Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has issued new executive regulations for the Law of Living Aquatic Resources, introducing a comprehensive framework to govern fishing activities and boost sustainability of the country’s fisheries sector.

The bylaw, issued under Ministerial Decision No 70/2026, came into force on April 13. Entities covered by the regulations have been granted a one-year grace period to regularise their status until April 12, 2027, while existing licences will remain valid until expiry and thereafter renewed under the new provisions.

The regulations define living aquatic resources as all resident and migratory marine organisms inhabiting Omani waters or seabeds, together with their products, including farmed aquatic species and marine birds.

The new framework introduces several prohibitions aimed at protecting marine resources. It bans claiming or possessing marine fishing locations based on custom or tradition and prohibits the manufacture or import of fishing boats, equipment and gear without prior approval. Licence holders cannot exceed catch limits or target unauthorised species. The disposal of solid or hazardous waste in the sea, on beaches or in ports in ways that obstruct fishing and navigation or harm marine life is also prohibited.

The regulations ban the use of devices designed to attract or aggregate fish for capture, as well as bottom trawling, a practice widely known to damage marine habitats. Fishing and related activities can only be carried out under official licence, and fishing boats must carry safety equipment including life rafts, life jackets, first aid kits, fire extinguishers and distress signalling devices. Boat owners and captains are required to install monitoring systems as determined by the competent authority.

The bylaw classifies fishing into three categories – artisanal, coastal and commercial – each governed by specific rules. Artisanal fishing, defined as fishing undertaken by individuals who rely on it as their primary livelihood, requires a licence, and fishermen are prohibited from operating outside designated areas or interfere with others.

Commercial fishing is restricted to licensed Omani companies and institutions. Foreign vessels are not allowed to fish in Omani waters unless operating in partnership with an Omani entity and with prior approval. Commercial vessels are also barred from catching kingfish during the closed season, along with specific crustaceans, molluscs and protected shark species.

Recreational fishing is permitted under licence but must be carried out manually using line and hook only. The maximum catch is set at 20kg, and fishing between sunset and sunrise is prohibited.

Violators attract administrative penalties including fines of up to RO10,000, suspension of activity for up to 180 days, or licence revocation in cases of repeated or serious violations.