Oman’s fisheries sector employs 34,000
The fisheries sector in Oman employs more than 34,000 people and is a major contributor to the Sultanate's gross domestic product (GDP).
The fisheries sector is one of the most important sectors not in the oil industry.
The Sultanate's 3,165km coastline is a meeting point of three seas and is a significant marine resource distinguished for its biological diversity.
Associated sectors include fish processing, exporting, packaging and storing, in addition to the manufacturing of fishing tools and other equipment.
The government has been working to develop the sector with a number of steps are being taken, including the setting up of jetties and training fishermen in the use of modern technology.
In response to the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to develop human resources, a fishermen's institute was opened in Salalah recently in addition to other institutes in operation in the country.
The Salalah Fishermen's Institute plays a significant role in providing the local market with qualified manpower. The establishment of this institute has been a successful project which enhances the scope for the development of the sector. This institute imparts specialised courses which make the youth capable of working in the sector and shoulder greater responsibilities.
More and more Omani youth are being trained in various specialisations, including onboard mechanical engineering, deep-sea engineering, as well as navigation, cooling and air-conditioning, electrical and electronic engineering and welding.
Recently, the government has earmarked more than USD 260 million for the development of the fisheries sector. The lion's share of this amount will go towards the construction of ports and other fishery-related infrastructure.
It is hoped that by the end of the development plan, there is "a fishing port in each coastal town in Oman."
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has also expanded the coverage of its subsidy scheme to cover not only greater number of deserving fishermen, but also other segments of the fishery industry.
