Key Sector Facts
In 2021, fish production reached 992,000 MT an increase 2020, an increase of 18% on 2020.
In 2021, Al Wusta governorate was responsible for 41% of artisanal fishing production, followed by Ash-Sharqiyah South with 33%.
Dominating landings among the large pelagics were Yellowfin tuna (71,676 MT), Longtail tuna (28,163MT), Large Jacks (21,526 MT) and Barracuda (7,979 MT).
Landings of key demersal species included Emperor fish (33,745 MT), Catfish (17,626 MT) and Ribbonfish (17,486 MT)
96.2% of total fresh fish exports were to the GCC.
Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has established Fisheries Development Oman (FDO) to oversee the development of mega projects - the flagship of which is the Barr al Hikman Shrimp Aquaculture Farm. Covering an area of 40,000 hectares, it is expected to be one of the largest aquaculture farms in the world with an estimated production capacity of 200,000 MT of shrimp annually. Equally promising investments are ongoing in abalone and other finfish based farm projects.
Through its Blue Waters subsidiary, FDO has invested in a finfish hatchery at Al Bustan in Muscat with a production capacity of up to 8 million fingerlings.
Also under development is a floating fish cage project in Qurayat with a production capacity rising to 5,000 MT in 2023.
The 30-year master plan of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for aquaculture development targets an output of around 200,000 MT per annum of farmed fish by the year 2040, alongside the creation of some 11,000 jobs for Omanis.
The aquaculture sector is expected to contribute US$5.2 billion to GDP, producing as much as 220,000 MT, with an estimated market value of US$900 million by 2040.