Muscat – H E Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has issued Ministerial Decision No 41/2025 aimed at regulating retail sale of seafood and related products.

The decision puts on hold new applications for licences to engage in selling seafood for one year. According to Article 1 of the decision, the suspension applies to all licensing applications for retail seafood stores.

This temporary pause is part of wider efforts to ensure sustainability and protection of Oman’s marine resources, furthering the sultanate’s commitment to responsible fishing practices.

The decision was issued on February 24 and will be effective following its publication in the Official Gazette.

In alignment with the Aquatic Living Resources Law established by Royal Decree 20/2019 and its amendments under Royal Decree No 92/2020, the decision emphasises the government’s focus on public interest and sustainable management of marine resources. The decision also abides by executive regulations of Ministerial Decision No 4/94 concerning protection of living aquatic resources.