MUSCAT – The ban on shrimp fishing and trading will be in force from 1 December 2025 to 31 August 2026.

The Ministry urged all fishermen and shrimp traders to visit the Ministry’s offices in their respective governorates to register their existing shrimp stocks before the ban takes effect. During the ban period, only pre-registered quantities will be allowed for trade or export.

The Ministry stressed that violations of the shrimp-fishing ban – whether through fishing, possession, or unregistered trading – are punishable under the Living Aquatic Resources Law with fines of up to RO 5,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both. In addition, the shrimp and equipment will be confiscated, and licenses will be temporarily or permanently revoked.

The Ministry also announced the closure of the spiny lobster fishing season, which will end on 30 November 2025. A ban on fishing, trading, and exporting spiny lobsters will be enforced from 1 December 2025 to 30 September 2026.

Fishermen and lobster marketers are likewise required to register their existing stocks with the Ministry’s governorate offices before the start of the ban. Trading or exporting spiny lobsters during the closure period will not be permitted unless the products were pre-registered.

Violations of the spiny lobster ban carry penalties ranging from RO 200 to RO 5,000, imprisonment from one to three months, or both. Confiscation of the lobsters (or their value), seizure of equipment used in the violation, and suspension or revocation of fishing licenses may also be applied.

The Ministry reaffirmed that these seasonal bans aim to protect and sustain Oman’s marine resources and ensure the long-term sustainability of key fisheries.