Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has announced the commencement of the 2026 shrimp fishing season, which will run from September 1 through the end of November. This seasonal closure is part of an ongoing effort to promote sustainable shrimp stock management while supporting the country’s broader economic diversification goals through the development of its fisheries sector.
In 2025, total shrimp production in Oman reached 6,321.46 tonnes, with a market value of approximately RO 14.15 million. The majority of this output—5,367.50 tonnes valued at RO 12.40 million—originated from aquaculture operations, while natural fisheries accounted for 953.96 tonnes valued at RO 1.75 million. The data illustrates a shift from traditional marine fishing to intensified cultivation methods, signaling growing investment and development in shrimp farming across the Sultanate.
Overall aquaculture production also saw significant growth, reaching nearly 9,240 tonnes in 2025 with a total value exceeding RO 20.3 million, representing a 67.7% increase from the previous year. Whiteleg shrimp stood out as one of the leading cultivated species. This expansion is supported by new projects, including a major shrimp farming facility in the Wilayat of Shinas, backed by an investment of RO 23.5 million and projected to reach an annual production capacity of 7,500 tonnes once fully operational.
The economic impact of the shrimp season extends beyond harvest volumes, influencing a full supply chain that includes transportation, sorting, packaging, refrigeration, marketing, and export activities. Strengthening this chain aims to enhance the added value of Omani shrimp products, stimulate job creation, and back small and medium-sized enterprises operating in coastal communities.
To safeguard resource sustainability, the Ministry has restricted permissible fishing methods during the 2026 season to the use of gillnets only, explicitly banning trawling and unlicensed gear. The Ministry also reiterated that all activities involving shrimp—fishing, possession, trading, selling, purchasing, transporting, storage, exporting, and freezing—are prohibited outside the designated season and regulatory framework.
Officials emphasized that adherence to these regulations is critical to maintaining the long-term viability of shrimp stocks, ensuring the sector’s growth does not come at the expense of marine ecosystem health. With aquaculture’s continued progression and increased investment, shrimp production is positioned to become a cornerstone of Oman's marine economy, contributing to food security, diversification of income sources, and expanded export potential.