There is widespread and ever-increasing interest in marine biotechnology and its socio-economic impacts.Oman’s exploitable economic zone covers some 400,000 square kilometers of ocean and has rich biodiversity.Living marine resources are Oman’s major renewables and have remarkable potential for commercial exploitation beyond the present capture fishery. Extreme environments occur within oceans, which have led to the evolution of marine organisms with unique structures, metabolic pathways, reproductive systems and sensory and defense mechanisms.In the future, within these molecular structures and processes will be found new materials, bioactive compounds and biochemical systems and processes that will have applications in human health, nutrition and future supplies of energy. Additionally, development of biotechnology will create new jobs and new source of income for the Sultanate of Oman. Aquaculture is an area national strategic development and is supported by the application of appropriate genetic, cellular and molecular technologies, enabling fish farmers to produce more abundant, resilient and healthier supplies of seafood.
The main objectives of this conference are to assess and promote the development of marine biotechnology in Oman and to bring together scientists for the establishment of new collaborative activity. Additionally, we would like to use this conference as a platform to translate scientific discoveries to the industry. Thus, the blue economy companies and investment agencies will be invited.