Investments that the government of Oman has made into the nation's aquaculture sector appear to be paying off, as farmed fish output in the country rose nearly 70% last year.

According to data from the Oman Department of Aquaculture Development, which operates under the nation's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, farmed fish output reached 9,240 metric tons (MT) in 2025, marking growth of 67.7% compared to 2024 totals. That growth in output led to the total value of aquaculture production increasing 63.7%, reaching OMR 20.3 million (US$52.6 million).

Species that contributed to last year's higher yields, according to Oman's Director of Aquaculture Issa Mohammed Al Farsi, were whiteleg shrimp, sea bream, tilapia, abalone, and rock oysters.

The growth comes as the Omani government has stepped up key investments into the nation's aquaculture sector.

According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Oman has modernised the sector to now include enhanced shrimp- and abalone-farming operations and integrated tilapia systems, all of which highlight the government's "strong commitment to sustainable aquaculture development."

To that end, Oman has backed the construction of a OMR23.5 million (US$60.9 million) whiteleg shrimp-farming project with an annual capacity of 7,500 MT. The project, which sits on 15 hectares, aligns with Oman's commitment to achieve national food security and reduce reliance on the oil sector to generate revenue, according to a government statement.

Omani government projections estimate the country's aquaculture sector could be worth OMR351.6 (US$911.4 million) by 2030, and to ensure growth continues, Al Farsi said the government is committed to the adoption of a comprehensive vision to develop a competitive and sustainable aquaculture sector as outlined in the country's Fisheries and Aquaculture Vision (FAV) 2040 policy.

Part of the FAV 2040 policy focuses on garnering more private sector participation in the aquaculture sector, instead of its current heavy reliance on government investments.

Longer term, Oman aims to achieve output of 100,000 MT of farmed fish annually by 2040.

- SeafoodSource

Oman's farmed fish output increased close to 70% in 2025

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