At the break of dawn, fishermen set sail from Al-Hafa harbor in Jizan during the peak of Al-Kannah fishing season, an eagerly anticipated period from mid-April to late June when fishing activity flourishes across the region, especially for the highly sought-after king mackerel, known for its abundance and year-round demand.
Al-Hafa harbor is one of 17 fishing ports along the Jazan coastline. Each day, approximately 5,000 fishermen venture out in over 2,000 boats, preserving the time-honored fishing profession while tapping into the region’s marine wealth across various fishing seasons.
These include the current Al-Kannah season, the Najil and Taradi fishing season from June to March, the Baghah season from October to May, and the shrimp season starting in September.
In addition, species such as Bayad, Shaour, Hamour, and Arabi are fished year-round.
Each morning, Jazan's central fish market receives the daily catch from both small boats and larger vessels.
The fish auction begins in the early hours, where the marketplace sees continuous buying and selling activity, according to the market’s lead auctioneer Mohammed Salem.
This includes local demand from Jazan's various governorates, as well as buyers from other regions such as Aseer, Riyadh, Najran, Al-Baha, and Jeddah.
Salem stressed that the abundance of coral reefs and nutrient-rich marine vegetation has given Jazan’s fish a competitive edge, making them in high demand.