Immense Potential of the Fisheries Industry as a Contributor to Oman’s Exports and Economic Development

Abstract

Over the past 40 years, Oman has exhibited remarkable growth in various sectors such as infrastructure, retailing, manufacturing services and heavy industry. However, fisheries and related industries did not see much growth in the real sense. Previously, fish production in 2012 grew by 21% compared to 2011 and reached 191,000 tons in volume (or OMR142 million in value), striking an average growth rate of 6% between 2009 and 2012. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the fisheries industry in Sultanate of Oman that could eventually help in Oman’s exports and economic development. The exploratory research and descriptive method that involving surveys and interview have been used in this study. As evident, three states of Oman being studied in this research: Sohar, Muscat and Salalah. Finally, the study found that the type of transportation used by the fishermen be traditional and modern boat because it has a significant relationship to the immense presence of fishes in the Arab waters. Traditional type of fishing boat can catch as many as 0 – 300 tons, while modern type boat can catch 0 – 500 tons of fish whenever they go fishing. This scenario can bring forth a better view on how Omani people can prosper vis-a-vis with Oman’s economic diversification where the government and the Omani people will unite with one purpose.

Keywords: Fisheries Industry, Oman; Exploratory, Commercial Fisherman, Artisanal Fisherman

DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-12-06

Publication date: April 30^th 2020