Fisheries Sustainability in Oman

Abstract

Overfishing is a consequence of changes in the absolute and relative abundance of many important commercial species in Omani waters. To adjust to this change more rigorous management of this fishery is required. This paper examines the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), Economic Sustainable Yield (ESY), Maximum Carrying Capacity (MCC) and the Economic Rent of all six coastal states in Oman. The Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and Economic Sustainable Yield (ESY) catch and effort that were estimated for some states like Albatinah and Dhofar show higher than the actual figures (according to MOFW, 2007 statistics). The MSY and ESY in Albatinah state were (46,608.1 mt, 1883 vessels) and (34,636.6 mt, 1,428 vessels) respectively. While, the actual estimated quantities were (21,853 mt, 4,347 vessels). This point is situated beyond MSY, showing that the catch is declining and the number of vessel increasing. On the other hand, MSY and ESY in Dhofar state were (20,696.9 mt, 1566 vessels) and (11,754.2 mt, 1,176 vessels) respectively. However, the actual estimated quantities were (17,823 mt and 1,939 vessels). Also, this point is situated behind MSY point showing that the catch is declining and the number of vessel increasing. The analyses of data for all coastal states indicate over fishing, especially in Albatinah and Dhofar states. However, the other states shows normal fishing levels like Muscat, Alsharquiah, Musandam and Alwusta.

Keywords: Fisheries Management; Maximum Sustainable Yield; Economic Sustainable Yield; Overfishing