SALALAH: Oman’s fishermen are gearing up for the start of the lobster fishing season, locally known as ‘Sharkha,’ which commences on October 1 and runs through the end of November. This season marks a significant change from previous years, where the fishing period spanned from March to May, shifting for the first time in 2024.
Sharkha, a prized crustacean known for its nutrient-rich meat, holds substantial economic value, with the price per kilogram reaching over RO 7 in some seasons. Last year, Oman produced approximately 801 tonnes of lobster, with the majority coming from the Al Wusta, Dhofar, South Al Sharqiyah, and Musandam governorates.
Eng Muslim bin Salem Rafeet, Assistant Director General of Fisheries in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the importance of responsible fishing practices to preserve lobster stocks. He explained that fishing out of season is detrimental to sustainability and that the use of nets for catching lobsters is prohibited. Fishermen are encouraged to immediately release undersised catches and egg-bearing females back into the sea.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources continues its efforts to safeguard this valuable resource by implementing regulations and raising awareness among fishermen. This includes advisory programmes, awareness campaigns, and data collection to ensure the sustainability of Oman’s lobster fisheries for future generations. ONA
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