Salalah,
The results of the 2024 “Safi” stock assessment study conducted by the Fish Research Center at the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources showed a significant improvement in sizes and abundance.
The recorded production exceeded 76 tons over 10 days of fishing, compared to 149 tons over 30 days during the 2011 season. The number of licenses issued in the past season reached 2,369, compared to 4,418 in 2011.
Muslim bin Salem Rafeet, Assistant Director General for Fisheries at the General Directorate of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate, stated that the Wilayat of Sadah achieved the highest production level at 93.5%, while the Wilayat of Mirbat contributed 6.5%.
He clarified that the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources is working to preserve and sustain this wealth by implementing practical methods such as determining allowable catch sizes, establishing closed seasons for “Safi” fishing, setting fishing conditions like licensing, and using proper fishing methods and tools to maintain the stock and quality of “Safi.” The ministry is also updating licensing requirements and conducting awareness campaigns through social media platforms for all ages and community segments.
He indicated that the Fisheries Department in Dhofar Governorate formed a working team from specialized departments to follow up and implement programs related to the 2024 “Safi” season. Additionally, the Guidance and Fisheries Committees launched a new visual identity reflecting the importance of “Safi.”
He reported that the ministry established conditions to reach the appropriate number of divers, allowing for the economic benefits of the fisheries while preserving the breeding and growth aspects for sustainability. Approximately 2,459 divers met the required conditions, with 2,369 completing the licensing procedures.
He mentioned that the total number of licenses issued for this season reached 2,475, including 2,369 diving licenses for “Safi.” The Wilayat of Mirbat had the highest percentage of issued diving licenses at 47%, followed by Wilayat Sadah at 42%, Wilayat Salalah at 7%, and Wilayat Taqah at 1%. The Wilayats of Shalim, Hallaniyat Islands, Dalkut, and Rakhyout represented about 1.1% of the total licenses issued this year.
He pointed out that the classification of diving licenses issued, based on the applications submitted, showed that licenses were issued to about 66% of citizens who held diving licenses in previous seasons, while 34% of licenses were issued to citizens for the first time this season from Wilayat Mirbat and Sadah.
