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Evidence of rapid overfishing of sea cucumbers in the Sultanate of 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 small, artisanal sea cucumber export fishery developed in the Sultanate of Oman in 2004. The fishing season (October to May) in 2005 was the first season to be officially recorded. However, anecdotal evidence suggests low levels of exploitation as early as the 1970s, although catch, effort and export data for this period are unavailable. Accordingly, the Ministry of Fisheries Wealth of the Sultanate of Oman has initiated a number of projects aimed at monitoring the sea cucumber fishery with the ultimate objective of providing a regulatory framework to ensure the sustainability of the resource.
Author: 
Khalfan M. Al-Rashdi and Michel R. Claereboudt
Institution: 
Sultan Qaboos University
Year: 
2013
Domains-Issue Area: 
Dimensions-Problem/Solution: 
Region(s): 
Industry Focus: 
Food & Agriculture
Country: 
Oman
Datatype(s): 
Case Studies