Latest news with #artisanalFishing
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The evolving face of Oman's fisheries sector
Oman launched its National Fisheries Development Strategy (2013–2020) under its broader goal to diversify away from hydrocarbons. Oman's fisheries industry, a pillar of the country's economic diversification efforts, stands at a strategic crossroads, balancing the preservation of its traditional artisanal sector with ambitions to modernize and expand its industrial and aquaculture capabilities. The sector is divided into three distinct streams: artisanal, industrial, and aquaculture. Among them, the artisanal or traditional fishery dominates, accounting for a staggering 89% of the Sultanate of Oman's marine capture production in 2023. According to official data, more than 60,000 licensed full- and part-time fishers operated over 27,000 vessels, landing around 706,000 tonnes of fish valued at nearly $1.14 billion that year. The artisanal fleet mainly targets small and large pelagic species—such as sardines, anchovies, kingfish, tunas, and Indian mackerel—alongside demersal fish like sea bream and groupers. Fishers also harvest sharks, rays, and crustaceans including spiny lobster and shrimp. Their tools range from fixed and drift nets to hand lines and beach seines. However, the sector faces mounting challenges: low education levels, limited income, and rising competition from illegal and unlicensed operators. While artisanal fishing remains an open-access activity aligned with national welfare goals—supporting employment in coastal communities—it is increasingly strained. Overfishing of species such as kingfish, abalone, lobster, and shrimp has pushed stocks to unsustainable levels. Despite legal protections and regulatory frameworks, enforcement remains weak. Illegal trawling within restricted zones and the continued use of banned gear such as encircling nets persist, often unchecked. The industrial fisheries sector, once dominated by foreign trawlers, saw a dramatic shift after 2011 when the government banned these vessels over repeated regulation breaches. By 2023, Oman's industrial fishing fleet had rebounded modestly to eight locally operated longliners, and fishing nets producing 76,480 tonnes of primarily large pelagic fish such as yellowfin tuna. Oman launched its National Fisheries Development Strategy (2013–2020) under its broader goal to diversify away from hydrocarbons. The total fish production, however, still exploits just around 40% of the sustainable yield from Oman's waters, suggesting untapped potential. The Arabian Sea, in particular, holds promise—not only for traditional fish species but also for lanternfish, offering opportunities in fishmeal and fish oil production. In response to fluctuating global oil markets and dwindling reserves, Oman launched its National Fisheries Development Strategy (2013–2020) under its broader goal to diversify away from hydrocarbons. With oil and gas comprising over 68% of national revenue in 2015, the urgency to develop non-oil sectors became clear. The fisheries sector was identified as a key growth area, and the Eighth and Ninth Five-Year Plans emphasized foreign investment, infrastructure development, and private sector participation. The government's vision included an expanded aquaculture industry, new offshore fisheries, and greater control over fish stock sustainability. Export controls introduced in 2020 aimed to stabilize domestic prices and reduce import reliance—resulting in fish exports (including aquaculture) dropping to 34% of total production, down from 60% during 2011–2016. Still, implementation hurdles remain. Inadequate port infrastructure, inefficient inshore fleets, underdeveloped markets, and the artisanal sector's limited offshore capacity are major impediments. Despite ambitious goals, the hybrid policy that emerged reflects a compromise: promoting both a wealth-maximization model via industrialization and a welfare-maximization model through sustained artisanal support. This pragmatic dual-track strategy aims to modernize the sector without abandoning its socio-economic roots. While the original goal of fully transforming artisanal fisheries into a high-tech industrial powerhouse has been tempered, Oman continues to build a more diversified and resilient fisheries economy, anchored by tradition, but steering toward innovation. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
27-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Value of fish landed in Oman reaches OMR159,726
Muscat: The total value of fish landed from various fishing activities (artisanal, coastal, and commercial) in the Sultanate of Oman reached approximately OMR159,726 by the end of March 2025, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year, which recorded OMR147,852. According to preliminary statistical data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, Oman's fisheries sector has shown notable growth, with the total quantity of landed fish rising to 238,131 tonnes by the end of March 2025, compared to 223,531 tonnes during the same period in the previous year—a 6.5% increase. This reflects positive development in Oman's fish production. Despite a slight decline, artisanal fishing remains the backbone of the sector, with landings reaching 189,770 tonnes by the end of March 2025—a 1.7% decrease from 193,054 tonnes in March 2024. Al Wusta Governorate recorded the highest artisanal fish landing volume at 78,215 tonnes, followed by South A'Sharqiyah Governorate with 54,348 tonnes and Dhofar Governorate with 24,487 tonnes. North and South Al Batinah Governorates recorded 15,927 tonnes, while Musandam Governorate reached 8,755 tonnes, and Muscat Governorate recorded 8,038 tonnes. Commercial fishing saw a significant surge, with landings rising to 43,677 tonnes by the end of March 2025, compared to 27,240 tonnes during the same period last year—a remarkable 60.3% growth. Coastal fishing also posted strong growth at 44.7%, reaching 4,684 tonnes compared to 3,237 tonnes in March 2024. Small pelagic fish topped the list of the most landed species in artisanal fishing, with 95,275 tonnes, followed by large pelagic fish at 60,465 tonnes and demersal fish at 27,522 tonnes. Shark species accounted for 1,426 tonnes, while crustaceans and mollusks reached around 930 tonnes, and other unclassified fish recorded approximately 4,152 tonnes.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Contributions of the AgriFish Fund to the fisheries sector
The fisheries sector plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and fostering local economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman. In 2023, total fish production in Oman was estimated at approximately 793,000 tonnes, with a total value of RO 189 million—an increase of 5.9% compared to 2022. Additionally, the fisheries sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew from RO 364.5 million to RO 427.7 million over the same period, reflecting a growth rate of 17.3%. Notably, more than 90% of fishing activities rely on artisanal fishing and related operations, ensuring the sector's sustainability. The Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund has financed several projects within the fisheries sector, with a total of 13 projects implemented by the end of 2023. These projects have been categorized into eight specialized fields, including advisory and monitoring initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting best practices to safeguard and efficiently utilize marine resources. The fund has also supported aquaculture projects, recognizing the importance of preserving local genetic resources and enhancing performance efficiency. Other funded projects have focused on fishery resource development, fish quality and safety control, as well as fish product marketing and processing. One of the significant advancements in the sector has been the successful introduction of an electronic marketing system across five fish markets—Sohar, Qurayyat, the new Seeb market, Masirah, and Dibba. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish a central drying unit for small pelagic fish (such as sardines and anchovies) following research trials aimed at identifying optimal practices to maximize value addition. Another key initiative involves enhancing natural fish stocks by deploying artificial coral reefs, which attract thousands of fish and marine organisms, fostering a suitable environment for reproduction. Beyond financing projects that directly boost fish production, the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund has also supported initiatives in statistical and knowledge-based development. One such project is the establishment of a Fishermen's Village in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Masirah Island. This initiative aims to encourage artisanal fishing activities by providing fishermen with stable accommodations during peak fishing seasons, ultimately increasing fish production and improving their incomes. Additionally, a comprehensive media program has been implemented to document and preserve Oman's intangible maritime heritage, including the classification and documentation of traditional fishing customs and practices. In summary, the fund's efforts in the fisheries and artisanal fishing sectors have primarily focused on increasing productivity through the modernization of equipment and techniques. These initiatives have also contributed to income diversification by supporting fish farming and industrial development, benefiting both fishermen and investors in the sector. Furthermore, the fund has played a pivotal role in environmental conservation, promoting sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystem protection. Ultimately, the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund has been instrumental in advancing Oman's fisheries sector, improving fishermen's livelihoods, strengthening the national economy, and enhancing food security. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
