sea. They travel our waters searching for feeding grounds and eventually spawning areas.”

He noted that these magnificent fish can reach impressive sizes during this migration, with specimens weighing between 10 to 15 kg regularly appearing in catches.

Fishermen employ specialized techniques during this season, including the Al-Majroor method — a weighted line featuring artificial plastic lures called Al-Azm or Al-Labiah specifically designed to attract kingfish.

Others use strategic lighting systems to draw the fish toward their vessels during nighttime expeditions, Qassim explained.

The economic impact on local communities is significant.

“Most fishermen concentrate their annual efforts during Kunnah season due to the exceptional productivity,” Khawaji explained.

“The abundance of catch, particularly kingfish, directly translates to increased income for fishing families.”

Khawaji said the Kunnah season coincides with spawning periods for some marine species including shrimp. There are also temporary bans on harvesting certain species such as Nagel and Taradi fish.

“These measures are essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable fish stocks for future generations,” Khawaji said.


Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
  • During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. 

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.


Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call
Updated 14 June 2025
Follow

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.

Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.


Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week
Updated 14 June 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims
Updated 14 June 2025
Follow

King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims
  • Directive issued after authorities in Tehran close their airspace following attack by Israel said to have targeted Iranian nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs
  • Plan for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide help to the stranded pilgrims presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: King Salman on Friday ordered Saudi authorities to ensure that Iranian Hajj pilgrims stranded in the Kingdom receive all necessary support until it is safe for them to return home.

The directive came shortly after Israeli authorities launched early-morning airstrikes against Iran, which they said targeted nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs. Tehran closed the country’s airspace in the aftermath.

The plan to provide help to stranded Iranian pilgrims was presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been tasked with ensuring they receive all necessary support.

The annual pilgrimage, a key pillar of Islam that all Muslims are required to complete at least once during their lives if physically and financially able, concluded on Monday. Tens of thousands of Iranians visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj each year. More than 1.6 million pilgrims from all over the world took part this year and authorities described it as a success.

Iran retaliated to the Israeli attack later on Friday by targeting Tel Aviv with missiles, raising fears of prolonged and more-dangerous exchanges of fire.


Saudi crown prince discusses repercussions of Israel-Iran clash with Macron, Meloni

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 14 June 2025
Follow

Saudi crown prince discusses repercussions of Israel-Iran clash with Macron, Meloni

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The crown prince had separate phone calls with Macron and Meloni: SPA

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday talked with the leaders of France and Italy about the latest developments in the region, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

During a phone call, the crown prince and France’s President Emmanuel Macron discussed the repercussions of Israeli strikes on Iran, which has killed 78 people, including generals and scientists, and wounded 320 others.

Iran retaliated later in the day, raining missiles and weaponized drones on Israeli cities, causing destruction.

In a separate call with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the two leaders “emphasized the necessity of making every effort to de-escalate the situation, the importance of exercising restraint, and resolving all disputes through diplomatic means,” SPA said.

Earlier in the day, the crown prince spoke with US President Donald J. Trump, during which the duo also stressed the need for continued joint work to achieve security, peace, and stability in the Middle East.

Macron had also announced that because of the Israel-Iran clash, the UN conference on a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians that France and Saudi Arabia planned to co-chair next week in New York had been postponed.

“While we have to postpone this conference for logistical and security reasons, it will take place as soon as possible,” he said at a press conference.