Muscat – The season will continue for three months, concluding at the end of November.
Salem bin Sultan Al Arimi, Director of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, highlighted the significance of this season for Omani fishermen. The 2023 season saw a total of 2,761 tons of shrimp harvested through artisanal fishing. Of this, 2,024 tons were landed in Al Wusta Governorate and 717 tons in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Exports for the same period amounted to 2,680 tons, generating a revenue of RO 6.6 million.

In comparison, the 2022 season yielded 1,721 tons of shrimp, with Al Wusta Governorate contributing 1,319 tons and South Al Sharqiyah Governorate 402 tons.
Al Arimi pointed out that the amount of shrimp landing from artisanal fishing in 2023 was good and of excellent economic value for fishermen and other beneficiaries of the fisheries sector. He further noted that the price of one kilogram of shrimp ranges from RO 2 to 4, depending on the landing quantities and supply and demand.

He stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has directed its specialists to guide and advise fishermen to adhere to the regulations and laws that would preserve the sustainability of this resource.

Oman’s shrimp fishing primarily targets the Indian white shrimp and the green tiger shrimp, valued for their size and availability. Shrimp is not only a key dietary protein source but also contains vital nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, making it valuable in both food and medical industries. With increasing demand, shrimp is exported to Gulf countries, the Arab world, and various Asian and European markets.