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Oman
How Omani fishers improved quality, reduced waste, and entered premium markets with the support of IPNLF and Seafood Souq
14% of catch upgraded to Grade-A
From baseline Grade-C to premium sashimi quality within 10 days
4 fishing crews trained
Across Salalah and Masirah Island, with at-sea support and factory demonstrations
The Challenge
Omani handline tuna has long been a staple of artisanal fisheries—but historically lacked the post-harvest handling needed to meet international grade-A standards. Most catch was sold locally at lower value, with product degradation and limited traceability creating barriers to export.
- Cold chain inefficiencies
Poor temperature control during and after landing affected freshness and quality. - Handling inconsistencies
Traditional methods led to bruising, lactic acid build-up, and loss of value. - Low visibility and traceability
No verified product origin, catch location, or handling data for international buyers.
Our Solution
Seafood Souq, IPNLF, and Ocean Experts joined forces with local fishers to deliver an end-to-end improvement programme—focused on quality assurance, traceability, and access to premium markets.
At-Sea & Onshore Training
Delivered in Masirah Island and Salalah by expert trainers using IPNLF's Fisheries Improvement Toolbox (FIT).
Included hands-on sessions covering:
- Soft surface handling and bleeding
- Cold chain optimisation
- Correct reeming, wrapping, and grading
- Factory comparisons of improved vs traditional handling
Route to Market
Seafood Souq guaranteed offtake of qualified product at a higher-than-market price through its digital marketplace. Buyers could now access sashimi-grade yellowfin from Oman—sustainably sourced, traceable, and quality-certified.
The Results
- 14% of tuna upgraded to Grade-A, with all remaining catch achieving Grade 2+ or above
- Zero-waste handling: post-harvest losses were eliminated
- Empowered fishers: training led to lasting knowledge and higher earning potential
- Product traceability: species, date, and catch location verified and digitised
- Global appeal: Oman emerged as a new premium source for yellowfin tuna
“The biggest success? Fishermen were fighting over who got to take home the Grade-A loins.” — Project Team Lead
