The goals for fisheries development in the Sultanate of Oman have been established by the Sultan, His Majesty Qaboos bin Said. The four goals are: 1) diversify the national economy; 2) promote rural development and halt urban migration; 3) improve nutrition among the Omani people; and 4) ensure effective marine resource management. These goals form the basis for long-term planning in the fisheries sector. They are by definition broad policy and they determine the objectives of fisheries development. The specific objectives associated with each goal are presented.