A senior representative told the Observer: “We have undertaken a number of projects and initiatives to help enhance the contribution of the fisheries sector to the government’s food security plan. While these are being implemented primarily by Oman Fisheries, some initiatives also involve partnership arrangements with fishermen along the length of the Sultanate’s coast.”
The significance of the initiatives is the construction of an 8,000 metric tonne capacity refrigerated warehouse at Barka designed and equip to store frozen food and chilled products such as fish, chicken, meat, vegetables and fruits.
Situated just opposite the new Central Fish Market at Al Felaij, the facility is billed as the biggest of its kind.
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries imposed a ban on the export of some species of living fish with effects from June 1 to September 15.
The decision has been issued to provide the local market with more fish.
The types of fish prohibited to be exported include Gaithar (Tuna), Kanad (King Fish), Sahwa, Washran, Sal, Khayit, Hamam, Kafdar, Talah, Ghazal, Debs, Habs, Kofdar Talah, Ghazal and Kofar fishes excluding Seeh.
The decision makes it mandatory for owners of fish transportation and marketing vehicles, as well as the companies licensed to practise aquatic hygiene upon handling and marketing.
This also requires the companies to market equal quantities of the types of fishes known as Shaari, Bayah, Iqam, Dalaa, Ashkhali, Sarif, Andaq and Hamur (excluding Disco) during the said period.
When the companies comply with this target quotas, each will be granted licence to export a quantity of fish equal to the quantity marketed locally.
