Maritime Committees and Fisheries in Muscat Governorate Boosts Sustainability and Supports Fisheries Development
08/04/2026
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(9,605) issued and renewed licences, reflect vitality of the fisheries sector (2025).
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(157) fishermen benefited from support and training programmes (2021–2025).
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Outstanding projects boost infrastructure and improve the sector’s efficiency.
The coasts of Muscat Governorate have a rich diversity of fish resources, which constitute a cornerstone to achieving food security and boosting economic diversification. The fisheries sector in the governorate has experienced remarkable progress in recent years, marked by implementing modern fishing harbour projects, providing integrated services for fishermen, and aquatic farming aquaculture activities. Thereby, enhancing sustainable growth opportunities and consistent with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Maritime Traditions Committees highlight an effective organisational and community pillar, which contribute to organising fishing activities, preserving marine stocks and supporting the sustainability of marine resources. They perform a significant role in strengthening communication between fishermen and relevant authorities, and submitting proposals and recommendations that contribute to advancing the working environment and organising this sector.
These committees, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, integrate organisational and developmental aspects. Thereby it boosts efficiency of fisheries sector management, supports its economic and environmental continuance, and to increase prospects for investment and growth.
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Committees` Role and Organisational Impact
The Marine Traditions Committees play a pivotal role in regulating fisheries sector by submitting proposals and recommendations regarding developing and enhancing the sustainability of fishery resources. Thus contributing to optimising marine resources.
These committees express their views on sector-related laws and regulations, and resolve disputes between fishermen according to approved maritime customs. Thereby promoting professional stability and organising relations among employees in the sector.
The committees contribute to suggesting improvements to fishermen`s services, supporting fisheries monitoring efforts, and boosting the efficiency of fishing ports and landing sites. Whilst preserving the maritime fishing profession as a national cultural heritage.
During 2025, the Maritime Traditions Committees in Muscat Governorate held 15 meetings, across Bawshar, Mutrah, Muscat, Quriyat and Seeb, which proves the effectiveness of their field follow-up and institutional coordination.
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Key Topics in the Wilayats
As part of its coordinative functions and monitoring of matters relating to fisheries, the Committee followed up numerous relevant topics in the wilayats. They include development projects, organisational and investment proposals, and numerous challenges and field requirements within the sector, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
These topics included the fishing port project in Haramel and the associated investment services, alongside the challenges facing fishermen in Al-Harathi and Yenkit villages in Muscat. Meanwhile, in Seeb, discussions focused on organising the Fish Market, a proposal to establish a private company investing in fishing, and establishing moorings and service facilities for fishermen in Al Manuma. In Quriyat, topics ranged from the fixed pier project at Quriyat Port and fish landing facilities in Fins and Dhabab, to offering the fish market for investment and studying investment projects. Organising services at the Fish Market in Mutrah and resolving issues at the Darsait and Aint sites were discussed. As well as, a proposal to establish a fishing port and run the Al-Ghubra Fish Market in Bawshar, and tourism projects on the waterfront in Al-Azaiba.
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Fishermen Support and Empowerment
As part of joint efforts, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources provides direct technical and financial support programmes to fishermen. In accordance with Ministerial Decision No. (52/2011), as amended by Decision No. (209/2019), this strengthens workers’ capabilities and enhance their professional activities’ continuance.
This support involves financing 80% of essential equipment, such as boats, engines, safety equipments and navigation devices, prioritising full-time fishermen.
During the period 2021–2025, (157) fishermen benefitted from this initiative, resulting in increased efficiency of artisanal fleet and greater readiness of fishing gear. Alongside this, specialised training programmes were conducted to develop fishermen’s skills, reduce operating costs and enhance maritime safety.
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Licensing Indicators (2025)
The total number of fishing licences issued and renewed in Muscat Governorate 9,605 licences, comprising 6,065 fishing profession licences and 2,650 fishing boat licences, alongside licences relating to various fisheries activities. This reflects the range of fisheries activity and continuous popularity of the profession within accredited regulatory frameworks. These indicators show the high level of fishermen`s integration into regulatory systems, which contributes to improving efficiency in fisheries management, strengthening commitment to regulatory requirements, supporting efforts to supervise marine resources, and achieving a balance between continuous economic activity and preserving fish stocks. Thus, it enhances the sector’s long-term viability.
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Projects and Initiatives Supporting Fisheries Development
The fisheries sector in Muscat Governorate continues to advance with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, strengthening its economic role and aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, while opening new horizons for investment and development.
In 2024, key projects included the management and operation of Seeb Port Fish Market, the establishment of fish landing facilities in Darsait and Aint in Mutrah, and the operation of a marine workshop in Quriyat. Moreover, some aquaculture projects like storage facilities, a fish hatchery in Al Bustan, and fish farms using floating cage systems.
Aquaculture remains a central pillar of sector development, with recent initiatives supporting the farming of Argyrops using floating cages and Asian seabass in land-based ponds. Projects such as the Aqua Gate project in Seeb and the Home Plant project in Al-Manumah have contributed to increasing production and meeting growing demand.
Another significant initiative under discussion is an experimental seaweed farming project in Al Bustan village, which plays an important role in promoting biodiversity and supporting food security. At the same time, efforts continue to develop modern fish landing sites, including the Daghmar project in Quriyat, which provides organized and safe facilities for fishermen, improves the quality of catches, and enhances economic opportunities linked to the sector.
Through their regulatory roles, the Sea Traditions Committees in Muscat Governorate underscore the effective integration of institutional and community efforts. These efforts help protect marine resources, increase production efficiency, improve working conditions for fishermen, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to both food security and economic development.