Oman announces closure of shrimp and lobster fishing season

Muscat : The fishing season for shrimp and lobster will officially end at the close of November 2024, with a complete ban on fishing and trading set to begin on December 1, 2024, lasting until September 30, 2025.

The Ministry is urging all fishermen and those involved in the trade of both lobster and shrimp to report their existing stocks to the Ministry’s local departments before the respective bans come into effect. No lobster or shrimp will be allowed to be traded or exported during the ban periods unless they have been pre-registered with the Ministry.

Both bans are in line with the country’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management. Under the law, any violations of the lobster and shrimp fishing and possession ban are subject to severe penalties, including fines ranging from RO 300 to RO 5,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both. Additionally, offenders may face the confiscation of the lobsters or shrimp, their equivalent value, the equipment used in the violation, and the temporary or permanent revocation of the fishing license.