Salalah: The volume of fish production in the Governorate of Dhofar last year (2021) stood at 83,753 tonnes, valued at RO 36 million. Of this output, small pelagic fish comprised 52% and bottom fish 26%.
Eng Rashid Said al Ghafri, Director General of Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources encourages the ideal exploitation of marine resources in the governorate to ensure their sustainability within the context of Oman Vision 2040.
Al Ghafri affirmed on the importance of establishing fisheries projects and industries that benefit the local society and enhance the national economy. He added that the Directorate General of Fisheries and Water Resources keeps a tap on the coast and lends support to fishermen and the workforce in the fisheries sector.
Dhofar had 11,632 fishermen in 2021, in addition to a large body of personnel engaged in fishing activities, including transport, marketing, specialized industry units, workshops and jetties, said Al Ghafri, adding that, by 2021, the number of fishing boats stood at 4,477 and the number of trawlers stood at 79.
