Oman aquaculture market report Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Oman Aquaculture Market Overview

• The Oman Aquaculture Market is valued at USD 630 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is driven by increasing domestic demand for seafood, robust government initiatives to promote aquaculture, and the need for sustainable food sources. The market has seen a surge in investments, particularly in advanced technologies such as recirculating aquaculture systems and improved feed formulations, aimed at enhancing production capabilities and supply chain efficiencies. These trends reflect Oman’s commitment to diversifying its economy and strengthening food security through aquaculture development .
• Key players in this market include the Muscat, Dhofar, and Al Batinah regions, which dominate due to their favorable coastal geography and access to marine resources. These areas benefit from established infrastructure, government support, and significant investments in species diversity and modern farming technologies, making them ideal for aquaculture development and attracting both local and foreign investments. Notable projects include sea bream farms in Quriyat and Seeb, abalone in Mirbat, shrimp in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, and freshwater aquaculture in Khabourah and Barka .
• In 2023, the Omani government implemented the Ministerial Decision No. 114/2023 issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. This regulation mandates that all aquaculture farms must comply with specific environmental standards, including comprehensive waste management protocols and the use of certified sustainable feed sources. Farms are required to submit annual environmental impact assessments and maintain operational records to ensure compliance, thereby minimizing ecological impact and promoting responsible farming practices .

Oman Aquaculture Market Segmentation

By Type:The aquaculture market is segmented into Pelagic Fish, Demersal Fish, Freshwater Fish, Shellfish, and Seaweed and Other Marine Products. Each sub-segment addresses distinct consumer preferences and market demands. Pelagic fish, such as sardines, mackerel, and tuna, are especially popular due to their high nutritional value and strong demand in both domestic and export markets. Shellfish, including shrimp and lobsters, maintain significant market share driven by premium pricing and popularity in food service sectors. Recent government investments have expanded species diversity, with notable growth in abalone, sea bream, and freshwater tilapia production .

By End-User:The aquaculture market is segmented by end-user into Retail, Food Service, Export, and Others. The retail segment is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by rising consumer awareness of seafood’s health benefits and increased availability of fresh and processed products in supermarkets. The food service sector remains a key driver, with hotels and restaurants seeking premium seafood to meet evolving customer demands. Export markets are vital for high-value products, especially shellfish and pelagic fish, which are in strong demand internationally due to Oman’s reputation for quality and sustainable practices .

Oman Aquaculture Market Competitive Landscape

The Oman Aquaculture Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Oman Fisheries Company SAOG, Al Bahja Group, Dhofar Fisheries & Food Industries Company SAOG, Oman Aquaculture Development Company (OADC), Blue Waters LLC, Al Waha Fisheries LLC, Sea Harvest Oman LLC, Oman Marine Products LLC, Al Jazeera Fisheries LLC, Gulf Fisheries Company LLC, Oman Seafood Company LLC, Al Noor Fisheries LLC, Oman Aquaculture Development Company (OADC), Muscat Aquaculture LLC, Al Hail Fisheries LLC contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Oman Aquaculture Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Domestic Seafood Demand:The demand for seafood in Oman has surged, with consumption reaching approximately 70,000 tons in future. This growth is driven by a rising population, which is projected to reach 5.7 million in future, and a growing middle class that increasingly prefers seafood as a protein source. The government’s initiatives to promote local seafood consumption further support this trend, aiming to reduce reliance on imports, which accounted for 35% of the market in future.
• Government Support and Investment:The Omani government has committed over OMR 15 million (approximately USD 39 million) to enhance the aquaculture sector through infrastructure development and research. This investment aims to increase local production capacity, which was around 25,000 tons in future, and to create job opportunities in coastal regions. Additionally, the government’s Vision 2040 plan emphasizes sustainable aquaculture practices, aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship, thus fostering a favorable investment climate.
• Technological Advancements in Aquaculture:The adoption of innovative technologies in aquaculture, such as automated feeding systems and water quality monitoring, has improved efficiency and productivity. In future, the introduction of these technologies led to a 20% increase in yield per farm, with average production rising to 1,800 tons per hectare. Furthermore, partnerships with tech firms are expected to enhance operational capabilities, making Oman a competitive player in the regional aquaculture market.

Market Challenges

• Limited Access to Quality Feed:The aquaculture sector in Oman faces challenges related to the availability of high-quality feed, which is crucial for fish growth and health. Currently, about 75% of feed is imported, leading to increased costs and supply chain vulnerabilities. In future, feed prices rose by 25% due to global supply chain disruptions, impacting profit margins for local aquaculture farms and hindering overall growth potential in the sector.
• Regulatory Hurdles:The regulatory environment for aquaculture in Oman can be complex, with multiple agencies involved in licensing and compliance. In future, it was reported that the average time to obtain necessary permits was approximately eight months, which can deter new investments. Additionally, stringent environmental regulations, while essential for sustainability, can impose additional costs and delays for aquaculture operators, limiting their ability to scale operations effectively.

Oman Aquaculture Market Future Outlook

The future of the Oman aquaculture market appears promising, driven by increasing domestic demand and government initiatives aimed at enhancing production capabilities. As the population grows and consumer preferences shift towards sustainable seafood, local aquaculture is expected to play a vital role in meeting these needs. Moreover, technological advancements and investments in infrastructure will likely improve efficiency and yield, positioning Oman as a key player in the regional seafood market while addressing environmental concerns.

Market Opportunities

• Export Potential to Neighboring Countries:Oman’s strategic location offers significant export opportunities to neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In future, seafood exports were valued at OMR 7 million (approximately USD 18 million), with potential growth as regional demand for sustainable seafood increases. Expanding export channels could enhance revenue and market presence for Omani aquaculture products.
• Collaboration with Research Institutions:Collaborating with local and international research institutions can drive innovation in aquaculture practices. Such partnerships can facilitate the development of disease-resistant fish strains and sustainable farming techniques. In future, research initiatives contributed to a 15% increase in production efficiency, highlighting the potential for further advancements through strategic collaborations in the sector.