Kingfish fishing ban ends on October 15 in Oman

MUSCAT: Kingfish fishing will resume along all Oman’s coasts on Friday, October 16, 2026, following the end of the seasonal ban on Thursday, October 15, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources announced.

From October 16, catching, possessing, transporting, buying, selling, trading and exporting kingfish will be permitted under the Executive Regulation of the Living Aquatic Resources Law, issued through Ministerial Decision 70/2026.

The ministry reminded fishermen and those involved in trading and marketing kingfish to comply with the regulations governing the species. These include a minimum fish length of 65 centimetres, as stipulated in Article 179 of the executive regulation.

It thanked fishermen and fisheries sector workers for their cooperation during the ban and urged continued compliance with fishing legislation and requirements to protect fish stocks and ensure the sustainability of Oman’s kingfish fisheries.

Separately, the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate announced a campaign to remove unauthorised materials and equipment from fishing ports, beginning on October 15, 2026.

Fishermen and port users have been asked to remove s marked with warning stickers within a maximum of two weeks of the stickers being placed.

The campaign covers abandoned or unlicensed boats; boat trailers, vehicles and associated equipment in breach of regulations; nets, fishing equipment and fish storage boxes left outside designated areas; and unlicensed or prohibited fishing gear.

The directorate urged compliance to avoid legal or administrative action, saying cooperation would improve safety, port organisation and the efficient use of facilities.