MUSCAT: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in Oman said that the number of shrimp aquaculture projects in various governorates of Oman reached 6 projects by the end of 2023, with an estimated investment value of RO 134.087 million.
Statistics revealed that the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate has recorded the highest number of shrimp aquaculture projects, due to its vast lands and proximity to the sea, which are suitable for shrimp farming.
Dr Issa bin Mohammed al Farsi, the Director of the Aquaculture Development Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, emphasised that shrimp aquaculture projects, in general, and shrimp farms, in particular, have created a new trade opportunity for citizens. Citizens, fish transporters, small and medium-sized enterprises are now able to directly purchase shrimp from fish farms and sell them in local markets or export them to neighboring countries.
He added that the ministry plans to enhance the biosecurity system in fish farms, open new markets for Omani exports of aquaculture products, increase the added value of national aquaculture products, and supply the local market with diverse and high-quality aquaculture projects.
Currently, the ministry is working on offering several investment opportunities in the shrimp aquaculture sector. Recently, 10 investment lands have been announced with the aim of attracting foreign investments and continuously monitoring and enhancing productivity. Notable ongoing shrimp aquaculture projects include the Muscat Solutions and Systems project in Mirbat in Dhofar Governorate, the Blue Aqua and National Phoenix projects in Shinas, North Al Batinah Governorate, as well as the Oman Fish Development (Bar Al Hakman) project in Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate.
In addition, several projects are set to be launched in 2024, including the Oman Aquaculture Company's Phase II project in Mirbat, Dhofar Governorate, the local fish (Whiteleg Shrimp) project in Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, the National Plant (Aquatic Plant Aquaculture) project in Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate, the Musandam Marine Aquaculture (Marine Finfish) project in Khassab, Musandam Governorate, and the United Aquaculture (Marine Finfish) project in Seeb, Muscat Governorate.
It is worth mentioning that shrimp aquaculture projects in Oman are considered a fundamental pillar in economic diversification, as economic studies have shown that Oman has the potential to be a leader in the field of aquaculture. — ONA
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