Officials address challenges faced by fishermen

MUSCAT: The Maritime Traditions Committee in Muscat recently held a meeting to address the issues encountered by fishermen and to explore ways to improve maritime activities and fishing.

The meeting, chaired by Ali bin Said al Saeedi, Wali of Muscat, Wali of Muscat, aimed to monitor maritime conditions and organise fishing activities. Relevant authorities and committee members attended, with fishermen sharing their concerns and discussing potential solutions.

"Among the various issues related to organising maritime activities that were discussed, the Yenkit and Al Harathi Marina project initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources was a key topic," Al Saeedi said.

During the meeting, concerns about Al Jissah, organisational matters, and service issues were addressed. The Committee also reviewed its recent work, identified challenges and proposed solutions.

"The committee has decided to arrange meetings with relevant authorities to enhance coordination and implement recommendations. This will support fishermen and protect maritime resources in the wilayat," he added.

Fishermen

Furthermore, a field visit to the Darsait-Aint Marina project was conducted to discuss the challenges faced by fishermen and strengthen coordination between government entities.

The visit, attended by representatives from the Wali of Muttrah Office, specialists from the General-Directorate of Fishing Ports, the Fisheries Development Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and members of the Maritime Traditions Committee, allowed local fishermen to share their concerns.

Various observations were made regarding sailing safety, beach entry and exit procedures, and the impact of climate change on fishing activities.

During the visit, the creation of a contingency plan to address extreme weather conditions was discussed to enhance safety measures for fishermen and reduce risks during adverse weather.

"We also explored solutions to address sand accumulation on beaches, which poses a challenge to boat movement," he added.

This visit is part of ongoing efforts to improve fishing sites, infrastructure, and services for fishermen in Muttrah, ultimately supporting the fishing sector, promoting sustainability and enhancing safety for all involved.