Charm of Oman’s fishing villages

By Swati Basu Das — It is said that the best way to know a country is to get under the skin of a country’s age-old economic heritage. While oil drives the major economy  growth of the Sultanate, fishing ornaments the development since the bygone era and still keeps the trail in track. From the display of tall and fancy fleet of  dhows to the modern fishing boats at high speed  through the waves, the country boasts contributing economic seafaring tales. The fleet of tall gorgeous heritage display of dhows has always been an integral part of Sultanate’s economic growth. Stretching along the coastal strip, the Oman countryside not only contributes to the economy but, much without ado, offers most charismatic locales — a beauty to behold. Providing a living  for the fishermen on the freshest catch of the day by selling them at a reasonable price both along the shore and shops. Be it the windswept island of Masirah or the populated fishing villages of Sur, Qalhat, Yiti; there is more than just the beauty and serenity that adds to the tale of these hidden hamlets. These fishing grounds not only serves with seafood delicacies but adds to navigate the country’s dynamic fishing history. As fishing boats glide through the turquoise blue serene waters holding the underwater charm, the fishermen out on the pry never fails to get a good catch. “I go early around 5 am in the morning and return back by 8.30 am and the sea never disappoints me. I get a school of mackerel, tunas, crabs, lobsters,” says Mohammed who was busy anchoring his boat along the beach near Kalbooh Park returning after a fishing trip and was ready to head for selling them. Each village with its own countryside charm, though have their living hooked to the sea, yet the beauty of the coastal rim lures any tourist or even locals and resident to stop by and ponder over the pristine charisma of nature. As winter makes its march in the air, the fishing villages makes its mark as a stopover point for families and friends to unwind as well as bargain  some fresh catch. “I am a regular jogger along the beach, what attracts me here is the fresh air and the eternity of the blue. A few kilometres away is the Seeb fishing village and every morning it’s a treat to see fishing boats bite the sand anchored and fishes pelt out of the fishing net. Sometimes I buy a few dozen,” smiles Debasish Mitra, a resident  of Seeb. From Muttrah to Yiti, Seeb, Qurayat and Qalhat, passing by every fishing village along a long drive makes one awestruck to the paradigm of the place and people. Fishes of wide variety have not only filled up the fisherman’s  net but have been a reason to excite those passionate about game fishing. The villages not only showcase the core of an activity but are also locations worth a visit. Be it sport fishing or fishing for a living the destination beckons all. Locations  such as Dibba, Hasik, Masirah, Sur; not only offer the best of the catches in form of tuna, sherri, emperor fish, dorado, grouper and sailfish, but is also a nature reserve of turtle population further offering a plethora of coastal and marine beauty. — axisswati@gmail.com