Three-Year Closure of Fishing Seasons as a Management Tool for the Omani Abalone, Haliotis mariae, Fishery in the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Data from underwater surveys conducted between 2009 and 2021 were analyzed to determine the effect of closed fishing seasons on the density and size composition of Omani abalone, in the main fishing areas (Mirbat, Sadah, Hadbin, and Hasik). The average density of abalones, the abundance of mature and legal size abalone, and the average abalone size increased significantly after a 3-year closure (2008-2010). From 2012 to 2021, abalone density and size decreased despite four 1-2 years of closed fishing seasons. The density of mature abalone after 2011 was below the minimum spawning density of Haliotidae. Abalone densities were found to be relatively high in Sadah and Hadbin but very low in Mirbat and critical conditions in Hasik. Lack in regulations’ enforcement, overlap between fishing and reproduction season, and the uncontrolled number of divers are probably the main reasons for the decline in abalone abundance and size. Future fishing closure must be extended for at least three years, and abalone harvest in Mirbat and Hasik should be banned for at least five years. The number of divers must be regulated, and changing the fishing season must be evaluated. It is necessary to identify if the population is sustainable, threatened, or recovering, by studying more biological aspects of the Omani abalone, including minimum spawning density, abalone aggregation, and recruitment levels at each fishing ground. These studies will help the authorities to decide when fishing must stop to avoid any further reduction in the abalone densities. It is important to understand the socioeconomic status of abalone diver’s communities in Oman for better management and development.

Confirmed record of abalone Haliotis arabiensis near Muscat (Sea of Oman) and a description of abalone species from the Arabian Peninsula

“…Its fishery has been active since the 1950s and reached a maximum annual production of 149 tonnes of fresh meat in 2011 (MOAFW, 2020). However, during last years (2015-2022) the abalone landings, density and mean sizes in the population declined drastically, indicating an urgent need for additional measures to prevent its collapse (Al Jufaili et al, 2020;Al-Ghassani et al, 2022). Specialists from the Fisheries Research Center-Dhofar (Salalah) have been monitoring the size and density distribution of the H. mariae population annually using underwater surveys for nearly 20 years (Al-Ghassani et al, 2022).…”

“…However, during last years (2015-2022) the abalone landings, density and mean sizes in the population declined drastically, indicating an urgent need for additional measures to prevent its collapse (Al Jufaili et al, 2020;Al-Ghassani et al, 2022). Specialists from the Fisheries Research Center-Dhofar (Salalah) have been monitoring the size and density distribution of the H. mariae population annually using underwater surveys for nearly 20 years (Al-Ghassani et al, 2022). During these underwater surveys it is very important to distinguish juvenile H. mariae from small and non-commercial abalone species, namely H. arabiensis and H. unilatelis, therefore comparative Table 2 may be of practical value, especially for divers.…”

“…According to Siddeek & Johnson (1997), H. mariae can reach a maximum shell length (SL) of 152.8 mm. This abalone is actively harvested by divers during a restricted fishing season (from 10 days to 2 months) in the Dhofar region between Mirbat and Hasik, along a coast of about 100 km (Al Jufaili et al, 2020;Al-Ghassani et al, 2022). H. mariae is a premium seafood delicacy worldwide and a valuable export commodity of Oman to the East Asian market.…”