Sea cucumber fishing banned in Oman till 2030
The decision is based on the Living Aquatic Resources Law enacted via Royal Decree No 20/2019 and builds on executive regulations outlined in Ministerial Decision No 4/94, as well as Decision No 121/2022, which imposed a three-year ban from June 2022. The extended ban strictly prohibits all activities related to sea cucumbers, including fishing, buying, selling, transporting, storing and exporting.
The ministry has continued to ban fishing of sea cucumbers for the last several years. A one-year ban was enforced in March 2021, following a two-year ban covering 2019 and 2020. A similar ban was also imposed in 2018.
A study conducted by Khalfan al Rashdi and Dr Michel Claereboudt of Sultan Qaboos University found more than 21 Holothurian (sea cucumber) species in the shallow waters of Oman. Of these, only Holothuria scabra is harvested commercially, with individual specimens valued at around RO1.5. These are typically found on the western side of Masirah Island and in Mahout Bay – areas known for their extensive seagrass beds and sheltered lagoons.
The study noted that the first recorded commercial exploitation of Holothuria scabra in Oman dates back over a decade. However, like in many parts of the world, the population has declined rapidly due to overfishing.
The researchers reported, 'Overfishing evidences include a sharp decrease in population density, critically reduced to fewer than one individual per hectare – a trend observed in Oman and globally.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Muscat Daily
‘Our Safe Home' promotes family stability, security in Oman
Muscat – Through its Directorate General in Dakhliyah, Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) launched an initiative called 'Our Safe Home' on Monday aimed at reinforcing family security and fostering a society based on mutual respect, understanding and compassion. The initiative seeks to strengthen family cohesion, encourage open dialogue among household members, and promote shared values that support psychological and social development. Authorities view these as critical to maintaining stability in households and the wider community. As part of the initiative, three specialised workshops were organised focusing on mental health, family relationships and parenting in the digital age. Dr Hilal bin Salem al Abri, a guidance and counselling specialist at Sultan Qaboos University, led the first session titled 'How to be Successful Amidst the Crowds and Comparisons'. Aimed at youth aged 13 to 28, the workshop addressed the psychological effects of social comparisons and offered tools to enhance self-awareness and mental well-being. The second workshop – Red Light – was conducted by Dr Kafala bint Hamoud al Omairi, Head of Marriage Counselling Team in Dakhliyah. It focused on recognising early warning signs in relationships, particularly during engagement and the initial phase of marriage. Participants were introduced to techniques for emotional regulation and community-based support strategies. In the final session – Digital Upbringing in a Fast-Paced World – Dr Nahla bint Rashid al Shabibiyah of Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs highlighted the challenges of raising children in the digital era. The session outlined differences between traditional and digital parenting and provided strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline life. The 'Our Safe Home' initiative was part of Ministry of Social Development's broader efforts to promote social resilience and enhance family communication, contributing to the development of a more cohesive and supportive society.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Sea cucumber fishing banned in Oman till 2030
Muscat – H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has issued Ministerial Decision No 167/2025 extending the ban on fishing, possession and trade of sea cucumbers in the sultanate for a period of five years, starting July 5, 2025. The decision is based on the Living Aquatic Resources Law enacted via Royal Decree No 20/2019 and builds on executive regulations outlined in Ministerial Decision No 4/94, as well as Decision No 121/2022, which imposed a three-year ban from June 2022. The extended ban strictly prohibits all activities related to sea cucumbers, including fishing, buying, selling, transporting, storing and exporting. The ministry has continued to ban fishing of sea cucumbers for the last several years. A one-year ban was enforced in March 2021, following a two-year ban covering 2019 and 2020. A similar ban was also imposed in 2018. A study conducted by Khalfan al Rashdi and Dr Michel Claereboudt of Sultan Qaboos University found more than 21 Holothurian (sea cucumber) species in the shallow waters of Oman. Of these, only Holothuria scabra is harvested commercially, with individual specimens valued at around RO1.5. These are typically found on the western side of Masirah Island and in Mahout Bay – areas known for their extensive seagrass beds and sheltered lagoons. The study noted that the first recorded commercial exploitation of Holothuria scabra in Oman dates back over a decade. However, like in many parts of the world, the population has declined rapidly due to overfishing. The researchers reported, 'Overfishing evidences include a sharp decrease in population density, critically reduced to fewer than one individual per hectare – a trend observed in Oman and globally.'
Observer
01-07-2025
- Observer
Saham Fruit Festival features diverse activities
SAHAM: Saham Fruit Festival kicked off in the Wilayat of Saham, Al Batinah North Governorate on Tuesday. The event is organised by the Office of the Wali of Saham in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in the wilayat. The festival aims to support local producers by providing a direct marketing platform to sell their agricultural products, promote sustainable farming practices and raise community awareness about their economic and environmental importance. It also showcases the fruits and agricultural crops cultivated in the farms of the wilayat. Held at Saham Public Park, the festival features a variety of activities, including stalls for displaying and selling local fruits, specialised workshops on modern agricultural techniques and educational seminars focusing on best farming practices. Eng Ahmed bin Ali al Farsi, Director of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Saham, stated that the Saham Fruit Festival represents an opportunity to boost local production and support farmers by enabling them to showcase their products directly. He added that the event contributes to spreading awareness of sustainable agriculture and highlights the importance of the agricultural sector in local community development. - ONA
