MUSCAT: The annual squid fishing season will begin on August 1, 2022 and run for a period of six months until January 31, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has announced.
To ensure the success of this crucially important season for artisanal fishermen's livelihoods, the Ministry, represented by its directorates in the coastal governorates, has finished its preparations in terms of direction, awareness, control, and statistics.
In groups, artisanal fishermen hunt for squid in its aggregation areas in the coastal governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
For artisanal fishermen, a number of educational and awareness-raising events have been planned, and fisheries control teams will step up their efforts across the country’s coastal governorates.
In the same vein, a number of studies and scientific research on the abundance of squid in Omani waters were conducted by the Marine Science and Fisheries Center and the Aquaculture Centre at the Directorate General of Fisheries Research of the Ministry.
A key study focused on appropriate fishing tools and equipment, as well as methods and techniques for cultivating and propagating squid wealth in Omani waters.
The squid, which is known locally as "Al Gatro", belongs to the mollusk family and thrives in many different marine environments. Some species of squid live on coral reefs, seagrass flats, sandy, muddy and rocky environments, while others are semi-benthic or superficial.
Squid is a vital protein source that also has a low-fat content and offers protection from a number of ailments.
Squid gets its name from the inky substance it secretes when it is in peril and defending itself against other marine organisms.
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