MAFWR, FAO to launch survey to safeguard marine resources

2026-02-11 - 16:59

Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) will begin implementing a nationwide Fisheries Resources Survey in the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman on Friday under a cooperation agreement with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The initiative forms part of Oman’s efforts to strengthen the sustainability of marine resources and reinforce food security, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The project seeks to support sustainable fisheries management by generating accurate and up-to-date scientific data on fish biomass, estimating stock sizes of targeted species, and mapping their distribution and abundance in Omani waters. The findings will help shape evidence-based policies and plans to ensure optimal utilisation of marine resources while protecting them from depletion. The survey will involve integrated field programmes, including biological studies, fish stock assessments, marine environmental research and oceanographic studies, alongside an evaluation of fishing methods and gear. It will also cover the collection and analysis of key environmental indicators such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and chlorophyll, among other factors influencing marine ecosystems. The ministry said the project is expected to contribute to the creation of a comprehensive national database for fish stock assessment, support the development of fisheries policies and strategic management plans, safeguard marine biodiversity and unlock new investment opportunities in the fisheries sector. Fishermen and seafarers have been urged to cooperate with survey teams and research vessels assigned to the project and to avoid any interference with their operations, to ensure safety and the successful delivery of the survey’s national objectives.