SALALAH: The abalone fisheries hold both economic and cultural significance in Dhofar Governorate. Found only on the beaches extending from Mirbat to the Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands, abalone fishing is one of the most valued seasonal traditions in the governorate.
Abalone, locally known as the ‘sea ear,’ is a marine mollusk with a single shell, commonly attaching itself to rocky surfaces. Dhofar is the only governorate in Oman where the unique species Haliotis maria is found, distinguishing it from other types of abalone worldwide.
Eng Fael bin Mohammed al Jahfali, Director-General of the General Directorate of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar, shared insight into the abalone season’s journey. He explains saying, "The diving season for abalone began in the eastern Dhofar before the 1970s. By the 1990s, abalone prices surged, leading to increased fishing pressure and the rise of unsustainable practices.”
To protect this vital marine resource, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources implemented measures to regulate the abalone season, specifying legal sizes for catches, banning harmful practices and mandating free diving without breathing aids. However, increased fishing activities and non-compliance by some divers led to the depletion of key sites. In response to these challenges, the ministry closed the fishing season from 2008 to 2010 to allow stocks to recover, with surveys showing a notable improvement following the closure.
“The season reopened in 2011,” Al Jahfali noted, “with nearly 4,396 licenced divers, resulting in the highest production of around 150 tonnes. However, unsustainable fishing led to a 65-per cent drop in the following season, prompting divers to halt their activities to prevent further stock decline.”
Al Jahfali expressed optimism for this season’s production, stating, “Scientific research indicates promising recovery rates due to the closures from 2020 to 2023. Proper control of fishing effort and seasonal restrictions are key to sustaining the abalone population. We aim to maintain continuity in future seasons by regulating diver numbers, avoiding the capture of young abalone and restricting harmful fishing methods."
He emphasised the importance of ministry-led initiatives that allow for cautious reopening of the fishing season, underscoring the critical role of diver cooperation in preserving the abalone stock for generations to come. This year, the ministry has scheduled the abalone diving season from November 3 to 12, with strict guidelines in place to protect this valuable resource. – ONA
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