MUSCAT: Oman’s Inspection Unit, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has seized a fishing vessel during a maritime patrol in the Wilayat of Duqm over alleged violations of the country’s fisheries regulations.

The Security and Safety Unit said the operation was carried out on Friday, September 25, in the Sea of Duqm.

During the patrol, inspectors detected a commercial fishing vessel conducting fishing operations using prohibited nets. Twelve expatriate workers on board were also found allegedly practising fishing without the required licences.

Authorities said the violations fall under provisions of Oman’s Living Aquatic Resources Law and regulations governing the fishing profession.

Following the seizure, the vessel was escorted to the fishing port in Duqm. The prohibited nets and the fish caught during the operation were confiscated.

The 12 expatriate workers were referred to the accommodation centre in Haima, where they were detained pending further procedures.

Violation reports were also issued and the case was referred to the competent authorities for completion of legal proceedings.