Changes in the Scalloped Spiny Lobster, Panulirus Homarus Biological Structure after a Shift of the Fishing Season

Abstract

Research Article AbstractDuring 2010, the spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) fishing season of Oman along the Arabian Sea coast was shifted from 15 October-15 December (2003-2008 to March-April (2010-2014 by the decision of the Ministry of Fisheries. The current status of the spiny lobster stock in the main fishing regions (Dhofar, Al-Wusta and Al-Sharqiyah) was examined based on monthly samples and surveys during the fishing season carried out from 2012 to 2014. An analysis of biological indicators such as size structure, number of undersized individuals captured, size at first maturity, sex composition shows that due to the new fishing season, the state of the lobster stock is improving. However, landings are still relatively low, therefore additional enforcement is needed to control the fishery out of the permitted season.