Vale Oman Pelletizing Co. is identifying means to sustain fish resources in North Al Batinah Governorate by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to provide artificial reefs and demarcation buoys in the Wilayat of Liwa.

The agreement aims to enhance the biodiversity in non-restricted fishing areas for commercial use through increasing the catch of healthy stock for local fishermen.
The MoU was signed by Dr Hamed bin Said al Oufi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for the Wealth of Fisheries and Mr Marcos Beluco, Vale Country Manager in the presence of Shaikh Hamed al Aghbari, Wali of Liwa.
The artificial reefs and buoys will be placed in selected sites that will allow fishermen to explore a vast fishing vicinity and reap the socio-economic benefits of the project.
“Our in-depth study of the region has provided us with the means to identify specific areas in which we can bring about transformation and growth,” said Mr Beluco.
“Al Batinah is a thriving fishing community and reefs are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. We have therefore joined forces with government entities, experts, researchers and the community to further nurture and develop this primary source of livelihood.
This aquamarine programme is one of many sustainability projects we aim to implement that translates our commitment to improving the quality of life of the communities where we operate.”
Four artificial reefs along with four demarcation buoys will be placed off the coast of Liwa marking the locations of rich fishing sites. These locations were selected by local fishermen during Vale’s research phase of the project, drawing from their extensive knowledge of the sea. The agreement will be implemented and managed directly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in collaboration with Vale over the coming 12 months.