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Arab News
16-05-2025
- Arab News
Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan's fishing wealth
MAKKAH: Along the warm coastal waters of Jazan, the annual Kunnah fishing season has arrived, marking a period eagerly anticipated by local fishermen for its exceptional marine bounty. This renowned season, which runs from mid-April to mid-June, is celebrated for the abundance of kingfish, known locally as Al-Dhirak or Tyrak. In an interview with Arab News, Muhannad bin Abdulaziz Khawaji, director-general of the Fisheries Research Center in Jazan, provided insight into this economically vital season. 'The Kunnah season highlights the valuable marine resources that make Jazan's coastline so distinctive,' Khawaji explained. 'While officially beginning in late April, we typically see catch volumes increase significantly from mid-April, continuing through mid-June.' The season is characterized by gradually rising temperatures and initial wind conditions. 'Fishing operations continue uninterrupted except when safety warnings are issued by the National Center for Environmental Compliance or Border Guards,' Khawaji noted. Market dynamics shift dramatically during this period, with lower prices for kingfish because of the increased supply. 'April through July represents our most diverse and abundant fishing period of the entire year in Jazan,' he said. Khawaji said anticipation builds in Jazan's fishing community as the Kunnah season approaches. The waterfront becomes particularly vibrant as amateur anglers and tourists, permitted to use hook-and-line methods with catch limits, join professional fishermen on the waters. 'The Kunnah season is not a time of scarcity — it is when the sea offers its greatest gifts,' said Mohammed Al-Qurbi, a fisherman from Jazan's coastal waters. Al-Qurbi said Kunnah season brings remarkable abundance. The waters teem with prized catches including green snappers, leopard coral groupers, and the coveted kingfish. 'Those who truly understand the rhythms of the sea recognize this as a time of providence, not pause,' Al-Qurbi said, emphasizing the importance of experience to garner the greatest benefit from the season. Khawaji said the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture responds to this seasonal surge by offering specialized permits, with an accompanying sailor license. Preparations for the season begin well in advance, with authorities noting significant increases in applications for boat preparation, license renewals, and equipment upgrades. The ministry facilitates these preparations through coordination with the Transport General Authority and Border Guards. Khawaji pointed to conservation efforts, including a ban on fishing in spawning and other protected marine areas. He said the ministry organizes periodic workshops to raise awareness and provides support including fully-equipped boats, loans, and direct financial support of up to SR50,000 ($13,330) annually for every active fisherman. Ibrahim Qassim, another local fisherman, said: 'Kunnah marks the annual migration of kingfish through the Red Sea. They travel our waters searching for feeding grounds and eventually spawning areas.' He noted that these magnificent fish can reach impressive sizes during this migration, with specimens weighing between 10 to 15 kg regularly appearing in catches. Fishermen employ specialized techniques during this season, including the Al-Majroor method — a weighted line featuring artificial plastic lures called Al-Azm or Al-Labiah specifically designed to attract kingfish. Others use strategic lighting systems to draw the fish toward their vessels during nighttime expeditions, Qassim explained. The economic impact on local communities is significant. 'Most fishermen concentrate their annual efforts during Kunnah season due to the exceptional productivity,' Khawaji explained. 'The abundance of catch, particularly kingfish, directly translates to increased income for fishing families.' Khawaji said the Kunnah season coincides with spawning periods for some marine species including shrimp. There are also temporary bans on harvesting certain species such as Nagel and Taradi fish. 'These measures are essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable fish stocks for future generations,' Khawaji said.
Times of Oman
12-02-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Sustainable Abalone fishing yields positive results in Dhofar
Muscat: The 2024 abalone fishing season in Dhofar Governorate has yielded positive results, with the stock demonstrating a significant improvement in both size and abundance. According to a survey conducted by the Fisheries Research Center at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the total production exceeded 76 tonnes during the 10-day fishing season. This marks a notable increase compared to the 149 tons harvested during the 30-day fishing season in 2011, despite a significant reduction in the number of licenses issued this year (2,369 compared to 4,418 in 2011). Eng. Muslim bin Salem Rafeet, Assistant Director General of Fisheries at the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate, highlighted the success of the season. He stated that the Wilayat of Sadah contributed the most to the overall production, accounting for 93.5%, while the Wilayat of Mirbat contributed 6.5%. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has implemented several measures to ensure the sustainable management of the abalone fishery. These measures include: Establishing size limits for caught abalone Implementing seasonal fishing closures Setting stringent requirements for fishing licenses Promoting the use of appropriate fishing methods and tools Conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public on sustainable fishing practices The Department of Fisheries in Dhofar Governorate has established a dedicated working team to oversee the implementation of these measures and ensure the successful execution of the abalone fishing season. This team has also launched a new visual identity to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable abalone fishing. To ensure responsible fishing practices, the Ministry has carefully determined the optimal number of divers to participate in the season, balancing economic benefits with the need to protect the long-term sustainability of the abalone population. Approximately 2,459 fishermen met the required conditions and were granted licenses, out of a total of 2,475 licenses issued. The Wilayat of Mirbat led in the number of diving licenses issued (47%), followed by Sadah (42%), Salalah (7%), and other regions. Furthermore, 66% of the licenses issued this season were granted to experienced divers who held licenses in previous seasons, while 34% were issued to new entrants, primarily from the Wilayats of Mirbat and Sadah. A total of 106 licenses were issued for the processing, storage, and trading of abalone, with 11 centers approved for trading purposes. Eng. Rafeet emphasized the unique significance of the Omani abalone. "Abalone is a unique resource found only in the Sultanate of Oman in the Middle East region," he stated. "It inhabits the southern coastline, stretching from the Sharbat area in the Wilayat of Shaleem and the Al-Hallaniyat Islands to the Wilayat of Mirbat." He further highlighted the social and economic importance of the abalone fishery. "Omani abalone is a valuable resource that provides significant economic benefits to local communities," he explained. "It is a source of income for many fishermen and contributes to the national economy through exports to international markets. The average price of Omani abalone in the local market is approximately OMR 45 per kilogram, while its global market value can reach up to OMR 200 per kilogram." Eng. Rafeet also emphasized the role of abalone in supporting the tourism sector, attracting visitors to the region and stimulating commercial activity. The Ministry has embraced technological advancements in fisheries management, utilizing drones for the first time to monitor abalone fisheries and guide enforcement efforts. Additionally, the license application process has been digitized, streamlining procedures and improving efficiency. Key Improvements: Enhanced Structure and Flow: The text is now organized into clear paragraphs with improved flow and readability. Stronger Opening: The opening sentence highlights the positive results of the abalone fishing season. Focus on Sustainability: The text emphasizes the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the measures implemented by the Ministry to ensure the long-term health of the abalone population. Economic and Social Impact: The economic and social significance of the abalone fishery is clearly articulated.
