Oman's Fish Landings Value Rises 1.5% Amidst Slight Volume Dip

The Sultanate of Oman recorded a 1.5% increase in the value of fish landed, reaching OMR320.795 million by the end of June 2026. This figure is up from OMR316.112 million reported during the same period in 2025. This positive financial performance in the fisheries sector notes a notable gain in revenue despite other trends. Despite the rise in value, the total volume of fish landed experienced a slight decline over the reporting period. Artisanal, coastal, and commercial fishing operations collectively landed 468,407 tonnes by the end of June 2026. This volume represents a 0.2% decrease compared to the 469,175 tonnes recorded at the end of June 2025, indicating a marginal reduction in overall catch volume.

Fishing Volume Breakdown

The volume of artisanal fishing decreased by 0.3%, reaching 416,683 tonnes by the end of June 2026. This figure compares to 418,133 tonnes recorded during the corresponding period of 2025. This slight reduction in artisanal fishing, which often forms the backbone of local fishing communities, suggests a minor shift in this traditional segment. Conversely, commercial fishing experienced an increase in its volume, demonstrating growth in the larger-scale operations. Commercial fishing operations landed 46,232 tonnes by the end of June 2026, marking a 1.4% rise from the 45,616 tonnes reported during the same period in 2025. This increase in commercial landings points to an expansion or enhanced efficiency within this segment of the industry.

Coastal fishing also saw an increase in its volume, contributing to the varied performance across different fishing methods. The sector reached 5,492 tonnes by the end of June 2026, an increase of 1.2% compared to the 5,426 tonnes landed during the corresponding period of 2025. The data indicates a mixed performance across different fishing categories within the Sultanate of Oman's fisheries sector. While artisanal fishing, which often constitutes a significant portion of total landings, saw a slight decline, both commercial and coastal fishing categories registered modest growth in their respective volumes, balancing the overall slight decrease in total volume. This varied performance shows the dynamic nature of Oman's fishing industry.

Governorate Landings Data

Al Wusta Governorate led in artisanal fish landings, recording a total of 149,434 tonnes. This figure positions Al Wusta as the primary contributor to the Sultanate's artisanal fish supply. South Al Sharqiyah Governorate followed, registering 115,055 tonnes of artisanal fish landed, securing its place as the second-highest contributor. The combined North and South Al Batinah Governorates reported 51,721 tonnes from artisanal fishing operations, noting their collective importance. Dhofar Governorate contributed 49,865 tonnes to the total artisanal fish landings, showcasing its significant role in the sector. Muscat Governorate accounted for 25,995 tonnes, reflecting the contribution from the capital region. Musandam Governorate recorded 24,612 tonnes of artisanal fish landed during the period, rounding out the reported regional contributions.

Species Composition

Small pelagic fish constituted the largest portion of species landed through artisanal fishing, reaching a volume of 206,913 tonnes. This category's dominance notes its importance to the artisanal fishing community and the local diet. Large pelagic fish followed as the second most landed category, accounting for 127,831 tonnes, indicating a substantial catch of species like tuna and kingfish. Demersal fish ranked third among species caught by artisanal methods, with a volume of 65,194 tonnes, comprising fish found near the seabed. Other unclassified species collectively contributed 11,389 tonnes to the total artisanal landings, representing a diverse array of additional marine life. Sharks recorded a volume of 2,974 tonnes during the period, showing a smaller but still present component of the catch. Crustaceans and mollusks represented the lowest volume among the reported categories, with 2,382 tonnes landed, indicating these species form a smaller, specialized part of the overall artisanal fishing yield.