“We targeted to increase fisheries production by three to four per cent, but we were able to achieve a 21 per cent increase, which is a huge improvement and way beyond what had been planned for,” H E Dr Aufi, Undersecretary for Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, told MuscatDaily.
“The value of fish, which we call gate price, has also increased by 16 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011," he added.
H E Dr Aufi continued: "We have been able to achieve this due to the combined effort of the government, fishermen and the industry, and due to the commitment of MoAF and other government organisations that support the fisheries sector."
He added that the collaboration between the government and the private sector too has contributed to achieving positive figures.
MoAF hopes that the growth continues in 2013, which will in turn help develop the fisheries sector by focusing on food security and increased production.
