THE MARKETING SYSTEM OF FRESH FISH PRODUCTS ON MASIRAH ISLAND IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN: A COMPREHENSIVE REASSESSMENT

The paper investigates structural changes to the fish marketing system on Masirah Island, its performance during the period 1996 to 2003, and the implications on pricing efficiency and prospective market development. Data was derived from field interviews of fishers and traders, discussions with processing plants managers, site visits, and attendance at market operations on the Island. Results indicate that the marketing system was influenced by the emergence of two potential institutional changes that had bearings on market structure, namely the European ban on fish imports from Oman and improved access to the Island. The previously dominant oligopsony structure declined as a result of weak operation of the processing companies during the past seven years and the entry of a growing number of small-scale traders. Current data indicate that price discovery through auctions gradually overtook oligopsony single price agreements. The survey shows that the fish marketing system on Masirah Island is pointing towards a competitive structure. The market consists of an atomistic selling side facing an oligopsony with a potential competitive fringe. There is growing reliance on organized markets by fishers and buyers.