Oman aquaculture output rises to 5,500 tonnes worth US$32.4 million

OMAN – Aquaculture production in Oman reached 5,500 tonnes in 2024, valued at more than US$32.4 million, according to figures released at the Fisheries Investment Opportunities Forum.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources said the total was higher than the 5,000 tonnes reported in 2023, which were worth around US$29.8 million.

Speaking at the opening session, Under-Secretary Eng Ali bin Mohammed al Abri said the sector is being treated as a significant contributor to the country’s economy and is benefiting from supportive regulations and resources.

He noted that the increase in 2024 production compared with the previous year reflects investor confidence in Oman’s aquaculture environment.

The forum, which began on Monday in Muscat, focused on aquaculture as a means of strengthening food security in line with the country’s long-term economic plans.

Global and local context

Globally, aquaculture is among the fastest expanding food industries, growing at close to 9 percent annually due to rising seafood demand linked to population growth and higher incomes.

Worldwide aquaculture output stood at more than 94 million tonnes in 2022, surpassing half of the total fish supply for human consumption for the first time, according to Dr Abdulaziz al Marzouqi, Director-General of the ministry’s General Directorate of Fisheries Resources Development.

Forecasts suggest that global demand will reach more than 130 million tonnes each year by 2030, he added.

In Oman, authorities have focused on creating a favorable climate for aquaculture investment by introducing laws, improving infrastructure, and encouraging research and technology use in marine farming.

Projects and investment

The government has set targets to expand production capacity, generate employment for nationals, and integrate aquaculture into economic diversification plans under Oman Vision 2040.

By 2024, the country had 19 aquaculture projects valued at about US$2.18 billion, covering a range of species and systems.

This year, 22 projects worth an estimated US$3.04 billion are under development, including farms for kofer, whiteleg shrimp, and Omani abalone, along with freshwater aquaculture initiatives.

The Fisheries Investment Opportunities Forum continues to present these projects to investors, while positioning aquaculture as one of the central components of Oman’s strategy for sustainable food production.

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