Muscat – According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, the production of farmed fish has surged to 5,117 tons this year, with a total production value of RO 15.1 million. This represents a 7 percent increase in volume and a notable 50 percent rise in financial value compared to 2023, which saw production of 4,767 tons valued at RO 10.99 million.

The growth trajectory is evident from previous years as well. In 2022, fish production reached 3,179 tons worth RO 6.9 million, marking a 135 percent increase in volume compared to 2021, which had 1,350 tons valued at RO 2.7 million. The trend of increasing production has been consistent since 2018, when output was 350 tons with a value of RO 700,000.

Production further expanded in subsequent years: 2019 saw an increase to 862 tons valued at RO 1.72 million (a 146 percent growth from 2018), and 2020 reached 1,060 tons with a value of RO 2.12 million, reflecting a 23 percent rise from the previous year.

The diversity in farmed species has also grown significantly, with current production encompassing 33 different species including white shrimp, Omani abalone, finfish, European cod, Atlantic and Norwegian salmon, rock oysters, sand sea cucumber, sea bass, and tuna.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources continues to promote investment in fish farming, emphasizing the importance of leveraging natural resources, modern technologies, human expertise, and scientific research to develop environmentally friendly production projects. This strategic focus aims to support the sustainable growth of the sector and enhance its contribution to the national economy.