The lobster fishing season, locally known as "Crab," began today in Oman and will continue until November 30. The Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources of Oman has set specific regulations for this season with the aim of preserving and sustaining this marine resource as well as regulating fishing activities.
The Economic Importance of Crab
Crab, as one of the most valuable marine resources in Oman, ranks second after "Fish." It is expected that the economic revenue from crab production will reach 4.255 million Omani rials by 2025, with a production volume of about 645 tons. The average price per kilogram of crab has been set at approximately 6.601 Omani rials.
Al Wusta Governorate, with a production of 288.5 tons, accounts for 44.7% of the total crab production. Following that, Dhofar Governorate with about 212.8 tons and 33% and Al Sharqiyah South Governorate with 135.7 tons and 21.1% rank next.
Sustainable Management and Conservation Measures
Engineer Salem bin Darwish Al-Hosni, Director of the Fisheries Guidance and Committees Department, emphasized that the economic value of crab has increased the attention of fishermen and investors towards this resource. This necessitates proper management of the resource in compliance with regulations to prevent its depletion.
He also referred to the regulation of various fishing stages, including the issuance of licenses and permitted tools, and noted that monitoring and regulating the facilitation and marketing processes to ensure optimal use of this resource is essential. Adherence by fishermen to permitted fishing methods is a key factor in preserving this resource.
The marine fishing law in Oman precisely regulates fishing methods and prevents fishing out of season to avoid the depletion of crab stocks. The use of illegal traps is also prohibited, as it may negatively impact the quality and availability of crab.
The Ministry of Agricultural Wealth and Fisheries is also working to raise awareness by conducting training courses and distributing informational publications and educational text messages for fishermen and the community to help preserve this resource.
In addition to educational efforts, the ministry sends monitoring teams to the coast and sea to check compliance with laws and regulations and also takes measures to collect data related to crab production.
The crab fishing season has been suspended from December 1 to September 30 of the following year, during which fishing and keeping it is prohibited. This action will help preserve and sustain this marine resource and support the livelihoods of fishermen and the fishing sector in Oman.
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