Muscat – The project aims to advance commercial aquaculture and microalgae cultivation in the Wilayat of Masirah in South Al Sharqiyah.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Muneer Ali Al Muniri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fisheries Development Oman.

The project, valued at RO 5 million, will be implemented by the Blue Waters Company, a subsidiary of Fisheries Development Oman.

The shellfish farming project will span 2 hectares of marine site and 0.5 hectares of land site, utilizing a system of reversible plastic cages. It includes a longitudinal floating strip for cage installation, stabilization equipment, anchors, two floating platforms, and support boats.

H.E. Eng. Yaqoub bin Khalfan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Fisheries, highlighted that the agreement is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to enhance the fisheries sector, specifically fish farming. He noted that the project is expected to increase production from fish farming to over a thousand tons upon completion of all stages.

In addition to the shellfish farming agreement, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in the field of microalgae cultivation. Net Zero Solutions Company signed the MoU with Al Tharmad Business and Services Company and Saudi-based Al Khadra Gulf Industries Company. This collaboration aims to develop projects in Oman using photobioreactor technology to cultivate specific types of microalgae for biofuel production. This technology is known for accelerating production and reducing water consumption, while ensuring high-quality products.

Microalgae are a renewable resource capable of producing biodiesel sustainably, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and enhancing efforts to combat global warming.