Latest news with #FDO
Observer
29-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman launches lantern-fish development pilot
MUSCAT, JUNE 29 Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), the government's investment arm for the fisheries sector and a subsidiary of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), has launched a key initiative to tap into the Sultanate's vast stocks of lantern-fish – a sustainable and largely unexploited marine resource with significant commercial potential across a range of industries. Lantern-fish, known locally as Al Fanar, are known not only for their suitability in fishmeal and fish oil production, but also for their applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements. This first-of-its-kind project marks Oman's formal entry into lantern-fish development and harvesting. FDO – which manages a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning shrimp farming, aquaculture, pelagic fishing, fisheries vessel operations, large-scale fish processing, and port management – is now extending its scope to include the commercial exploration of lantern-fish. In this regard, it has signed a strategic partnership with an international entity to carry out experimental fishing operations targeting lantern-fish. According to OIA's recently released 2024 Annual Report, this collaboration aims to "enable Oman to optimally utilize this vital biological resource," laying the groundwork for sustainable exploitation that aligns with the country's long-term food security and economic diversification goals. The initiative builds on extensive research and survey work undertaken over the years by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Sultan Qaboos University, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The most recent of these surveys was launched by the Ministry in October 2023—a multiphase study to assess lantern-fish stock volumes in the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Findings from earlier studies have already revealed significant lantern-fish biomass. One such survey conducted between 1985 and 1991 estimated the biomass at 4.5 million tonnes annually in the Sea of Oman alone—underscoring the resource's vast potential if harvested sustainably. The skinnycheek lantern-fish (Benthosema pterotum), a member of the Myctophidae family, is the species under focus. These fish typically inhabit offshore waters near the continental shelf, particularly in areas deeper than 100 metres. During the day, they gather in two distinct vertical layers, with dense schools found between 80–130 metres. At night, they migrate to shallower depths of 30–70 metres, forming a more dispersed layer closer to the surface. Supporting this initiative are a number of national programmes and entities, including the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the National Investment and Export Development Programme, and the National Employment Programme. These stakeholders are helping to assess how lantern-fish development can contribute to economic growth, job creation, and food security. Potential downstream opportunities include the extraction of bioactive compounds for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, the production of fish oil and nutritional supplements, and manufacturing of sustainable fishmeal to support Oman's growing aquaculture and animal feed sectors.
Hans India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Guthikoya invasions worsen in Kothagudem
Kothagudem: The forest department is sounding the alarm over escalating threats posed by Guthikoya tribes who have migrated to the Kothagudem forests from Chhattisgarh. According to Forest Divisional Officer (FDO) Koteswara Rao, the settlers have not only encroached upon vast stretches of reserve forest land but have also repeatedly attacked forest officials trying to enforce the law. 'In Kothagudem division's Jaggaram compartment in the Ramavaram range, some 34 families destroyed 400 acres of reserve forest land for podu cultivation,' he claimed. Each tribe family reportedly had between 30 and 40 acres of property, and they were illegally residing in the forests. 'Despite repeated warnings over the past year, these families have continued to occupy and exploit forest lands, emboldened by political backing,' Rao said. The FDO bemoaned the fact that some political figures were supporting the Guthikoyas, which meant that politicians were also contributing to the destruction of valuable forests. The situation took a violent turn recently when forest personnel were attacked thrice in one month. Last week, nine individuals were booked for assaulting officials on duty. In a bid to de-escalate tensions and promote awareness, the forest department organised educational programmes in tribal areas last week. Special meetings were held with Guthikoya families in Jaggaram and Palavagu habitations near Musalivarre (E). Awareness programmes on podu farming and forest preservation were held in tribal communities as part of the forest officials' attempts to inform the locals of the value of protecting these areas. During the session, FDO Koteswara Rao, Tahsildar Krishna, and CI Pratap jointly warned the tribes that anyone found cutting down trees or attacking forest staff would face arrest and imprisonment. The officials said that the forests are not just government assets but ecological lifelines that must be protected for future generations.
