Oman announces two-month ban on kingfish trading and fishing
ban will be in place from Friday, 15 August 2025, to Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR) has announced a two-month ban on catching and trading kingfish across all Omani coasts in 2025.
The ban will be in place from Friday, 15 August 2025, to Wednesday, 15 October 2025, under Ministerial Decision No. (2014/230). The measure is aimed at protecting kingfish stocks and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Ban guidelines
The ministry has urged all fishermen, fish transporters, and related businesses to comply with the following:
No fishing, transporting, buying, selling, trading, or exporting kingfish during the ban period.
Register existing kingfish stocks with the relevant authorities before the ban begins — unregistered stocks will not be allowed for trading or export.
The ban applies to fishermen, fish transporters, and companies engaged in the catching, transporting, purchasing, selling, or exporting of kingfish.
The ministry stressed that cooperation from all stakeholders is vital to avoid legal penalties for violations.
Fisheries sector outlook
Oman’s fish production is projected to reach 2,970 metric tons by 2028, up from about 2,270 metric tons in 2023, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. Since 2003, the nation’s fish supply has grown by 38.1% year-on-year.
Fish consumption is expected to rise to 52,000 metric tons by 2028, compared to approximately 50,000 metric tons in 2023, a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. Since 2019, demand has grown by 1% annually.
In 2023, Oman ranked 61st globally in fish consumption. Finland slightly surpassed Oman at around 50,000 metric tons, while Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand took the second, third, and fourth positions respectively.
Economic role of fisheries
The fisheries sector recorded 9% growth in 2024, underscoring its importance in economic diversification under the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). The sector aims for 10% annual growth and a 2% contribution to national GDP.
Expansion is being driven by strategic projects such as:
A fishing port and fish canning complex in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm
The Al Khuwaimiyah shrimp farm in South Sharqiyah
Port developments in Lima, Kumzar, Raysut, and Shanna
The Tenth Five-Year Plan includes 224 development projects worth RO 1.6 billion, focusing on environmental sustainability, resource protection, and enhancing Oman’s global environmental standing. These initiatives align with Oman Vision 2040 goals to optimise marine resources, expand the food industry, and boost exports.
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