Oman Fisheries Sector | Oman Guide

Definition

The fisheries sector encompasses the catching, processing, and marketing of wild fish, crustaceans, and other marine organisms. Oman has a 3,165-kilometre coastline along the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Sea of Oman, providing access to rich fishing grounds. Fisheries have been a traditional livelihood for coastal Omani communities for millennia and remain an important contributor to food security, employment, and non-oil GDP.

Context in Oman

Oman artisanal fishing fleet consists of tens of thousands of small boats operating along the coast, while a growing commercial fleet uses larger vessels for offshore and pelagic fishing. Key species include kingfish, tuna, sardines, cuttlefish, lobster, abalone, and shrimp. The government has invested in fishing harbours, ice plants, cold storage, and fish processing factories to modernise the sector. Fish exports go primarily to Asian, African, and European markets. Challenges include overfishing of certain inshore species, the need for better data and stock assessment, and competition from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth, and Water Resources regulates the sector through licensing, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions.

Key Data Points

Vision 2040 Connection

Fisheries is a Tanfeedh and Vision 2040 priority diversification sector. The strategy targets increasing the sector GDP contribution through fleet modernisation, expanded processing capacity, aquaculture development, and higher-value exports. Sustainable fisheries management is a key environmental objective, ensuring that marine resources support livelihoods for future generations.

Further Reading

• [[Oman Aquaculture Sector]]
• [[Oman Food Security Strategy]]
• [[What is Economic Diversification]]