English abstract
In Oman, artificial reefs are exclusively constructed by the fishermen in the Al Batinah region and A'Seeb town, which belongs to Muscat governorate. The main objective of this study was to discover the potential of traditional artificial reefs found in the Al-Batinah region and to document the results. The study examined the potential of the artificial reefs in the Sultanate of Oman, based on a case study in the Al-Batinah region, whether they are beneficial and efficient for the traditional fishermen or not.
The study was performed in two towns; Barka, which is from the southern section, and Shinas which is from the northern section of the region. A sample of 103 and 28 of artificial owners from Shinas and Barka respectively were selected representing 50% of total population. A survey was carried out using face-to-face interview to collect data besides the direct observations, Based on the results of this study that is conducted with the artificial reefs owners in the Al-Batinah, it is apparent that the artificial reefs are of great potential to fisheries of the Al-Batinah region and to fishermen, The artificial reefs were found in the Al Batinah region for at least 200 years, according to the fishermen. The fishermen used materials that are readily available in construction the artificial reefs, such as trees branches, stones, bricks, rocks and tyres. The artificial reefs require repeated and continuous renewal around the year through adding more materials frequently throughout the year. The local rules and regulations that were set by the wise fishermen in the past played a major role in managing the fisheries sector in their villages and towns. The cutting of the anchored buoys and stealing the fish or the traps were the main problems that disturb the artificial reefs work.
The study concluded that, based on the survey conducted with the fishermen, the artificial reefs support production hypothesis rather than attraction hypothesis. Also, it was found that there is a kind on non-compliance of fishermen towards existing regulations introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries Wealth. Moreover, it was found that some of the norms and local rules related to the artificial reefs are consistent with the property rights in fisheries management. Also, it is found that the history of the artificial reefs in the Al-Batinah region goes back at least 200 years, according to the fishermen.
In order to achieve better benefit from artificial reefs, it is recommended that a strategy for artificial reef development needs to be formulated for Oman. Furthermore, to draw valid conclusion regarding the attraction and production debate, a more rigorous scientific study is recommended. Also, the Ministry has to assure that its regulations are effective in order to conserve resources in the region and to minimize conflicts between users.
