MUSCAT: Oman has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by ranking 17th globally and first in the Gulf on the Fisheries Index, a key component of the Global Environmental Performance Index. This significant achievement reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity.
Dr Dawood bin Suleiman Al Yahyaei, Director General of Fisheries Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, attributed this success to various scientific and applied initiatives undertaken in 2024. These projects, funded by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund, include fan oyster farming in Musandam, marine fish farming in saline environments, studies on small surface fish stocks, sustainable tabak fisheries, and brown mussel farming in Dhofar.
Key Achievements in 2024
1. Marine biodiversity documentation: The first scientific documentation of spider crabs in the Arabian Sea was completed, alongside the recording of 122 cartilaginous fish species and 11 tabak fish species. Oman’s marine species database now includes 907 non-fish species and 16 new fish species.
2. Improved global rankings: Oman climbed to 54th globally in the Environmental Performance Index, a dramatic leap from 149th in 2022. Specifically, the Sultanate of Oman secured the 17th position in the Fisheries Index, ranking first in the Gulf, fourth in the Middle East, and fifth in the Arab world.
3. Global leadership in sustainability: Oman ranked first worldwide in two sub-indices – the bottom trawling index in the Duqm Special Economic Zone and in high-seas operations – showcasing its commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
4. Scientific research and monitoring: The Directorate implemented 14 applied research programs covering marine environment monitoring, fish biology, fish farming, and stock sustainability. Key efforts included monitoring economically important fish species, studying kingfish landings across GCC countries, and conducting comprehensive fish stock surveys.
5. Collaborative research: Partnerships were formed with academic institutions like Sultan Qaboos University and Sohar University, and private entities like Zero Neutrality Solutions. Initiatives included piloting seaweed farming, exploring sustainable shrimp feed production, and using date pits and tabak as tilapia feed.
The Directorate also focused on enhancing the Omani abalone stock, domesticating 40,000 abalone fry in key areas such as Mirbat and Sadah. This initiative aims to sustain natural stocks in Oman’s waters.
Furthermore, the Directorate is leveraging research on rare species like Omani abalone and anemone fish to deepen understanding of biodiversity and ensure sustainable management of fisheries.
Oman’s Fisheries Research Directorate signed three major agreements in 2024, including a project to improve fish biomass identification using artificial intelligence, a socio-economic study on artisanal fishermen, and the establishment of an experimental marine fish farm in saline waters.
Dr Al Yahyaei emphasised that Oman’s focus on sustainable practices has positioned the country as a global leader in fisheries management. The Directorate continues to explore the effects of environmental factors such as temperature and salinity on fish stocks, further reinforcing Oman’s role in biodiversity preservation and sustainable development.
By integrating cutting-edge research and sustainable practices, Oman not only strengthens its position as a leader in fisheries but also contributes to the global agenda of marine conservation and resource sustainability.
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