Oman, Lebanon explore fisheries collaboration amid shrimp farming expansion
The shrimp project is structured to provide consistent shrimp yields and it aims to supply both domestic markets and regional demand.
MIDDLE EAST – Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani, visited Oman to meet with his counterpart, Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and food security.
During the meeting, both ministers explored opportunities for joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange, and reciprocal visits aimed at supporting sustainable development within the agricultural sector.
The discussions follow reports of steady progress on a large-scale shrimp farming complex in Shinas, reflecting Oman’s strategy to expand aquaculture as part of long-term food security and economic diversification goals.
The Shinas project is being developed by Singapore-based Blue Aqua International with investment support from Omani backers and is set to become one of the nation’s most technologically advanced shrimp production facilities.
According to Dr Farshad Shishehchian, Blue Aqua’s Group Executive Chairman and Founder, the facility combines a shrimp farm, hatchery, and broodstock centre with a target output of 1,800 metric tonnes annually and is expected to be fully operational by February 2026.
He explained that the design incorporates technology-driven farming techniques to maintain controlled operations, improve water efficiency, and implement strict environmental protection measures.
The project is structured to provide consistent shrimp yields while addressing disease management, and it aims to supply both domestic markets and regional demand.
The Shinas shrimp farm is part of a wider 22-hectare aquaculture initiative launched in 2023 in collaboration with Bahwan Services and Trading LLC and Muscat Investment House, intended to produce white shrimp, Rainbow Trout, and aquafeed to strengthen Oman’s aquaculture sector.
Advanced water treatment systems are being installed to minimise waste and enhance production efficiency, reflecting the long-term investment perspective of the developers.
Biosecurity measures have also been incorporated to lower the risk of disease outbreaks, which are a recurring challenge in global shrimp farming operations.
The facility is expected to create employment opportunities across hatchery work, grow-out activities, processing, transport, and technical services, contributing to job growth in the Al Batinah North Governorate.
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