Sultanate sees 8.7 pc uptick in fish landings

Oman’s thriving fisheries sector netted an estimated 280,000 tonnes of fresh fish valued at around RO 204 million in 2016, up from 257,000 tonnes worth RO 172 million a year earlier — an 8.7 per cent increase that underscores the economic potential of the Sultanate’s marine resources. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the nation’s coastal waters teem with bountiful quantities of commercially exploitable demersal and pelagic species of fish — resources that bode well for the accelerated development of the fisheries sector. While traditional fishing accounted for 99 per cent of total fish landings, the balance one per cent was contributed by coastal fishing vessels and commercial boats. The growing aquaculture is beginning to make a notable contribution as well, according to the ministry. Topping the list of major producers was Al Wosta with a 27-per cent share of total landings, followed by Al Sharqiyah South (26 per cent), Al Batinah North and South (16 per cent), Dhofar (15 per cent), Musandam (8 per cent) and Muscat (8 per cent), the ministry said. Significantly, 152,000 tonnes of fish — representing 54 per cent of total landings — were exported to regional and international markets last year, generating RO 73 million in revenues. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the top destination for Omani fish exports, accounting for 44 per cent of the total. To help drive the growth of the fisheries sector in the Sultanate, the ministry has drafted two key strategies — one spanning the 2013-2020 timeframe, and the other looking over the longer-term 2020-2040 horizon. The blueprints moot investments in modern fishing fleets, developing fishery infrastructure, promoting value-add processing and related activities, and fostering the growth of aquaculture. As many as 11 projects have been envisioned for implementation during the 2013-2020 timeframe at a cost of RO 509 million. The sector supports 47,470 fishermen, a vast majority of them traditional fishermen who operate 22,720 small fishing boats. Also making up the sector are 688 fishing ships, 134 coastal fishing craft, and over 4,000 motor vehicles that are used in the transportation and marketing of fish. Fish is also an important part of the local diet. The average intake of fish is around 33 kg per capita in Oman versus 11 kg per capita in the Arab world, according to the ministry. Zainab al Nassri