May 16, 2016

GAI News staff

As part of its effort to drive the development of a successful aquaculture industry, Oman is planning its first land-based fish farming operation through the establishment of a bio-marine industrial cluster in Sur, reports Trade Arabia. An 8,000 square meter site has been earmarked for the project by Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), which administers the nation’s industrial parks and logistics hubs.

Shumookh Investment & Services, the investment arm of PEIE is backing the venture, and will hold a 10% stake in the project in partnership with Knowledge Advance Technology (Kat), while local investor, Advance Business Solutions will hold the remaining 90%, according to GDN Online.

The venture will include the first Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) in the Sultanate, which will provide year-round stable production conditions that are independent of seasonal variations in climate, environment, or location.

The RAS will be supplied by Dutch aquaculture firm, HESY Aquaculture. Founded in 1984, HESY is a global leader in turn-key recirculating aquaculture systems that has 30 years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining fish farming technology, according to the company website.

Building upon this venture, Omani officials expect to see the birth of a fully mature bio-marine industrial hub and the growth in investments in both downstream and upstream activities along the entire aquaculture value chain.