Muscat: This remarkable achievement represents 36% of the nation’s total fish production, exceeding a value of RO 100 million.

Under the leadership of Dr Ali bin Abdullah Al-Alawi, Director General of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources in Al-Wusta Governorate, the region has emerged as a powerhouse in the fisheries sector. Driven by government interest and strategic investments, the fisheries industry in Al Wusta has become a vital source of employment, accommodating over 4,800 registered fishermen, 2011 fishing boats, 530 fish transport vehicles, and 149 artisanal fishing vessels as of 2023.

A pivotal milestone is the establishment of the multi-purpose marine fishing port in the Special Economic Zone in Duqm. This comprehensive facility not only caters to the maintenance and operation of various fishing vessels but also houses fish processing factories, marketing centres, and training facilities for fishermen. Additionally, a network of well-connected roads has been developed to streamline fish transport operations.

The fishing port spans an impressive 7.5 square kilometres alongside the adjacent fish and food industries complex.

Dr Ali Al-Alawi highlighted ongoing and forthcoming projects aimed at further bolstering the fisheries sector, including the establishment of value-added factories, expansion of fish markets and sea fishing ports, and the implementation of fish farming projects. The cumulative investment value of these initiatives exceeds RO 162 million, with additional fish farming projects valued at over RO 770 million set to commence soon.

Moreover, the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources has launched lucrative investment opportunities in fish farming projects across various Wilayats in Al Wusta Governorate, catering to a range of species such as white Indian shrimp, white-legged shrimp, Omani semolina, and fin fish.