Muscat – Omani authorities registered 792 violations of the Marine Fishing Law and Protection of Living Aquatic Resources between January and March, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR).

Of the cases, 73 were breaches of fishing licence regulations and 137 instances involving the use of prohibited fishing methods or unauthorised equipment. The ministry also recorded 22 cases of fishing in restricted areas or during banned periods, 37 cases involving unlicensed expatriate workers, 73 violations related to the absence of registration plates on vessels, and 76 other infractions.

Additionally, 681kg of lobster, 183kg of shrimp and 345kg of other fish, including abalone, were confiscated during the first quarter.

The official added that monitoring campaigns are regularly organised in coordination with the Coast Guard of the Royal Oman Police, Royal Oman Navy, Maritime Security Centre and the Ministry of Labour. These efforts cover all major fishing sites.