Musandam: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is exerting intensive efforts to develop fish landing sites as part of its strategic plans aimed at developing and enhancing the sustainability of the fisheries sector. These sites are considered fundamental pillars of the fisheries infrastructure in the Sultanate of Oman, representing one of the most important links between fishing, production, and marketing operations. They form the starting point for developing fish supply chains and improving the efficiency of seafood handling.
According to Oman News Agency, fishing landing sites are distributed along the coasts of the Sultanate of Oman to serve a wide segment of traditional and artisanal fishermen. They provide an organized and safe environment for unloading, sorting, and handling fish. They also play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of seafood products and ensuring they reach the markets under the best health and environmental conditions, in addition to their function in regulating fishing activities and limiting irregular practices in sales and distribution.
In this context, Abdul Latif Mohammed Al Balushi, Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Musandam Governorate, said that Musandam Governorate is characterized by its marine wealth and natural fisheries. The fishing landing sites in its various Wilayats represent important focal points for developing the fisheries sector and enhancing local food security.
He added that the two fishing landing sites in the ports of Ghumda and Al Jari in the Wilayat of Bukha are among the most promising sites that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources seeks to develop. This development aims to provide services to fishermen and improve the efficiency of fish marketing in the governorate.
He pointed out that the fishing landing sites represent economic opportunities for stimulating local commercial activity by attracting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the fields of packaging, transportation, ice manufacturing, and marine maintenance, in addition to their social role in improving the living conditions of fishermen by providing essential services and logistical support facilities.
For his part, Arif bin Mohammed Al Kumzari, Head of the Marketing Section at the Directorate of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Musandam Governorate, said that the Ministry recently announced the offering of investment opportunities for the establishment, management, and operation of the Ghumda and Al Jari fishing landing sites in the Wilayat of Bukha. This is part of its continuous efforts to develop the fisheries infrastructure and enhance its contribution to the national economy.
He added that this direction aims to empower the private sector to manage and operate these sites and develop their services in line with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes the importance of partnership between the public and private sectors in achieving sustainable development. He noted that involving investors will contribute to raising performance efficiency and improving the quality of services provided to fishermen.
He stressed that investment in the establishment, management, and operation of fishing landing sites is an essential step towards achieving the environmental and economic sustainability of marine wealth and enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a regional hub for the trade and export of fish products, thereby supporting the local economy in Musandam Governorate and strengthening the competitiveness of the Omani fisheries sector regionally and internationally.