FAO convenes 13th Session of the Regional Commission for Fisheries in Oman

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today opened the 13th Session of the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI), hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of Oman. The four-day session, running from 15 to 18 September, brings together delegates from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to strengthen regional cooperation on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management.

The meeting addresses pressing challenges and opportunities for the sector, including the impacts of climate change, the expansion of aquaculture, and innovative solutions such as mangrove restoration to safeguard coastal ecosystems and livelihoods.

Global aquaculture has surged to 122.6 million tonnes in 2023, now accounting for more than half of all aquatic food production. The RECOFI region reflects this trend, with capture fisheries producing 1.12 million tonnes and aquaculture exceeding 420,000 tonnes — a 6.1 percent annual increase.

“Oman and Iran continue to lead in capture fisheries, while Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture output has reached 214,000 tonnes, double its capture production,” said Ahmed AlMazrouai, FAO Senior Fishery and Aquaculture for the Near East and North Africa and Executive Secretary of RECOFI, “Qatar and the UAE are advancing marine cage farming, Oman is diversifying with species like shrimp, abalone and sea bass, Iran remains a major producer of shrimp and freshwater fish, and Iraq’s aquaculture sector is emerging as an important source of food and livelihoods.”

“RECOFI’s role as a regional platform for technical guidance and policy coordination is more vital than ever,” he added. “Together, we can strengthen data systems, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the resilience of our marine resources in the face of climate change.”

“Hosting the 13th Session of the Regional Commission for Fisheries reflects Oman’s strong commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in our region,” said HE Eng. Yaqoob bin Khalfan Al-Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources for Fisheries. “Through regional cooperation and science-based policies, we can secure sustainable fisheries in the region, aiming to enhance livelihoods and secure food supplies for future generations.”

Shaping future priorities

Delegates will review fisheries statistics, explore sustainable policy frameworks for aquaculture, deepen engagement in regional initiatives such as the RedSeaFish Project, and discuss innovative solutions such as mangrove restoration to protect coasts and livelihoods. The agenda also includes reports from the Working Groups on aquaculture and fisheries management, the launch of a new RECOFI webpage, and closer cooperation with the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment.

Fisheries and aquaculture remain vital to food security, jobs and economic stability across the Near East and North Africa. From Morocco and Mauritania to Oman, capture fisheries are a lifeline for coastal communities, while inland fisheries in Egypt, Sudan and Iraq sustain local diets and livelihoods. At the same time, aquaculture is emerging as a key alternative to ease pressure on wild stocks and diversify rural economies.

“The Commission’s role in coordinating regional action and promoting science-based policies has never been more urgent,” AlMazrouai said. “Together, we can advance sustainable practices, strengthen resilience, and ensure the long-term stewardship of our marine resources for generations to come.”

The outcomes of the 13th RECOFI Session will help shape regional priorities and feed into global policy processes, including the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The meeting underscores the collective commitment of member states to protect marine resources and advance sustainable fisheries and aquaculture as pillars of food security and resilience across the Gulf and wider Near East region.