Oman’s fishing industry is one of the oldest and most vital sectors in the country, tracing its roots back thousands of years to when coastal communities relied on the rich marine resources of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Today, Oman boasts one of the most productive fisheries in the region, with its waters yielding a diverse array of species. The top fish catches include sardines (especially Indian oil sardine), kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson), tuna (notably yellowfin and longtail), grouper (hamour), and cuttlefish. Traditional fishing methods such as handlines and traps are still widely used alongside modern vessels, and the industry remains crucial for local livelihoods and exports. Government initiatives have modernized the sector, ensuring sustainable practices while maintaining Oman’s reputation as a leading supplier of high-quality seafood to international markets.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian oil sardine | 280,623 |
| 2 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 73,816 |
| 3 | Yellowfin tuna | 72,167 |
| 4 | Longtail tuna | 31,877 |
| 5 | Emperors(=Scavengers) nei | 22,797 |
| 6 | Hairtails, scabbardfishes nei | 20,214 |
| 7 | Sea catfishes nei | 19,931 |
| 8 | Indian mackerel | 19,016 |
| 9 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 18,870 |
| 10 | Carangids nei | 17,655 |
| 11 | Porgies, seabreams nei | 16,523 |
| 12 | Pharaoh cuttlefish | 14,773 |
| 13 | Demersal percomorphs nei | 13,939 |
| 14 | Barracudas nei | 13,743 |
| 15 | Mullets nei | 11,373 |
| 16 | Anchovies, etc. nei | 10,619 |
| 17 | Pelagic percomorphs nei | 9,844 |
| 18 | Croakers, drums nei | 8,395 |
| 19 | Marine fishes nei | 8,198 |
| 20 | Snappers, jobfishes nei | 7,005 |
| 21 | Kawakawa | 6,695 |
| 22 | Spinefeet(=Rabbitfishes) nei | 6,521 |
| 23 | Queenfishes | 5,747 |
| 24 | Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel | 5,522 |
| 25 | Frigate and bullet tunas | 5,311 |
| 26 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 5,079 |
| 27 | Groupers nei | 4,601 |
| 28 | Grunts, sweetlips nei | 3,697 |
| 29 | Indo-Pacific sailfish | 3,590 |
| 30 | Natantian decapods nei | 2,799 |
| 31 | Striped bonito | 1,829 |
| 32 | Threadfin and dwarf breams nei | 1,680 |
| 33 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 1,348 |
| 34 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 1,101 |
| 35 | Needlefishes nei | 813 |
| 36 | Cobia | 369 |
| 37 | Skipjack tuna | 279 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.