Ministerial Decree No. 70/2026 issuing the Executive Regulations for the Law on Living Aquatic Resources.

These Regulations, consisting of 366 articles and 16 annexes, establish a comprehensive framework for the management, protection, and sustainable use of aquatic resources. They adopt a broad definition of “living aquatic resources,” covering all aquatic organisms - whether resident or migratory -found in fishing waters and seabeds, along with their derivatives, fossil forms, seabirds, and aquaculture species.
Chapter 1 sets the foundation for sustainability by outlining general environmental and operational rules, including Ministry support mechanisms, the prohibition of informal claims over marine areas, and restrictions on harmful practices. It regulates fishing seasons, sizes, and locations, protects sensitive sites, and bans pollution as well as activities that damage ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves. Chapter 2 focuses on licensing, requiring prior authorization for any fishing or related activity. It details application and appeal procedures, allows the competent authority to cap the number of licenses, and imposes clear obligations on license holders, including non-transferability and compliance with license conditions. Licenses may be revoked in cases of misuse or prolonged inactivity. Chapter 3 governs fishing operations across artisanal, coastal, and commercial sectors. It requires vessel registration and approval for any ownership changes, sets rules on crew, cargo, and navigation compliance, and mandates safety equipment, monitoring systems, and catch reporting. Fishing is restricted in designated zones, and vessels must meet technical, health, and quality standards, with prior approval required for any modifications. The chapter also distinguishes between fishing types: artisanal fishing is limited to licensed individuals operating within defined areas; coastal fishing is reserved for fully Omani-owned companies meeting regulatory standards; and commercial fishing is subject to stricter oversight, including quotas, tracking systems, and detailed reporting obligations.
Beyond these chapters, the Regulations maintain the validity of existing licenses until expiry while introducing tighter controls, such as a total ban on bottom trawling and the imposition of administrative penalties. They consolidate prohibitions on practices that threaten sustainability, including exceeding quotas, targeting unauthorized species, using unapproved equipment, trading unsafe products, and polluting marine environments. Recreational fishing is also regulated through licensing, catch limits, and gear restrictions, alongside species-specific bans and seasonal closures. The framework further strengthens conservation by requiring permits for the exploitation of certain marine resources and enforcing seasonal restrictions during breeding periods. It introduces detailed standards for the handling, processing, storage, transport, and trade of aquatic products to ensure quality and safety across the supply chain. Enforcement powers are significantly enhanced, enabling inspectors to carry out inspections, seize non-compliant goods, and suspend activities when necessary. Violations may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses, while monitoring systems and procedures for confiscated items ensure consistent compliance and oversight throughout the sector.
The aquaculture Regulations - mainly in Part 6 of Chapter 4 - establish a framework covering licensing, operations, environmental protection, and product quality. All activities, including introducing new species, require prior approval, and the competent authority designates suitable sites for investment. Projects cannot start without a license, must be implemented within a set timeframe, and any modifications need prior consent. Operators must prevent environmental pollution, manage waste properly, and may be required to allocate part of production to the local market, while the collection of larvae or broodstock from natural waters is tightly regulated. Strict health and quality controls apply, including regulated use of veterinary medicines, mandatory withdrawal periods, and regular inspections with sample testing. Products must meet standards for harvesting, handling, packaging, and labeling, ensuring traceability (e.g., farm details and harvest dates), and must comply with limits on chemical and drug residues. The import of live species is subject to health certification and scientific oversight. Although farmed products are exempt from seasonal fishing bans, their sale is still regulated through licensing that specifies type, quantity, and origin.