Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will soon announce the investors for the large-scale commercial aquaculture projects at eight sites, said a report.

The ministry selected these sites for development in June 2016 and sought applications from potential investors, added the Times of Oman report.

A total of 40 applications were submitted to develop the sites, it said.

Dr Hamed Said Al Oufi, undersecretary of fisheries wealth at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that the authority informs investors about the successful applications, and then the companies can start their feasibility studies and apply for environmental permits.

He further added that a commercial licence would be awarded to these winning companies after they conduct their feasibility studies and receive environmental permits.

Al Oufi noted that they have six months to complete their studies and get the permits.

The official stated that the ministry is aiming for 200,000 tonnes of high-value fish per annum from aquaculture projects by 2030, which will be mainly for export and the local market.

He pointed out that on completion the projects will help eliminate the gap in supply and demand in the domestic market as well, added the report.