MUSCAT : Implemented by Blue Waters Company since January 2025, the initiative represents a pioneering step in diversifying the nation’s food sources and economic base, aligning with the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040.

Spanning two hectares, the farm includes 3,600 baskets distributed across six sea lines. Oyster seedlings, imported from outside the Sultanate, are initially placed in small baskets for two months before being transferred to larger, floating baskets managed by the globally acclaimed ‘Flipfarm’ system from New Zealand, currently the most advanced technology in oyster farming.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, one of the key operational processes in the project involves periodically flipping the oyster baskets. This simulates natural conditions by keeping the oysters out of the water for short intervals, strengthening their muscles and resulting in high-quality meat with longer post-harvest shelf life. The ideal harvest size for the oysters is 90 grams, with the first production expected by the end of 2025.

Dr. Issa bin Mohammed Al Farsi, Director of the Aquaculture Development Department at the Ministry, told the Oman News Agency: “Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors in the world, growing at a rate of 9 percent annually. With population growth expected over the next two decades, forecasts indicate a need for an additional 40 million tons of aquatic food by 2025 to meet current per capita consumption.”

He noted that Oman has a high national demand for fish and seafood due to both cultural preferences and increasing economic activity, particularly in tourism and urban development. “Aquaculture offers a sustainable solution for meeting this rising demand, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality marine resources,” he added.

Dr. Al Farsi also emphasised the environmental benefits of the project, poining out that oysters are natural filter feeders that help improve the quality of the surrounding marine environment. “This pilot project serves as a model for sustainable aquaculture and environmental stewardship,” he stated.

He affirmed that the Ministry is committed to making fish farming a core pillar of national fisheries development, enhancing Oman’s capacity to produce environmentally responsible, high-quality aquaculture products.

He explained that the Aquaculture Development Department supports both commercial and integrated aquaculture operations by providing essential services and facilitating sector growth to ensure food security and strengthen the national economy.

Engineer Lina bint Ali Al Mohammed, Oyster Projects Engineer at Blue Waters Company, stated that the company is already studying plans for expansion and launching the project’s next phase. She noted that initial indicators show strong potential for high-quality oyster production, thanks to the rich marine environment and favourable water temperatures along Oman’s coast. “The first production is expected to be harvested by the end of 2025, with a total of 39 tons of experimental production,” she stated.

She added that the Masirah oyster farming project marks the beginning of a new chapter in marine investment and showcases Oman’s capability in sustainable aquaculture.

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