40 expatriates arrested for violating fishing law: MoAF
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) has announced via Twitter that it has arrested 40 expatriates for violating provisions of the Marine Fishing Law and Protection of Living Aquatic Resources.
Oman witnessed a 28 per cent rise in illegal fishing cases recorded in 2016 as compared to 2015. In 2016, the ministry recorded 1,931 violations, as compared to 1,504 in 2015.
Musandam recorded the highest number violations in sea fishing in 2015 at 720 cases, followed by South Sharqiyah (344), North Batinah (332), Dhofar (283), Al Wusta (153) and Muscat (99).
“In 2016, Dhofar (438) recorded the highest number of violations followed by Al Wusta
(349), North Batinah (330), South Sharqiyah (293), Musandam (63) and Muscat (58),” the ministry stated.
MoAF confirmed that it is studying comments posted with the hashtag 'The fish wealth needs observers' and is committed to protecting Oman's marine resources in coordination with other concerned authorities.
The ministry has also urged fishermen and citizens to abide by the marine fishing law of the sultanate and protect its resources.
It has also urged people to report any complaint through the hotline of the Maritime Security Center on 1999 or 24322999 or WhatsApp on 91400430. Complaints can also be made via the ministry's Twitter account through direct messages or through the fisheries development departments.