Oman

Oman's fish farming production reaches 3,469 tonnes in 2022

 
MUSCAT: The total fish farming production from farms in Oman during 2022 stood at 3,469 tonnes, worth RO 7.33 million. Fish farming constituted between 5 per cent and 7 per cent of total fish production and it is set to grow further in the future.

Dr Issa bin Mohammed al Farsi, Director of the Fisheries Development Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, said that output wise, the production of cofferfish stood at 2,101 tonnes in 2022, followed by white-legged shrimp production (1,078 tonnes) and tilapia fish (290 tonnes).

Until the end of last year, 10 local firms obtained licence for commercial fish farming and that they cultivate white-legged shrimp, cofferfish and Omani abalone, said Al Farsi.

The volume of investment in the abovementioned classes stood at RO 153.025 million, said Al Farsi. Two foreign companies operate in commercial fish farming, with investments worth RO 101 million, he added.

The Governorate of South Al Batinah leads the list of integrated fish farming projects, while most of the commercial projects are registered in South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta governorates, Al Farsi explained. He pointed out that more fish projects will be unveiled during 2023. -- ONA