Four new fishing harbour projects are being developed at key places along Oman's coast during the current Five Year Plan, a report said.

Apart from Al Ashkara, a construction contract for which was signed recently, new fishing harbours are also being built at Saham, Liwa and Sohar.

Plans for a new coastal port facility at Duqm on the Wusta coast will also incorporate a modern fishing jetty.

The government's fishing harbour construction programme is aimed at boosting the traditional fisheries sector.

Oman's fishing harbour development programme has taken off in recent years, boosting the number of established fishing ports to around 11.

Major harbours have been set up in places where fish catch volumes and the number of landings are significantly high. Examples are Dibba, Shinas, Quriyat and Sur, where port facilities can accommodate even deep sea fishing craft.

Fishing jetties serving coastal and inshore fishing craft have been established at Khasab, Al Khabourah, Masirah, Al Lakbi, Mirbat and Raysut.

The government signed a contract with Tarmac Alawi for the construction of a modern fishing harbour at Al Ashkara on the Sharqiya coast at a cost of RO5.53 million ($14.36 million). The project will facilitate the exploitation of the coastal region's rich fishery resources.

It will also help fishermen gain access to markets elsewhere in the Sultanate.