Oman’s fishery management dives into 21st-century waters. (Photo Credit: World Bank Group)

Fisheries sector vitalization gets support from World Bank

The Sultanate of Oman is trying to diversify its economy beyond oil and as part of that initiative, the government is working to overhaul its fisheries sector with the help of the World Bank.

The fisheries sector is again recognized as important to the future of Oman, as well-managed fisheries can be a bountiful and renewable resource and contribute to food security of the population, especially the poor.

Today, many fishers live in small villages where most family members work as or with artisanal fishers. But the ocean’s health is fragile, the fish are migratory, and stocks have been depleted over time.

As a starting point, the Omani government has begun the process of overhauling the fisheries sector, and has asked the World Bank to help devise a plan to boost the sustainable livelihoods and prosperity of fishing communities.

“The government wants to improve every element of the value chain, from fish harvesting, to packaging and logistics, to marketing,” said World Bank senior environmental specialist, Banu Setlur.

The World Bank has helped lay the groundwork for vitalization, offering technical expertise, bringing international good practices and engaging stakeholders on building a shared vision to renew fisheries.

During a series of workshops in 2014, everyone from ministers to fishers to tribal elders huddled with technical trainers who conducted detailed analyses on the state of Oman’s fisheries. Together, they mapped out a vision for the future, as well as a means for its implementation.

“It was the first time in Oman that various stakeholders including fishers from the seven coastal governorates were involved in decision-making,” said Jamal Al-Kibbi, World Bank programme manager for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

It was also a first for the World Bank, which is increasing its focus on renewable blue resources—fisheries, ocean resources and aquaculture.

“The Bank has been asked to link the government’s investment programme in the fisheries sector to their vision of private sector led growth, while maintaining a focus on sustainable management of the natural resource,” she stressed.

This two-year effort culminated in a Government of Oman vision for fisheries and aquaculture to 2040: To achieve a profitable world-class fisheries sector that is ecologically sustainable and a net contributor to the economy of Oman.

The World Bank is also helping to prepare a pilot investment project in abalone and cuttlefish following international best practice. Support for abalone stock enhancement is planned through scaling up hatchery activities, and improving the environmental compliance of these facilities. The management of these valuable fish stocks will be increasingly turned over to the fisher communities, supported by scientific and advisory government services.

The Bank hopes to support organizational management, business development and management training, and fisheries management planning for new institutions built around fishers and other key players. The vision is an ambitious plan that is designed to reinforce sector governance by strengthening monitoring and data collection; quality control; and branding and marketing. New fishery management would help the authorities be more responsive to the actual needs of fishing communities, and would help mobilize private investments into the sector.

The goal is to bring fisheries back as an economic resource -- both rooted in tradition and utilizing the newest advances to cultivate high-value fish.

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