The Omani Abalone Haliotis mariae (Wood, 1828) Fishery: Challenges Over Three Decades

Abstract

The Omani abalone Haliotis mariae (Wood, 1828) supports one of the most valuable fisheries in Oman. It is specific to defined areas along the northern region of Dhofar in Oman. This study reviews the management of the Omani abalone fishery during the last 31 y, identifies the challenges encountered, and suggests solutions to overcome these difficulties. During the period 1988–2018, annual abalone landings ranged from 29 tonnes (mt) in 1999 to 149 mt in 2011, with an average of 53 mt. In 2019, landings 24 t (53 t whole weight) were reported to be the lowest in the last three decades and landed within 10 days of opening. The fishery generated 1.3 million Omani rials (3.38 million US$) (OR, where 1 OR = 2.6 USD) in 1993 and 8.2 million OR in 2011, with an average of 2.5 million OR (6.5 million US$). By contrast, the average annual price per kg was 50 OR (130 US$). The fishery was mainly managed in accordance with seasonal closures, which ranged from 6 mo to less than 1 mo; in one case, there was a complete suspension of fishing for 3 y. The number of fishers engaged in this fishery was not stable, and fluctuated between 1,450 in 1993 and 8,539 in 2014. The seasonal closures between 1988 and 2003 resulted in a gradual decrease in average landings, reaching 2%–45% at the end of the season, with an average of 27%. The percentage of divers who participated at the end of the season ranged from 9% to 90%, with an average of 47%. It is suggested that the government should conduct comprehensive research to assess the Omani abalone stock, population dynamics, and habitat, as well as the behavior of the fishermen. Furthermore, better data collection and monitoring systems should be established. It is strongly recommended that a “pulse fishing” or spatial-based or temporary marine-protected area fishing (zonation) approach that serves the objectives of stock and habitat preservation be implemented. Thus, the restoration of the Omani abalone fishery is achievable but will require long-term research efforts.