A fishermen’s village project in Masirah, South Sharqiyah governorate, will be completed in January 2022, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

The fishermen’s village being developed by the ministry aims to encourage Omani fishermen to pursue their occupation by providing them with the basic necessities needed. This is in line with efforts to raise the fisheries sector’s contribution to the GDP and generate job opportunities for the youth.

According to a ministry official, the project, which was started in January 2019 “aims to attract fishermen from other coastal governorates to work in Masirah and limit violations committed by unauthorised expat fishermen”. 

“The project targets about 50 fishermen from outside Masirah.”

The official informed that the project will provide infrastructure, including residential buildings, health facilities, ice-making units and refrigerated warehouses. “The project will create a model fishermen’s village with complete facilities and services and increase their economic output by raising the quality of fisheries, besides maintaining a database of the quantity and quality of catch.”

Meanwhile, the ministry has confirmed that the expansion work of the fishing harbour in Masirah continues.

Youssef bin Hamad al Nahdi, head of the Fisheries Development Centre in the ministry, said the expansion project includes development of a refuelling area, as well as construction of a marina for more artisanal fishing boats and larger vessels. It is expected to be completed by the end of August.

“The project aims to develop fisheries wealth, boost food security and upgrade the port’s infrastructure. The total length of the two berths is approximately 180m,” Nahdi said. 

According to the ministry, the production from artisanal fishing in Masirah in 2020 amounted to 24,239 tonnes touching a total value of RO19,833,000.