275 modern fishing vessels by 2023: MoAF
As part of its efforts to develop the fisheries sector and raise fishermen’s income, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) has launched a programme to introduce 275 modern fishing vessels by 2023.
Speaking to Muscat Daily an official at MoAF said, “The programme aims to empower Omani youth to work in the fisheries sector. The programme also aims to maintain the quality of fish products, raise the revenues of Omani fishermen, improve their working conditions by meeting safety and security requirements on boats.”
The project will ultimately promote economic diversification, introducing modern and advanced fishing technologies and equipment with high economic returns, he added.
“The new boats will help fishermen to venture into deep seas. A boat will be around 10m-14m long. It will have a cabin, a resting room and a store room for the catch. Fishermen can be at sea for two to three days and bring in fish that is bigger and better in quality. The boats will ensure the safety of the fishermen and their catch.”
He said that the ministry is hopeful that the new boats will make the transition more easier for the fishermen.
The ministry has invited young Omanis to be part of the initiative. The objective is not only to help Omani job seekers pursue rewarding livelihoods as fishermen, but also to build the capability of the fisheries sector to achieve an aggregate output of 1.3mn tonnes of fish products per annum by 2023.
MoAF and Al Raffd Fund signed a cooperation agreement to finance the project. The ministry trained about 250 Omanis in the first phase.
The programme includes training of fishermen on the applications of navigation devices, boat operation and maintenance of engines and requirements of safety and security and maintenance of fish quality.
The training programme will last three weeks.
The training programme also includes qualifying college graduates and diploma holders to work in the field of fishing for six months.
According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information a total of 49,715 fishing licences were issued and renewed in 2018. Some 23,726 fishing boat licences were issued and renewed in the year.