Decision issued to develop, regulate marine fishing in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources issued a ministerial decision on Sunday regulating the conversion of artisanal fishing vessels from individual to institutional ownership.

The decision stipulated the amendment of certain provisions of the Executive Regulation of the Marine Fisheries and Protection of Living Aquatic Resources Law, based on the Living Aquatic Resources Law and the Executive Regulation of the Marine Fisheries and Protection of Living Aquatic Resources Law.

The issuance of this decision comes within the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to regulate and develop the marine fisheries sector and promote sustainable management practices for fish resources.

It aligns with the regulatory direction adopted by the Ministry to transfer the ownership of artisanal fishing vessels from an individual system to an institutional system, thereby ensuring greater efficiency in the management and operation of the vessels and the application of advanced professional and regulatory standards that are consistent with national policies for the development of the fisheries sector.

The decision contributes to framing and regulating the work of artisanal vessel crews within an institutional work environment that guarantees workers’ rights and defines their responsibilities, enhancing operational performance quality and maritime safety, in addition to improving the efficient use and conservation of fish resources.

The decision is considered a step in the direction of transition towards sustainable and organised management of artisanal fishing fleets, in harmony with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 to develop the fisheries sector as one of the promising economic pillars supporting food security and sustainable development.

The Ministry affirms that this decision complements its efforts to build a regulated and effective fisheries sector that contributes to empowering fishermen, supporting national institutions operating in the fishing field, and raising the efficiency of the fish production system to enhance its competitiveness locally and internationally.