The fisheries control team in Muscat governorate has seized 362 kilograms of shrimp during the ban period. Legal measures are being taken against the violators.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources prohibits shrimp fishing from the beginning of December until the end of August, while allowing it from September to November every year
The ministry regulates the shrimp catching to allow them to breed and protect the species. It warned artisanal fishermen, all companies, institutions, hotels, restaurants and individuals whose business is related to buying, selling, trading and exporting shrimp, to adhere to the start and end dates of the shrimp fishing season, and to record the quantity of shrimp they have at the end of the season, noting that trading any quantity will not be allowed after the end of the season unless it is registered with the ministry.
Omani coastal areas have 12 shrimp species but only four species are caught by the traditional nets, including white Indian shrimp, white shrimp, tiger prawns and dotted shrimp. Shrimps are found in the waters of Masirah Island, Mahout, Al Wusta and South Al Sharqiyah. These shrimps are of high economic value and very nutritious, besides having high demand in both the domestic and global markets.
The total production of shrimp from artisanal fishing in 2019 amounted to 863 tonnes, with a total value of about RO 2.9 million. Out of last year’s total production, 320 tonnes were exported, while 543 tonnes were locally consumed.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
