Authors : M Saud Al-Jufaili and Linus U. Opara
Abstract: The Omani fisheries sector is an important contributor to the national food supply system and also a vital source of export income and employment, particularly in the rural areas. During the past decade, however, the performance of the sector has lagged behind governments projections to increase its share of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In recent times, significant changes have occurred in fish postharvest handling and marketing systems in response to market demands for consistent supply of quality products. The objective of this study was to investigate the postharvest handling practices and marketing systems adopted by fishermen and traders in Oman. Our study showed that small-scale fishermen and traders dominate the Omani fresh fish sector. Marketing occurs mainly at the landing sites and to a lesser extent in purpose-built market stalls built by the government. Middlemen (often called truckers) play an important role in fish marketing across regions and within districts in the same region. Based on the description of existing technologies and infrastructure used, recommendations are made for overall improvement of the postharvest system as a strategy to enhance the delivery of good quality and value-added fresh fish to end-users.
M Saud Al-Jufaili and Linus U. Opara , 2006. Status of Fisheries Postharvest Industry in the Sultanate of Oman: Part 1-Handling and Marketing Systems for Fresh Fish . Journal of Fisheries International, 1: 144-149.