Aquaculture Production in Oman Surpasses RO 12.5 Million in 2024

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources organized the Fisheries Investment Opportunities Forum to highlight the growing role of aquaculture in food security. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Eng Ali bin Mohammed al Abri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, revealed that aquaculture production in Oman touched 5,500 tonnes worth over RO 12.5 million in 2024, up from 5,000 tonnes valued at RO 11.5 million in 2023. Globally, aquaculture has become one of the fastest-growing food sectors, growing at an annual rate of approximately 9 per cent in response to the increasing global demand for seafood. Oman has set ambitious goals to raise production efficiency, expand the scope of projects, and achieve food security, economic diversification, and job opportunities for citizens by 2030.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aquaculture production in Oman reached 5,500 tonnes in 2024, valued at over RO 12.5 million, representing a 10% increase from 5,000 tonnes in 2023 (valued at RO 11.5 million).
  • 19 pioneering aquaculture projects worth RO 841 million were in operation in Oman by 2024, with 22 new projects worth RO 1.17 billion in the pipeline.
  • Aquaculture is considered a key contributor to the GDP and receives special attention and care in Oman.
  • Oman has set ambitious goals to achieve food security, provide job opportunities for citizens, and make aquaculture one of the pillars of economic diversification by 2030.
  • The ministry has been working to create an enabling environment for investment by enacting legislation, developing infrastructure, and facilitating procedures for investors.
  • Oman Vision 2040 highlights the importance of aquaculture as a key sector for economic diversification.
  • Dr Abdulaziz al Marzouqi, Director-General of the ministry's General Directorate of Fisheries Resources Development, stated that global aquaculture production exceeded 94 million tonnes in 2022 and is projected to reach 130 million tonnes annually by 2030.

Statistics:

  • Aquaculture production in Oman: 5,500 tonnes in 2024, 5,000 tonnes in 2023
  • Market value of aquaculture production in Oman: over RO 12.5 million in 2024, RO 11.5 million in 2023
  • Number of pioneering aquaculture projects in Oman: 19 (as of 2024), with 22 new projects in the pipeline
  • Total value of pioneering aquaculture projects in Oman: RO 841 million (as of 2024)
  • Total value of new aquaculture projects in Oman: RO 1.17 billion
  • Global aquaculture production: 94 million tonnes in 2022, projected to reach 130 million tonnes annually by 2030
  • Annual growth rate of global aquaculture: approximately 9 per cent

Sources:

  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Oman
  • Eng Ali bin Mohammed al Abri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources
  • Dr Abdulaziz al Marzouqi, Director-General of the ministry's General Directorate of Fisheries Resources Development