Introduction of Fisheries Co-management in Oman, Why and Why not?

Abstract

The fishery sector in Oman is one of the most important industries, beside the other sectors in terms of the contribution to the gross domestic product and food security in addition to the provision of employment opportunities. Albatinah state had several problems like: conflict among fishermen, unrestricted access of new technologies to the sector, insufficient management of the fisheries resource, uncontrolled fish export which led to over fishing in some coastal areas of Oman like in Albatinah state. A survey was conducted in the northern part of this state using structured questionnaire, in order to identify the possibility of introducing co-management in this place. There were relevant findings about the above issue some of them came under the responsibilities of the government such as the legal aspect, establishments of infrastructures and facilities needed for co-management. On the other hand, some elements of these findings fall under the responsibilities of fishermen like: the homogeneity in socio-economic activities, their goals and objectives in life. The formation of unions like fishermen association and categorization of fishermen by socio-economic activities will enhance the introduction of co-management.

Key words: Fisheries management; Sea code (Senat Al-Bahar); Co-management; Overfishing.