Muscat – According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, farmed fish production has surged to 5,117 tonnes – valued at RO15.1mn – this year till August.

This represents a 7% increase in volume and 50% in financial value compared to 2023, which saw production of 4,767 tonnes valued at RO10.99mn.

An upward trend in production is evident from previous years. In 2022, fish production weighed 3,179 tonnes worth RO6.9mn, marking a 135% increase in volume compared to 2021, which recorded 1,350 tonnes valued at RO2.7mn. This growth trajectory has been consistent since 2018, when production volume was 350 tonnes valued at RO700,000.

Production continued to expand in subsequent years: 862 tonnes in 2019 valued at RO1.72mn (146% growth from 2018); and 1,060 tonnes in 2020 valued at RO2.12mn (23% increase from the previous year).

Diversity of farmed species has also grown significantly. The current production includes 33 species, including white shrimp, Omani abalone, finfish, European cod, Atlantic and Norwegian salmon, rock oysters, sea cucumber, sea bass, and tuna.

The ministry continues to promote investment in fish farming, emphasising the importance of leveraging natural resources, modern technologies, human expertise, and scientific research. This strategic focus aims to foster sustainable growth in the sector and enhance its contribution to the national economy.