The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has issued licences for 24 integrated aquaculture farms across Oman in 2024. These farms are projected to produce a combined total of 498 tonnes of tilapia, with an estimated market value of OMR 746,000.
The announcement was made during a regional workshop titled ‘Developing Integrated Freshwater Aquaculture – Best Practices and Modern Technologies’, held in Muscat in collaboration with regional and international aquaculture organizations.
The workshop focused on sharing best practices in the design and management of integrated aquaculture farms, aiming to improve fish quality while minimizing disease outbreaks and mortality rates. Modern technologies such as the ‘elevator system’ and ‘biofloc system’ were introduced to enhance production efficiency and maintain quality standards throughout the production cycle.
In addition to technical innovations, the workshop addressed marketing strategies, harvesting techniques, and improved farm management practices. Investment opportunities in the aquaculture sector were also presented, aligning with national objectives to strengthen food security and promote sustainable rural development.
Dr. Issa bin Mohammed Al Farsi, Director of the Aquaculture Development Department at MAFWR, affirmed the government’s commitment to positioning aquaculture as a key pillar of Oman’s fisheries sector. He emphasized that Oman is well-placed to attract both domestic and international investment while continuing to support small-scale producers.
Dr. Al Farsi underscored the role of aquaculture in achieving national food security goals. “The National Aquaculture Strategy was launched in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2007, and the sector’s development vision was formulated with support from the World Bank in 2015,” he noted.
He further highlighted the benefits of integrated aquaculture systems, which combine crop and fish farming to maximize land and water use—boosting farmer productivity and income through sustainable practices.
Source: Muscat Daily
