Shrimp farming project in Oman's Shinas 80% complete, eyes 5,000 tonnes output

Construction at the first phase of a significant whiteleg shrimp farming project in Shinas, Oman, is 80% complete. The initiative, costing approximately OMR5 million, is set to become one of the Sultanate's largest aquaculture ventures upon full operation.

The project, located in the North Al Batinah Governorate, covers an initial area of 100,000 square meters. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the first phase is projected to yield close to 5,000 tonnes of shrimp. Preparations include finished ponds, ongoing nursery pond construction, broodstock ponds, and administrative facilities.

Blue Aqua International Gulf Company is spearheading the development. The project is designed not only to meet local and global demand for shrimp larvae but also to stimulate the Omani economy. It is expected to generate direct employment for Omani youth and create further indirect jobs through its operational processes and supply chain. Furthermore, it aims to foster knowledge transfer and introduce modern aquaculture technologies, enhancing the skills of the local workforce in this growing sector.

Dr. Issa Mohammed Al Farsi, Director of the Aquaculture Development Department at the Ministry, detailed the project's broader scope. The total land area across all phases will reach 28 hectares, with an overall construction cost estimated at OMR23.5 million. Upon completion, the project anticipates an annual production of 7,500 tonnes. It will create an estimated 62 direct and 124 indirect job opportunities. A key objective is to reduce reliance on imported shrimp broodstock and develop local manufacturing capabilities for aquaculture technologies, potentially introducing new shrimp species to Oman.

The facility will incorporate advanced features such as a research and development center, water recirculation systems for increased biosecurity, and high-tech aquaculture methods to minimize manual labor. The comprehensive setup includes a shrimp hatchery, nursery and grow-out ponds, water treatment and live feed production units, administrative offices, and worker accommodation.

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The project is expected to provide 62 direct job opportunities and 124 indirect job opportunities. It will also contribute to supplying shrimp broodstock instead of importing them from abroad and creating aquaculture technologies that can be manufactured locally, in addition to introducing new shrimp species previously not present in the Sultanate of Oman.