MUSCAT – The regulation replaces and cancels 14 previous ministerial decisions governing commercial fishing, catch limits, pricing mechanisms, artisanal and recreational fishing, vessel controls, and marine protection measures.

The regulation will enter into force on April 13, 2026, with all stakeholders required to adjust their status within one year. Existing licenses will remain valid until expiry, subject to renewal under the new provisions. It also introduces strict prohibitions – including a total ban on bottom trawling and potential administrative fines of up to RO 10,000.

It defines ‘living aquatic resources’ broadly to include all resident and migratory aquatic organisms in fishing waters and seabeds, their derivatives, fossilised forms, seabirds, and aquaculture species. It also mandates that the Ministry will announce financial and technical support programs for the sector in line with available allocations, reinforcing national priorities for food security and economic diversification.
The new regulation introduces extensive prohibitions aimed at strengthening environmental protection and resource sustainability. It bans the ownership or informal claims over marine sites, restricts the manufacture and import of boats and fishing equipment without prior approval, and prohibits license holders from exceeding catch quotas or targeting unauthorized species.

It also prohibits returning live catch to the sea, with limited exceptions for certain marine species such as dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and juvenile fish if returned alive. The sale or trade of spoiled or unsafe aquatic products is strictly banned, alongside the dumping of solid or sharp waste into seas, beaches, or ports.

The use of devices that artificially attract fish schools for harvesting is also prohibited, as is bottom trawling. Additional controls regulate fishing licenses, requiring mandatory marine safety equipment, distress systems, and vessel tracking devices, with strict conditions on changing vessel use from fishing to other activities.

The regulation formalises fishing into artisanal, coastal, and commercial categories. Artisanal fishing is restricted to licensed fishermen operating within defined zones, generally beyond seven nautical miles from shore, while coastal fishing is subject to annual quotas and licensing limits, with distances extending to 12 nautical miles in certain governorates.

Commercial fishing is restricted to Omani-licensed companies operating under annual quotas set by the competent authority. Foreign vessels are prohibited unless operating in partnership with Omani companies, and strict conditions apply to vessel entry, cargo declaration, and port access.

Commercial operators must also comply with financial guarantees of 6 percent for Omani vessels and 12 percent for foreign vessels, based on catch value within approved quotas.

Recreational fishing is tightly regulated, requiring licenses, limiting catches to 20 kilogrammes, banning night fishing, and restricting tools to manual line and hook methods only. Sea cucumbers and crabs have been newly added to the list of prohibited species, alongside seasonal bans on lobsters, shrimp, abalone, shellfish, and kingfish.

The regulation strengthens marine conservation by banning the harvesting, trade, and export of oysters and shells without permits. Seasonal closures are also imposed, including shrimp fishing from December 1 to August 31, kingfish from August 15 to October 15, and other species during breeding periods to ensure stock sustainability.

Comprehensive quality control standards are introduced for handling, processing, storage, transport, import, and export of aquatic products. The regulation sets strict hygiene and safety requirements for chilled and frozen products and governs industrial activities such as smoking, drying, salting, aquaculture, and fish markets.

Enforcement powers are significantly expanded, granting ministry inspectors judicial authority to enter facilities, inspect vessels and markets, seize samples, and suspend activities in cases of violations posing health or environmental risks.

Violators will be given up to 90 days to rectify breaches, failing which penalties include fines of up to RO 10,000 – doubling for repeat offenses – along with suspension of activities for up to 180 days, revocation of licenses, or cancellation of quality certificates.

The regulation also formalizes monitoring mechanisms for fishing vessels and establishes procedures for handling confiscated goods, ensuring tighter compliance across the entire supply chain.