Latest news with #fisheries
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman posts strong gains in food self-sufficiency
MUSCAT: Oman's food self-reliance metrics improved significantly across major staples in 2024, buoyed by strong new inflows of investment in agriculture, fisheries and food processing activities. According to the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), a key government entity mandated to strengthen food security among other objectives, the GDP contribution of the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors grew by 9.8 per cent year-on-year, reaching RO 966.4 million in 2023. By the end of the first half of 2024, the figure stood at RO 529.5 million, underscoring the significant pace of growth in the country's broader food economy. Oman Food Capital, the new brand established following the merger of OIA subsidiaries Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj) and Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), currently oversees investments and assets valued at over RO 1 billion. Its portfolio spans the entire food value chain, including fisheries, aquaculture, poultry and red meat production, dairy, fruits and vegetables, animal feed, food processing, agri-tech and R&D, logistics and cold chain infrastructure and local farming. These investments, coupled with initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources to stimulate sector-wide growth, have contributed to a significant uptick in food self-sufficiency ratios across key food categories. According to data compiled by Oxford Business Group on behalf of the OIA, Oman recorded notable shifts in its food self-reliance indicators in 2024 compared to the previous year. Fish remained the most self-sufficient food category, improving from 151 per cent in 2023 to 162 per cent in 2024, highlighting Oman's robust marine production and growing export potential. Fresh milk also saw a strong performance, rising from 88 per cent to 97 per cent signalling improvements in domestic dairy output and supply chain efficiency. Table eggs experienced a dramatic increase in self-sufficiency, jumping from 59 per cent in 2023 to 92 per cent in 2024, thanks to expanded poultry farming capacity and improved production practices. Fruit production more than doubled in performance, rising from 26 per cent to 57 per cent, indicating broader cultivation and improved seasonal yields. Red meat saw a modest increase from 44 per cent to 46 per cent, reflecting incremental gains in livestock production. Conversely, a few food categories saw declines. Vegetable self-sufficiency dropped from 77 per cent in 2023 to 60 per cent in 2024, while poultry experienced a modest decline from 61 per cent to 55 per cent. Nonetheless, Oman continues to strengthen its agricultural and food sectors through strategic investment. The Oxford Business Group report noted that the Sultanate of Oman is leveraging technology and capital to enhance productivity across its 1.4 million hectares of agricultural land, thereby reinforcing food security and economic resilience. 'By 2024, the country achieved self-sufficiency rates of 92 per cent in table eggs, 97 per cent in fresh milk and 162 per cent in fish production — reflecting considerable progress in fundamental segments', the report stated. The fisheries sector in particular has been described as a 'pillar of economic diversification', with production reaching 748,000 tonnes in 2022, valued at $1.2 billion. Exports rose by 23.7 per cent in the previous year to $362 million, positioning Oman as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture, the report added. In 2024, Oman launched 89 new investment projects in agriculture and fisheries, covering over 9 million square metres. These include 70 agricultural ventures, 10 livestock projects, seven water-related initiatives and two fisheries projects, all aimed at enhancing food security through modern scientific methods. The projects require a minimum 30 per cent Omani or GCC ownership, aligning with Oman's broader strategy to boost private sector participation and sustainable sectoral growth. By 2025, the sector aims to attract $1.2 billion in investment and generate 8,500 jobs. Notable initiatives include integrated aquaculture farms and artisanal fishery projects, supported by Oman's strategic geographic location and robust logistics infrastructure — further reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman's emerging role as a regional food distribution hub, the report concluded.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Major development projects in Al Dhahirah Governorate reviewed
Muscat: Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to Al Dhahirah Governorate, during which he reviewed several vital development projects serving the marketing of fisheries, livestock production, and water resources in the Wilayats of Yanqul and Ibri. He was accompanied during the visit by Dr. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; Sheikh Saeed bin Humaid Al Harthi, Wali of Ibri; Engineer Salem bin Ali Al Amrani, Director General of Agricultural Resources and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate; a number of directors general and officials from the Ministry; and the Chairman of the Omani Agricultural Society. The visit included the fish market project in the Wilayat of Yanqul, which is currently in its final stages of completion. The Minister was briefed on the progress of the project and the market's components. This project is considered an important service project aimed at strengthening the fish marketing system in the Wilayat and enhancing the efficiency of seafood trade in a healthy and organised environment. The Minister also visited the water dam in the Dhahir Al Fawares area of Ibri, implemented through community partnerships, and observed the dam's positive impact in replenishing groundwater and protecting residential and agricultural areas from flood hazards. He listened to an explanation from specialists about the dam's performance and its role in improving water resource management in the region. The Minister also visited the Gulf International Company's table egg production project in Ibri. This project is one of the leading investment projects in the food security sector. Established in 2019, it is considered one of the largest projects in the Gulf region, spanning an area of 18 million square metres at an estimated cost of OMR26 million, with a daily production capacity of up to one million eggs. He was briefed on the production stages and technologies used in poultry farming, emphasising the importance of supporting these projects that supply the local market with high-quality food products. During his visit, The Minister affirmed that the Ministry continues to support development and investment projects that contribute to achieving food security and environmental sustainability, praising the efforts of the private sector and the effective partnership with the local community in the success of these initiatives that enhance food production. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'This Is Deliberate Destruction': Hawai'i's Reefs Hit by Record Acid Surge as Locals Accuse Authorities of Sacrificing Ocean Life
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Ocean acidification near Hawai'i could reach levels not seen in thousands of years, threatening marine life. near Hawai'i could reach levels not seen in thousands of years, threatening marine life. 🔬 Researchers use high-resolution models to predict significant changes in ocean chemistry through the 21st century. through the 21st century. 🐠 The study highlights the potential for coral adaptation , but warns of unprecedented challenges to reef ecosystems. , but warns of unprecedented challenges to reef ecosystems. 🧪 Ongoing research aims to explore impacts on Hawai'i's fisheries and identify strategies for sustaining coral reefs. The oceans surrounding Hawai'i, known for their vibrant coral reefs, are facing an alarming threat from ocean acidification, a phenomenon exacerbated by increasing carbon dioxide levels. Recent studies reveal that these waters could soon reach acidity levels not seen in thousands of years, posing a severe risk to marine ecosystems. This development is particularly concerning for the Hawaiian Islands, where coral reefs play a crucial role in biodiversity and the local economy. As researchers continue to study these changes, there is an urgent need for action to protect these precious marine environments. Ocean Acidification: A Growing Threat to Hawaiian Waters The increasing acidity of the world's oceans presents a significant risk to marine life, particularly coral reefs. As oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, their pH levels decrease, leading to a more acidic environment. A recent study conducted by oceanographers from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa indicates that acidification levels near the main Hawaiian Islands could reach unprecedented levels within the next three decades. This rise in acidity is particularly detrimental to marine ecosystems, as it weakens the shells and skeletons of sea creatures like corals and clams, making them more susceptible to other environmental stressors. Despite these challenges, there is hope. Some marine species have shown signs of adaptation to the changing conditions, offering a glimmer of optimism for the future. The research highlights the importance of understanding these changes and developing strategies to protect Hawaiian coral reefs and sustain marine ecosystems. By providing critical insights, the study aids scientists, conservationists, and policymakers in their efforts to safeguard these vital habitats for future generations. 'They Stole Our UFO and Made It Scarier': Pentagon Officials Furious as China Unveils Alien-Looking Surveillance Drone Copy Modeling the Future: Predicting Acidification Around Hawai'i Advanced modeling techniques have been employed by researchers to predict future ocean acidification near the Hawaiian Islands. Led by Brian Powell from the University of Hawai'i, the research team utilized high-resolution computer models to project changes in ocean chemistry through the 21st century. Their projections are based on various climate scenarios that reflect different levels of carbon dioxide emissions, offering a comprehensive view of potential outcomes. According to Lucia Hošeková, the lead author of the study, significant increases in ocean acidification are expected in the surface waters around the main Hawaiian Islands, even if carbon emissions stabilize by mid-century. The extent of these changes varies depending on the emission scenario, with high-emission scenarios posing the greatest threat to coral adaptation. The concept of 'novelty' was introduced to describe the difference between projected acidification and historical conditions, revealing that windward coastlines are likely to experience the most dramatic changes. 'They're Hiding Something Under the Ice': Scientists Clash After Bizarre Radio Signals Emerge from Deep Beneath Antarctica Unexpected Changes: Shifts in Coral Environments The study's findings regarding future levels of ocean acidification were unexpected, as they highlight conditions far beyond the natural variations that coral ecosystems are accustomed to. Tobias Friedrich, a co-author of the study, emphasized the unprecedented nature of these projections for Hawaiian waters. While corals have shown some ability to acclimatize to slightly elevated acidity, the magnitude of projected changes poses significant challenges to their adaptability. Researchers acknowledge that the impact on corals will depend on the global climate scenario that unfolds. In the best-case scenario, corals may still be affected, but the situation could be manageable. This underscores the need for ongoing research to examine the combined effects of various stressors on corals. The study serves as an initial step in understanding the complex changes affecting corals and other marine organisms, with a focus on how these changes vary across the Hawaiian Islands. 'This Jet Will Shatter Laws of Physics and Privacy': X-59 Sparks Outrage as NASA Pushes Supersonic Silence into Civilian Skies Looking Ahead: Future Research and Resilience The research team is committed to further investigating the future changes in Hawaiian waters, specifically focusing on heat stress, potential refugia for coral reefs, and the impacts on Hawai'i's fisheries. By continuing to explore these areas, scientists aim to develop strategies that promote resilience and long-term sustainability for coral ecosystems. Reference: 'Patterns of Ocean Acidification Emergence in the Hawaiian Islands Using Dynamically Downscaled Projections' by L. Hošeková, T. Friedrich, B. S. Powell, and C. Sabine, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. DOI: 10.1029/2024JC021903. The future of Hawai'i's coral reefs hinges on our ability to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification and climate change. As researchers delve deeper into understanding these environmental challenges, the question remains: what innovative solutions will emerge to protect these invaluable ecosystems for generations to come? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Major development projects in Al Dhahirah Governorate reviewed
Muscat: Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to Al Dhahirah Governorate, during which he reviewed several vital development projects serving the marketing of fisheries, livestock production, and water resources in the Wilayats of Yanqul and Ibri. He was accompanied during the visit by Dr. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; Sheikh Saeed bin Humaid Al Harthi, Wali of Ibri; Engineer Salem bin Ali Al Amrani, Director General of Agricultural Resources and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate; a number of directors general and officials from the Ministry; and the Chairman of the Omani Agricultural Society. The visit included the fish market project in the Wilayat of Yanqul, which is currently in its final stages of completion. The Minister was briefed on the progress of the project and the market's components. This project is considered an important service project aimed at strengthening the fish marketing system in the Wilayat and enhancing the efficiency of seafood trade in a healthy and organised environment. The Minister also visited the water dam in the Dhahir Al Fawares area of Ibri, implemented through community partnerships, and observed the dam's positive impact in replenishing groundwater and protecting residential and agricultural areas from flood hazards. He listened to an explanation from specialists about the dam's performance and its role in improving water resource management in the region. The Minister also visited the Gulf International Company's table egg production project in Ibri. This project is one of the leading investment projects in the food security sector. Established in 2019, it is considered one of the largest projects in the Gulf region, spanning an area of 18 million square metres at an estimated cost of OMR26 million, with a daily production capacity of up to one million eggs. He was briefed on the production stages and technologies used in poultry farming, emphasising the importance of supporting these projects that supply the local market with high-quality food products. During his visit, The Minister affirmed that the Ministry continues to support development and investment projects that contribute to achieving food security and environmental sustainability, praising the efforts of the private sector and the effective partnership with the local community in the success of these initiatives that enhance food production.
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
B.C. fisherman fined $25K after discarding more than 4,000 kg of caught rockfish
Dead rockfish are seen floating in the water off the side of the vessel in this image that was part of the evidence shared in court during sentencing. (DFO) A commercial fisherman who discarded more than 4,000 kilograms (9,000 pounds) of rockfish has been fined more than $25,000 for his actions, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced Thursday. Roger Atchison pleaded guilty to multiple violations of the federal Fisheries Act in provincial court in Prince Rupert earlier this month, the DFO said in a news release. Atchison, the onboard captain and co-owner of the commercial fishing vessel Savage Eagle, discarded an estimated 4,305 kg (9,492 pounds) of rockfish between Oct. 18 and Oct. 23, 2023, according to the DFO. 'Since rockfish have a 100 per cent mortality rate, 100 per cent retention is required,' the department said in its release. 'A vessel will be charged full quota for any rockfish retained or discarded. A vessel that exceeds its quota for a species may be restricted from fishing.' Atchison did not report the fish that he caught and released, the DFO said. Online court records indicate Atchison was initially charged with 10 counts of failing to comply with the terms and conditions of his lease or licence. He pleaded guilty to two of the charges, and the rest were stayed. Atchison was fined $25,312 for his violations, according to the DFO. 'On the Pacific Coast, the rockfish fishery is managed carefully to ensure the long-term sustainability of 37 species caught in British Columbia's marine waters,' the department said. 'Rockfish are extremely susceptible to over-fishing due to their slow growth rates, low reproductive cycle and high-mortality when brought to the surface.' The DFO encouraged anyone with information about illegal fishing activity in B.C. to contact its violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336 or email the details to
