National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.

This document outlines Omanis National Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (NPOA-IUU) fishing. It has been developed in accordance with the International Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing adopted in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Oman is a coastal State and for centuries Omanis have depended on fish as their major source of protein. In recent times the economy has been dependent on oil exports. Current estimates however suggest that oil reserves will be depleted within 20 years and since 1970 Oman has embarked on major initiatives to modernize and diversify its economy in a way that ensures that all Omanis now and in the future can enjoy the benefits of a prosperous and sustainable lifestyle. The development of aquaculture, traditional inshore and industrial offshore fisheries as well as enhanced processing capability is a key focus of the economic development and diversification process. Developments to date include modernization of the traditional fisheries sector with fishermen equipped with modem out­board boats and appropriate gear, fishing ports established in all regions providing mooring, market and fishing support facilities, establishment of minimum quality control standards, a licensing regime to manage all fishing related activities and research centres that support advancements in fishing technology, knowledge of resources and the development of new fisheries including in aquaculture. The fisheries sector is estimated to provide a livelihood to around 30,000 fishermen and their families. In addition, activities relating to fish sales, processing, transport and related equipment sales and services provide employment to an estimated 150,000 people. In 2004 total fish landed amounted to 165,000 tonnes valued at almost US$200 million. Of this US$162 million was derived from the export of 85,000 tonnes. IUU fishing occurs in the traditional sector in particular in Relation to high value species such as lobster and abalone and in the industrial fisheries including through license violations and fishing by unlicensed operators targeting pelagic species. IUU fishing remains a significant threat to food security and to Omanis aspirations to develop a sustainable and viable fishing and processing industry. Oman has limited fisheries management resources and relies to some extent on regional and bilateral cooperation to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Oman is committed to further developing its man­agement capacity and to work with partner States in the region and internationally, to ensure the conservation and long term sustainable use of fish stocks and the protection of the environment. Since Oman has adopted fisheries management initiatives developed regionally and will soon adopt new legislation that incorporates principles contained in the 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement, the 1993 Compliance Agreement and the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing, to a large extent, this document is a record of actions already underway. There is however a number of matters to be considered for further action and these are listed at the end of the document. Oman will carry out on-going review of the National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and will submit revisions to FAO as required.