Over a tonne of Omani lobster fished illegally in the waters of the Sultanate of Oman outside the designated harvest season were seized by authorities during the month of March 2022, The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources recorded a total of 627 fishery-related violations in the different governorates of the country during March 2022.
Many of the offences pertained to fishing without a valid license. Instances of expatriates being employed in fishing activities without proper licenses were recorded as well.
In other breaches, the Ministry initiated action against those found operating fishing boats without proper registration plates, or installing prohibited devices or equipment onboard.
A total of 109 seizures were reported too. They include seizures of boats (10), outboard engines (10) and illegal fishing nets (25). A total of 64 expatriates working illegally in the sector were arrested as well. Authorities also seized a quantity of Omani lobster that was harvested outside of the designated season.
In a statement, the ministry has urged everyone operating in the fisheries sector to abide by regulations and laws to help sustain the country’s marine resources.