Aquaculture Investment in Oman Reaches RO 349 Million: What This Means for Investors and Business Growth
MUSCAT: Oman’s aquaculture sector is experiencing significant growth, supported by increasing investments and steady production gains as the Sultanate advances its blue economy and food security objectives. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, cumulative investments in current aquaculture projects reached approximately RO 349 million by the end of 2025, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.
New agreements valued at over RO 50 million have recently been signed, expected to add more than 15,000 tonnes of annual production capacity. These expansions primarily focus on shrimp and marine fish farming, reflecting a strategic shift towards scaling high-value aquaculture while strengthening domestic supply chains.
By the close of 2025, total aquaculture production reached about 9,240 tonnes. Of this, commercial aquaculture contributed 7,970 tonnes, with integrated aquaculture accounting for 605 tonnes, indicating gradual improvements in operational efficiency and expansion.
Dr Abdul Aziz bin Saeed al Marzouqi, Director General of Fisheries Development, highlighted that the sector is undergoing a qualitative transformation driven by increased investment and enhanced productivity, boosting its role in the national economy. Production is becoming more diverse, including shrimp, marine fish, oysters, and abalone, alongside emerging ventures like seaweed and algae cultivation.
Integrated aquaculture, which combines fish farming with agricultural or aquatic systems to optimize resource use, is gaining momentum as a sustainable model expected to support overall sector resilience.
Looking forward, Oman aims to reach an aquaculture output of approximately 252,000 tonnes by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the country’s broader economic diversification strategy, positioning aquaculture as a vital component of future non-oil economic growth. — ONA
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Oman’s aquaculture sector presents significant growth opportunities for businesses, driven by robust investments and a strategic push towards high-value, diversified production. For investors and entrepreneurs, the focus should be on scalable, resource-efficient models like integrated aquaculture, which align with sustainability goals and the Sultanate’s blue economy vision. This sector’s rapid expansion signals a promising frontier for non-oil economic diversification, making it a critical area for forward-looking investment and innovation.
