Marine Atlas of the Western Arabian Gulf - Saudi · PDF file188 Marine Atlas of the Western Arabian Gulf Chapter 7: FISHERIES 189 Plate 7.2 Th e Arabian bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium

186 M a r i n e A t l a s o f t h e W e s t e r n A r a b i a n G u l f

Plate 7.1 Traditional artisanal fi shing boats.

CHAPTER 7_FINAL_14MAY2011_jpk_VERONA.indd 186 23/07/12 13:33

7

Fisheries

Rodney Garner

Department of Environment and Resource Management Queensland Government, Australia


188 189C h a p t e r 7 : F I S H E R I E SM a r i n e A t l a s o f t h e W e s t e r n A r a b i a n G u l f

Plate 7.2 Th e Arabian bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium arabicum, Arabic name “Hayyasa” (Source: FAO, 2004. Field Identifi cation Guide to the Sharks and Rays of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden., p. 71)

Introduction

Fisheries and aquaculture from the Arabian Gulf have a very important role in food supply, food security and income generation in Saudi Arabia. Th e Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest state occupying 80% of the Arabian Peninsula bounded by two semi enclosed seas, the Red Sea in the west and the Arabian Gulf in the east and has common borders withmany other Arabian countries.

Th e waters of the Arabian Gulf are environmentally unique with an unusual faunal assemblage because of the climate extremes to which it is exposed and fl uctuations in temperature and salinity combined with the shallow water environment. Species that wish to establish a population in this area must be capable of withstanding the stress of osmotic and temperature extremes, therefore the current species composition is composed of many Indo-Pacifi c biota.

Next to oil, fi sheries represent the second most important natural resource for Saudi Arabia and the most important renewable natural resource. Th e industrial trawl fi sheries are very productive and shrimp areexported to many overseas markets. Fishery resources are exploited by artisanal subsistence fi shermen, local commercial fi shers and foreign industrial fl eets targeting invertebrates, demersal fi nfi sh and pelagic fi nfi sh. Most of the fi sheries are either fully or over exploited (Sheppard, et al., 1992). Many species cross national boundaries and are essentially shared stocks. Some are truly highly migratory, for example the tuna, some sharks and the small shoaling pelagic species of the region. Other activities in coastal waters yielding economic returns are the remnant pearl-fi shery in the Red Sea Farasan Islands and recreational diving.

Plate 7.3 Wrasse fi sh gathering on a coral reef.


Fish species generally found in the Arabian Gulf have been described by White and Barwani (1971); Randal, et al., (1978); Kuronuma and Abe (1972). Th e major commercially exploited species in the two seas (Arabian Gulf and Red Sea) are native species, such as shrimps, emperors, scads, jacks, groupers, sea breams, and snappers, together with migratory species, such as Spanish mackerel, Indian mackerel, longtail tuna and kawakawa.

Commercially important species of small tunas and seerfi sh are:• Small tunas Kawakawa (Euthynnus affi nis)• Longtail tuna (Th unnus tonggol)• Dogtooth tuna (Gynmosarda unicolor)• Seerfi sh Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson)

Of the above four species, three are found in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf; the dogtooth tuna is caught only in the Red Sea. Th e Indo-Pacifi c king mackerel (Scomberomorus guttatus) is also available but rare in the two seas (Al-Yahya, 1998).

Pelagic fi nfi sh catches are dominated by sardines, Indian mackerel, Spanish mackerel and yellowfi n tuna. Th e demersal catch is dominated by species of snapper, jack, emperor, lizard-fi sh, grouper, seerfi sh, rabbitfi sh and sea-bream.

Plate 7.4 Leopard shark, Stegostoma fasciatum.

Plate 7.5 Arabian bluelined dottyback, Pseudochromis aldabraensis. Plate 7.6 Sordid sweetlip, Plectorhinchus sordidus.


191C h a p t e r 7 : F I S H E R I E S

Plate 7.8 Arabian Butterfl y Fish, Chaetodon Melapterus.

Important fi sheries in the Arabian Gulf are dominated by groupers, emperors, scads and jacks, however, shrimp and kingfi sh also constitute important components of the catch.

Table 7.1 Is the capture production (tons) by country in the RECOFI Area (Four-Year Intervals and Last Four Years) (RECOFI, 2009).

Plate 7.7 Moray eel resting, Arabic Names “Najooj, Musaf, Nachoot.”



Total fi shery production of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2007 was 85,201 metric tons where the production in the Arabian Gulf was 40,052 metric tons (Fisheries Statistics of Saudi Arabia, 2003).

Demersal fi sh found in Saudi Arabia are primarily Lethrinidae, Sparidae, Serranidae, Siganidae, Sciaenidae, Stromateidae, Lutjanidae, Trichiuridae and Nemipteridae. Approximately 198,000-214,000 tons of demersal fi sh were landed annually during 1988-1993, accounting for nearly 40% of the total marine landings (475,000-552,000 tons) during that period.

Desert dwellers of the Arabian Peninsula traditionally prefer lamb, cow and camel meat, however, consumers are increasingly attracted to cholesterol free and easy-to-digest fi sh (FAO, 2009). Fish are excellent low-fat sources of protein and provide many benefi ts, such as contributing to low blood cholesterol (Anderson and Wiener, 1995). Fish provide omega-3 fatty acids that reduce cholesterol levels and the incidence of heart disease, stroke and preterm delivery (Anderson and Wiener, 1995; Daviglus, et al., 2002; Patterson, 2002).

Fish are highly nutritious, rich in micronutrients, minerals, essential fatty acids and proteins, and represents a valuable supplement to diets otherwise lacking essential vitamins and minerals; these nutrients have particular importance in natal and child health and development. Increasing demand for fresh fi sh with limited supply has resulted in an increasing of the gap between fi sh consumption and local fi sh production.

Th e gap reached about 50,000 tons on the average for 1992-1995 period. Such gap has led to increasing the average current price of fresh fi sh at the market, which in turn encourages fi shermen to increase fi shing eff orts, thereby aff ecting the natural stock of fi sh.

Plate 7.9 Coral grouper, Cephalopholis hemistiktos.

Th e Arabian Gulf main fi shing methods are Traps, Trawls, and Gill Net, which produce 92% of traditional

fi shery yield (Elhendy and Alzoom, 2000).

Plate 7.10 Traditional fi sh trap - “Hadrah”.

Fishing Gear


Plate 7.13 Two bar seabream, Acanthopagrus bifasciatus, Arabic “Faskar.”

A wide range of fi shing gear is used, including traps, set nets, trawls and hook-and-line. Traps are of two types, the baited basket trap or “gargoor” and the barrier trap or “hadrah.”

Th e “hadrah” is a semi-permanent intertidal barrier trap made from either palm stems or steel poles and nylon netting. A barrier perpendicular to the shore and wings of the trap channel fi sh into fi rst an outer and then an inner chamber of the trap. Fish are harvested at low tide. Fish trapped by the “hadrah” are primarily mullets (Mugilidae), rabbit-fi sh (Siganidae), jacks (Carangidae), barracudas (Sphyraenidae), needlefi sh (Belonidae), snappers (Lutjanidae) and seabream (Sparidae), many other bottom dwelling fi sh are also taken.

Plate 7.11 Local fi shermen remove their catch from the nets.

Plate 7.12 Bottom-dwelling fi sh - pearly goatfi sh, Parupeneus margaritatus, Arabic “Sultan Ibrahim.”


Plate 7.17 Traditional “Hadrah.”

From the Arabian Gulf Coast in 2000, 98.3% of the total production of 24,605 tones came from the artisanal sector. Catch rates are generally higher in the Arabian Gulf for most fi shing methods with catches/day ranging from 132 kg/day for trap fi shing boats in the Arabian Gulf (compared with 23 kg/day for trap fi shing boats in the Red Sea) to 15 kg/day for handline vessels in the Red Sea (FAO, 2000).

Th e artisanal fi shing fl eet of Saudi Arabia includes 9,436 boats of which 7,611 operate in the Red Sea and 1,825 in Arabian Gulf waters. Th e industrial fl eet consists of 149 boats in the Red Sea (primarily operating out of Jizan on the Southern Red Sea coast) and 34 boats on the Arabian Gulf. 4,172 professional fi shermen and 8,186 employees in the secondary fi sheries sectors operate in the Red Sea area while 1,715 professional fi shermen and 6,939 secondary sector employees operate in the Arabian Gulf areas. Th e majority of fi shermen are Saudi nationals while expatriate workers (predominately from Bangladesh) dominate the secondary production sector (FAO, 2009).

Plate 7.14 Sordid sweetlip, Plectorhinchus schotaf, Arabic “Janam.”

Plate 7.15 Dark damsel fi sh, Pomacentrus aquilus.

Plate 7.16 Yellowbar angel fi sh, Pomacanthus maculosus .


Plate 7.18 Mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Arabic “Shiqra.”

Plate 7.19 Dark butterfl y fi sh, Chaetodon nigropunctatus. Plate 7.20 Coral grouper, Cephalopholis hemistiktos.



Plate 7.21 Banded needlefi sh, Strongylura leiura, Arabic “Hakul”.

Plate 7.24 Sea urchin.

Plate 7.23 Moray eel displaying their razor sharp teeth.

Plate 7.22 Zebra moray eel, Gymnomuraena zebra.



Bag of assorted fi sh caught from a ‘hadrah’(On DVD Saudi Arabia_07042008_Abu Ali_hadra_jpg fi les - _MG_8989.jpg)

Plate 7.25 Traditional fi shing boat.



Plate 7.26 Fishermen sorting through their catch at low tide from a “Hadrah.”

Traditional

Th e traditional or artisanal fi shery as well as industrial fi sheries operates in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf areas. In the Arabian Gulf, the industrial sector is solely concerned with shrimp production while the artisanal sector uses fi sh traps (locally known as “gargoor”), gillnets, handlines, trolling and small shrimp trawl nets. In addition, a small number (5 in 2001) of traditional stake nets (“hadrah”) are still utilized in the area. Th e industrial fl eet of the Arabian Gulf coast, which is based in Dammam, exclusively targets shrimp although fi sh by-catch from these bottom trawling operations is an important component of the catch and is also landed and marketed. Fish trap fi sheries dominate artisanal production in the Arabian Gulf with 44% of production coming from this method in 2001.

Th ree types of steel meshed fi sh traps locally known as “gargoor” are well-suited for various bottom fi sh and are operated from traditional wooden-hulled boats (called dhows) powered with a diesel engine ranging from 150 to 450 hp in the Arabian Gulf. Th ese traps are hemispherical in shape with an opening at the top for the fi sh to enter, but once they enter they cannot escape. Th ese fi sh traps are well-suited for various benthic fi sh living in coral or rocky reef areas and they are deployed from traditional wooden-hulled boats. Fish as bait is oft en used to attract the fi sh and this is tied to the fl at bottom of the fi sh trap either by a bag made up of a nylon webbing or by means of a steel wire, where the fi sh are hooked and tied. Many varieties of baits are used according to the type of fi sh species targeted. Bread (kubbose), algae, fresh and salted sardine or even fi sh cutting waste are used as bait. Normally medium and large “gargoor”are used to catch big demersal fi sh species (Janhi, et al., 2008).



Plate 7.27 Local fi shermen displays his catch of fi sh and crabs.

Fishing boats include fi sh and shrimp trawlers (wooden and steel hulled), large wooden boats (dhow) with inboard engines, small dhows with outboard engines. Fishing gear consists of trawls, bottom gill nets, traps (wire mesh and plastic types), barrier traps, hook hand lines, and bare hands and knives (to dislodge abalone Siddeek et al., 1999).

Plate 7.29 Larger artisanal fi shing boat.

Plate 7.28 Typical artisanal fi shing boats.


With demand increasing and production from wild capture fi sheries stable or, for some species, falling, prices of most major local fi sh species are increasing signifi cantly. As a result, profi tability of individual fi shing enterprises has remained adequate despite lower catch rates within the fi nfi sh sector. However, profi tability is signifi cantly distorted by direct, and increasing, subsidies by the Government which are in response to lower catches. Most stocks are fully or over exploited and, although some management is in place, over capacity of the fl eet remains a signifi cant issue.

‘Hadrah’ – Fish Trap

Plate 7.31 Arabian monocle bream, Scolopsis ghanam.

Plate 7.32 Yellowstriped cardinal, Apogon cyanosoma.

Plate 7.33 Golden trevally, Gnathodon speciosus.

Plate 7.30 Bag of assorted fi sh caught from a “Hadrah.”



Plate 7.34 Traditional boat equipped with fi sh traps “Gargoor.”

Plate 7.35 Longfi n bannerfi sh, Heniochus acuminatus Arabic “Misht, Misht Al-Aroos.”

Plate 7.36 Blackspot snapper, Lutjanus ehrenbergii (front), sergeant major, Abdefduf

saxatilis schooling (background).

Plate 7.37 Coral grouper, Cephalopholis hemistiktos.



Pearl fi sheryTh e pearl-oyster fi shery was one of the most important economic activities of the area but competition from cultured pearls has greatly diminished its importance. Large teams of breath-holding divers used to operate from dhows but this activity has all but ceased.

Th ose still operating in this fi shery most oft en fi nd it is more profi table for them to sell unopened pearl oysters at the market to individuals willing to take a chance, rather than selling the pearls themselves. Th e two species of pearl oysters in the area are the Pinctada margaritifera and P. radiate (see illustration below).

Th e pearling season commonly begins in March or April, and continues until about the end of May; it is renewed in the autumn, continuing through September and October. Th e vessels employed are of two varieties: dhows carrying from 20 to 80 men each, and the much smaller ‘sambuks’ or sail boats without decks, each with from 6 to 25 men (Kunz and Stevenson, 1908).

Th e divers use stones on which they descend feet foremost. Th e diving stones range in weight from 30 to 50 pounds each, depending largely on the depth of water and the weight of the fi sherman. In preparing for descent, the fi sherman takes hold of the rope from which the diving stone is suspended, puts one foot in the loop just above the stone and places the other foot in the rim of a net basket, 18 inches wide, made of coir rope.

When ready, he signals his attendant, inhales several good breaths, closes his nostrils with a nostril-clasp of fl exible horn attached to a cord around his neck, raises his body somewhat above the surface to give force to the descent, releases the slip knot retaining the stone, and sinks rapidly to the bottom. Immediately disengaging his foot from the stone, he throws himself in a stooping position on the ground and collects as many oysters as possible during the fi ft y seconds or more in which he is able to remain under water. When near his limit of endurance, he hastily gives a signal jerk to the rope attached to the basket and the watchful attendant hauls him up as speedily as possible, the diver frequently quickening the ascent by hand over hand movement up the rope.

(From Carpenter, et al., 1997)

Plate 7.38 Bivalve, Family Pectinidae in fl owerpot coral, Goniopora sp.


Th e UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) was signed by Saudi Arabia on December 7, 1984, and ratifi ed on April 24, 1996. Th e Ministry of Agriculture and Water (MAW) is responsible for the implementation of economic plans and programs for fi sheries in addition to agriculture, water development, desalination, irrigation, animal resources and locust control.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a number of management measures to control exploitation of its fi shery resources in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Th ese controls are all input controls and include:

• Closed seasons for shrimp fi shing in the Arabian Gulf (variable but currently from January 1 to August 1 each year) and in the Red Sea from March 1 to August 1.• Closed seasons for important coral reef species of grouper in the Red Sea.• Mesh size restrictions for gill nets in both the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.• Development of the traditional fi shing sector and modernization of fi shing means by use of engines for propelling boats as well as improvement of material for boat making, provision of soft loans and increase in the awareness of fi shermen.• Temporary suspension on the issue of new fi shing licenses.• Establishment of marine protected areas in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

In addition, a number of coastal environment rehabilitation projects have been undertaken, including replanting mangroves in both Red Sea and Arabian Gulf areas and releasing of fry of sea bream and grouper for restocking purposes. Th e industry, particularly the traditional fi shery, receives signifi cant Government subsidies in the form of soft loans, grants and other assistance. Th e traditional fi shery sector, produces about 74% of total fresh fi sh production, while the industrial fi shery sector (Aquaculture) produce about 18%. Th ere are two main sources for traditional fi shery yield, one from the Arabian Gulf, which produce about 54% of total traditional fi shery, and the other one from the Red Sea which produce the about 46%, in 1996 (Ministry of Agriculture and Water, 1996).

Plate 7.39 Persian cardinal, Cheilodepterus persicus.

Fisheries management



Plate 7.40 Fish market in Qatif.

Th e Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI) consists of the following members: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

RECOFI’s purpose is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best utilization of living marine resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the area covered by the Commission. To this end, the Commission reviews the state of these resources including abundance and the level of exploitation. Th e Commission also formulates and recommends measures for the conservation and management of living resources, and ensures the implementation of these recommendations. Th e Commission reviews the economic and social aspects of the fi shing industry and recommends research and development activities including cooperative projects in the area of fi sheries.

Fishing, was an underdeveloped aspect of the Saudi Arabian economy despite the abundance of fi sh and shellfi sh in coastal waters. Th e major reasons for the small size of this sector were the limited demand for fi sh and the comparative lack of fi sh marketing and processing facilities. Iraqi actions in releasing oil into the Arabian Gulf during the Gulf War caused appreciable damage to fi sh and wildlife in the Gulf. Data concerning postwar catches were not available in late 1992, but in 1989 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimated Saudi Arabia’s total catch at more than 53,000 tons.



Catch utilization

Shrimp is sold locally with heads-on without further processing. Exported shrimp is processed, packed and frozen and sold both with heads-on and head less. Most (98%) of the large by-catch of the shrimp fi shery is discarded, but some desirable species are landed at local fi sh markets.

Finfi sh are landed on ice, and sold fresh in both wholesale and retail markets. Wholesale markets exist in most major coastal and inland cities. Th e Saudi Fisheries Company was established in 1981 to lead development in the catch utilization sector and operates both a number of wholesale and a chain of retail fi sh outlets throughout the Kingdom. In addition, the Company is actively involved in the export of fresh and processed fi sh products.

Th e Company also has four processing plants strategically located in Dammam, Jizan, Jeddah and Riyadh. Th ese plants have the capacity to process more than 100 tons of fi sh and shrimp daily. All plants are modern, well equipped and have additional lines for freezing, processing and packing fi sh products.

Plate 7.41 Fresh prawns ready for market. Plate 7.42 “Hamoor” grouper, Epinephelus sp., ready for market.

Plate 7.43 Yellow-tail barracuda, Sphyraena fl avicauda, ready for market. Plate 7.44 Emperor fi sh, Lethrinus sp., ready for market.



Plate 7.47 A damselfi sh hovers above a colorful bed of algae, sponge and coral.

Plate 7.45 Blackspot snapper, Lutjanus ehrenbergii, schooling .

Plate 7.46 Moon wrasse, Th alassoma lunare. Plate 7.48 Th reespot dascyllus, Dascyllus trimaculatus.



Economic

In comparison with the oil industry, the contribution of the fi shing industry to Saudi Arabia’s economy is very small. While Saudi citizens own and operate traditional and industrial vessels, the sector is heavily dependent on immigrant workers with more than 50% of these workers coming from Bangladesh or India. In addition to commercial food production, the fi shery resource also supports a signifi cant recreational fi shery.

Fish landings from marine, brackish, freshwater and from fi sh farming (aquaculture), provide a vital source of food, employment, recreation, trade and economic well being for people throughout the world, for both present and future generations.

For national and local policy-making and planning, it is essential to describe the contribution of fi sheries to the economy. If managed eff ectively, fi sheries are able to generate substantial economic benefi ts to the national and local economies. Assessments of the economic contribution of fi sheries need to take into account the generation of income in the local community, of returns to the broader community and of foreign exchange from export earnings.

Th e contradiction between applying policies of increasing self suffi ciency of fi shers and saving the natural stock of fi sh need to be studied. One approach is to increase the effi ciency of the traditional fi shery sector, and the other one is to support nontraditional fi shery sector. In addition to commercial food production, the fi shery resource also supports a signifi cant recreational fi shery.

Although aquaculture has been seen as a major alternative source of fresh fi sh supply and is growing rapidly, production from this sector has not grown fast enough to meet increased demand. Saudi Arabia will therefore be increasingly dependent on imported products to meet its fi sh demand. Th e Government has therefore identifi ed aquaculture production as a priority and has set a target production from this sector of 48,000 tons in the medium term. Current aquaculture production is around 8,000 tons.

Th e shrimp and the fi nfi sh resources of the Arabian Gulf are already intensely exploited. Th e present annual shrimp production could be increased, as in the 1980s, by a reduction of fi shing eff ort, better controls on the taking of small shrimp in shallow water areas by artisanal vessels and prevention of illegal fi shing on the main shrimp nursery areas. Like other countries in the region, the catch of some major fi nfi sh species (such as grouper) on the Arabian Gulf Coast of Saudi Arabia are in decline. Overexploitation may be a contributing factor in this decline (as indicated by fi sh length or age distributions) as well as changing environmental conditions brought about by coastal development. Cooperative management among all Gulf countries for shared stocks is needed to address the overall management of these regional stocks.

Saudi Arabia’s national policy strives to provide adequate supplies of reasonably priced food for its citizens. Th e fi shing industry is expected to contribute to this objective. However, demand for fi sh continues to exceed the sustainable potential of the fi sh resources of Saudi Arabia, particularly of fi nfi sh. Government subsidization of the fi sheries sector therefore strives to achieve low domestic fi sh prices while maintaining the economic viability of particularly the artisanal fi sheries sector. No external world aid is provided to Saudi Arabia for fi sheries development or management activities.

Plate 7.49 Traditional boat passing an oil rig.


Aquaculture

In the region there is historical evidence of traditional small-scale aquaculture activity based mainly on freshwater pond culture, but in most cases the practices were limited to holding fi sh or ongrowing wild-caught fry.

Aquaculture development in Saudi Arabia began in earnest in 1980, with the establishment of the Fish Culture Project at the Saudi Arabian National Center for Science and Technology, now called the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in the capital of Riyadh.

Commercial aquaculture began in 1983, with the establishment of the nation’s fi rst fi sh farm at Qassim. In 1992, the Deputy Ministry for Fisheries Aff airs, which oversees national fi sheries development policy, was established under the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture and Water, simultaneously, an Aquaculture Department was established to promote aquaculture in the nation.

Th e Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting an ambitious food self-suffi ciency program and provides fi nancial incentives and appropriate technical support to the private sector. Fish production has three sources, one for marine fi shery at local seas, the second is fi sh farming and the third, overseas fi shing. Fish farming and overseas fi shing are relatively new, and its share in total fi sh production was 7%, in 1996 (Elhendy, 2000).

Th e aquaculture sector is expanding rapidly with recent expansion being in marine aquaculture. Aquaculture production now accounts for around 14% of total fi sh production in the Kingdom. In the Arabian Gulf there are shallow lagoons protected by coral reefs, which are appropriate for cage and pen/enclosure culture, low lying coastal areas are also suitable for pond and tank culture.

Fingerlings of gilthead seabream are imported from Greece, France and other countries. Fingerlings are now also produced in Kuwait by a new company called “Gulf International Aquaculture Company” (GIAC), which uses part of the hatchery of the Kuwait Institute for Scientifi c Research (KISR) on a rental basis. Fish cage culture is showing an unstable trend and during the period 2000 to 2003 the annual average production was approximately 250 tons. Th e Government encourages the establishment of aquaculture activities by also providing a feed subsidy. Th e aquaculture sector has been identifi ed as a potential source of seafood to supplement the country’s future demand for fi sh supplies (FAO, 2010).

Aquaculture production, although still small in comparison with wild capture fi sheries, is growing rapidly with production doubling from 2,960 tons in 1996 to 5,600 tons in 2000 with a further increase to 8,018 tons in 2001. Th is represents around 14% of fi sh production in the Kingdom. Th ere were 149 freshwater and marine farms in operation in 2001 with the majority of production (3,918 tons in 2001) coming from freshwater aquaculture, primarily Tilapia species.

Other marine species either in commercial or pilot-scale production include grouper (Epinephelus coioides), sea bream (Sparus auratus), rabbit fi sh (Siganus caniculatus) and mullet (Mugilidae spp). Th ere is also interest at a feasibility level, in culture of lobster, mollusks, seaweed and ornamental fi sh.

Inland aquaculture currently accounts for over 80% of the total aquaculture production with four carp species accounting for 58% of the total production in 2003. However, mariculture was the fastest growing sector making up for nearly 20% of the production in 2003. Th e majority of this consisted of Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus) from Saudi Arabia (9,160 tons).

Commercial-scale production of the exotic Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and the native Sobaity seabream (Sparidentex hasta) have increased in recent years with more countries in the Region reporting production (Lovatelli, 2005).

Plate 7.51 Extensive ponds have been developed in coastal areas. Source: Saudi Fisheries Company.

Plate 7.50 Aquaculture activities in Saudi Arabia. Source: Saudi Fisheries Company.



Plate 7.52 Slipper lobster, Family Scyllaridae, Arabic “Umm Ar-Rubiyan.”

Plate 7.53 Longbarbel goat fi sh, Parupeneus macronema, Arabic “Sultan Ibrahim. ”

Plate 7.54 Arabian monocle bream, Scolopsis ghanam. Plate 7.55 Undulated moray, Gymnothorax undulates.



Plate 7.56 Several species of schooling fi shes were found in large numbers around platforms.(photograph by Marino Brzac)

Plate 7.57 Sebae Clown fi sh, Amphiprion sebae.

Plate 7.58 Yellowbar angel fi sh, Pomacanthus maculosus, juvenile.



Plate 7.59 Twobar seabream, Acanthopagrus bifasciatus, Arabic “Faskar.”

Plate 7.60 Blackspotted rubberlip, Plectorhinchus gaterinus, Arabic “Zeena.”



Plate 7.61 Rabbit fi sh, Siganus canaliculatus, Arabic “Safi .”

Plate 7.62 Puff erfi sh, Arothron sp., Arabic “Fugul, Jazal, Buqm, Buqmah.”




Plate 7.64 Orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides, Arabic “Hamoor” under Acropora downingi coral.

Aquaculture is now reasonably well established, as far as the farming of tilapia in association with agriculture, and marine fi sh culture using fl oating net cages is concerned. Both have been proved economically viable, although fi sh mortalities in cages during 1999 and 2001 was a serious setback. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production increased from 110 tons in 2000 to 275 tons in 2004. Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) production from cages has indicated an unstable trend and in 2002 maximum production was recorded as 426 tones, in 2004 production was only 3.8 tons (FAO, 2010).

Plate 7.65 Bluetail trunkfi sh, Ostracion cyanurus.



Prospects for new joint ventures are increasing since fi sh farming is exempt from the Negative List for foreign investors (unlike the marine fi sheries sector, which is reserved for local entrepreneurs).

Th e progress of Saudi aquaculture can be gauged from the fact that production of fi sh and shrimp farms (fresh water and salt water) has gone up from less than 2,000 tons in 1999 to 6,000 tons by 2001. Th e total production was poised to touch a new record of 15,000 tons in 2004, according to non offi cial estimates. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has emerged as a notable shrimp supplier to the world markets from this time onwards, as NPC production is largely export oriented.

Farming fi sh is a suitable and vital alternative for traditional fi shing, which has been exploited to the maximum. Furthermore it’s likely that production volume will start to decline because of illegal marine fi shing that does not allow enough time for fi sh and shrimps to reproduce and grow. Since international demand is increasing consistently, it is unlikely that fi sh supply will be able to meet this demand without the contribution of Fish Farming. Although Fish Farming in the Kingdom started only in the early 1980s with an objective of producing some specifi c species of fi sh and shrimps, this industry has witnessed a major development particularly in shrimp farming.

Saudi Arabia has all necessary components for carrying out fi sh farming activities that include suitable climate, location, water, energy sources, infrastructure utilities, capital and good markets. Located between the Gulf and the Red Sea with coasts spread over 2,400 km, the Kingdom is very rich with fi sh resources.

Development of fi sh farming in Saudi ArabiaDuring the last decade, the Kingdom witnessed a strong start to Fish Farming. According to Fishery Statistics Books of 2000, published by Marine Fishery Dept. of the Ministry of Agriculture, the production of shrimp farms jumped from 180 tons in 1992 to 4,650 tons in 2002, while the statistics of Fish Farms Administration indicated that estimated production exceeded 8,000 tons in 2003. Th e Ministry of Agriculture expects shrimp production of existing and under construction farms will reach 30,000 tons per annum. Th erefore, the Kingdom will achieve self-suffi ciency of shrimps. When all licensed fi sh farms are operational to their optimal capacity, production can cover 80% of the local demand. It is worth mentioning that the Kingdom imports over 60% of its needs for fi sh.

Future of fi sh farmingTh ere is great potential for expanding fi sh resources through intensifying eff ort in marine farming and exploiting the Arabian Gulf Coast resources, especially where surveys made by the Aquaculture Dept. have proved the existence of vast regions suitable for fi sh farming. Aquaculture systems, which are less or non-reliant on fi shmeal and fi sh oil inputs (e.g., bivalves and macroalgae), have better scope for expansion than production systems dependent on capture fi sheries commodities.

Research in the various aspects of fi sh farming has been given high priority. Th is has helped to develop advanced systems and methods of Fish Farming and the ability of farming a number of specifi c species on commercial levels, such as “Hamoor,” “Safi ” and “Arabi” in addition to shrimp as well as transferring recent technologies to make them available for investors and fi sh producers.

Th e Kingdom has allotted 80,000 hectares of fi sh farming land for long-term lease (20-50 yrs). Th e Kingdom is a good place for farming diff erent species between temperate and tropical climates, both inland and coastal areas. Th e coasts of the Kingdom also contain suitable locations for all types of this industry such as off shore lakes, fl oating cages and off shore curves (Al-Shahli, 2004).

Plate 7.67 Schooling golden trevally, Gnathanodon speciosus, Arabic “Kefdar.”Plate 7.66 Longbarbel goatfi sh, Parupeneus macronema.


Plate 7.68 Clark’s clown fi sh, Amphiprion clarkii.


Plate 7.70 Yellowbar angel fi sh, Pomacanthus maculosus.

Plate 7.69 Surgeon fi sh, Acanthurus shoal.

Plate 7.72 Luther’s shrimp goby, Cryptocentrus lutheri.Plate 7.71 Close up of colorful fi sh hiding in coral reef.



Plate 7.74 Orbicular burr fi sh, Cyclichthys orbicularis.


Plate 7.75 Blackspot snapper, Lutjanus ehrenbergii. Plate 7.76 Shrimp goby, Cryptocentrus sp.



Plate 7.80 Daisy parrot fi sh, Chlorurus sordidus.Plate 7.77 Acropora coral with wrasse (background) and yellow arabian butterfl y fi sh, Chaetodon melapterus.

Plate 7.78 Sergeant major, Abdefduf saxatilis.

Plate 7.79 Yellow-fi n hind, Cephalopholis hemistiktos.


Fisheries and the Environment

Plate 7.81 From the cover of the FAO, 1997; Living Marine Resources of Kuwait, Eastern Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia waters share their area with large oil fi elds that, apart from the accidental spillage from the oil industry, petroleum naturally seeps into the water column. Th is chemical infl ux is detrimental to some organisms but may also act as a source of organic carbon through bacterial conversion. Th is ability of species to thrive in this naturally and unnaturally stressed environment is perhaps linked to the fact that this area is one of the most productive bodies of water in the world, at least in terms of benthos (Sheppard, 1993).

Fishing is causing the removal of marine organisms from their natural ecosystems. Sustainable fi sheries has been defi ned by the U.S. Committee on Ecosystem Management as “fi shing activities that do not cause or lead to undesirable changes in biological, economic productivity, biological diversity or ecosystem structure and functioning from one human generation to the next. Fishing is sustainable when it can be conducted over a long term at an acceptable level of biological and economic productivity without leading to ecological changes that foreclose options for future generations” (U.S. National Research Council, 1998).

Plate 7.82 Solitary sweetlip, Plectorhinchus sp., Arabic “Janam” among a school of fi ve-lined snapper, Lutjanus quinquelineatus, Arabic “Naisara.”


Plate 7.84 Example of “ghost fi shing” caused by discarded netting.

An ecosystem is composed of many interconnected components, although environmental changes can result in eff ects similar to those of fi sheries. Th e ecosystem accommodates target fi sh species, associated or dependent species and their habitats such as seagrass, algal beds and corals. Ecosystems are therefore aff ected by both natural and human induced changes. Fishery impacts on the marine environment could be divided into four categories: biological and ecological; physical destruction of habitats, and fi sherman attitudes.

Petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in the nearshore sea surface of northern Saudi Arabia have decreased signifi cantly since initial assessments in August 1991. Nevertheless, in August 1992 more than one and a half years aft er the Gulf War oil spill, relatively high and toxic concentrations of contaminants remained in the nearshore surface waters of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Toxicity tests on marine invertebrate (heart urchin) larvae indicated that the subsurface water column was not toxic, but the sea-surface microlayer at about half the sites sampled demonstrated signifi cant toxicity. Th e order of toxicity was Khafj i (Saudi Arabia) > Fahaheel (Kuwait) > Qaruh Island (Kuwait)> Ras al Mishab (Saudi Arabia) > Manifa (Saudi Arabia) (Price, et al., 1994).

Mercury is one of the most common and persistent heavy metals in aquatic environments. It can enter the aquatic system either as a result of human activity or from natural sources, such as degassing of the earth’s crust, emissions from volcanoes and evaporation from natural bodies of water. Once methyl mercury is released, it enters the food chain by rapid diff usion and tight binding to proteins. Fish can become a depository for methyl mercury directly through the water or by bioconcentration and because methyl mercury has a biological half-life of 2 years, it can be a persistent contaminant in fi sh (Hazards of Mercury, 1971).

Little information is available for mercury levels in marine species from the Arabian Gulf (Khordagui and Al-Ajmi, 1991; Ahmad and Al-Ghais, 1996). Th ere is a major concern about the contamination of Arabian Gulf fi shes with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons aft er the Gulf War in 1991 (Al-Saleh and Al-Doush, 2002). Further investigations are needed to assess the magnitude of the problem along other coastal regions of Saudi Arabia and to evaluate human health risks from mercury among high fi sh consumption populations in Saudi Arabia.

Th e fi rst impact of fi sheries on the environment occurs when a target species has been caught. Th is will aff ect the population structure, abundance including benthic communities. Th e impact of fi shing usually extends to non-target species causing by-catch problem. In addition to fi nfi sh, crustacean, mollusc species, by-catch may include other marine wildlife species, such as dugongs, dolphins, sea snakes, and turtles. Marine birds can be entangled by drift nets, long line and gill nets. Th e eff ects of trawling on benthic communities have been investigated by several studies, such as measuring of environmental change aft er an experimental disturbance, while others have compared the level of eff orts at fi shing grounds that are heavily fi shed with those that are lightly fi shed and those that are not fi shed at all (Lokkeborg, 2005).

In addition, abandoned fi sh traps and gillnets can cause continuous loss of biomass creating “ghost fi shing” problem particularly if the traps were made from non-degradable materials (Plate 7.87).

Plate 7.83 A Coral reef ecosystem is a habitat biosphere.


Plate 7.85 Orangespotted trevally, Carangoides bajad.

Plate 7.86 Two-spot cardinal fi sh, Cheilodipterus novemstriatus.

Plate 7.87 One spot cardinal fi sh, Apogon thurstoni, Arabic “Naysara.” Plate 7.88 Daisy parrot fi sh, Chlorurus sordidus, and the smaller moon wrasse, Th alassoma Lunare.


Research

Research on wild capture fi sheries is carried out by major Universities, such as the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran and by the Fisheries Aff airs Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture. Many fi sheries and marine environment projects are undertaken by the Universities in collaboration with major Saudi Arabian companies (particularly Saudi Aramco) and international agencies. Fisheries statistics are collected, interpreted and published by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Artifi cal ReefsTh e coral reefs of the Arabian Gulf are the most important repositories of biodiversity in the region and also among the most productive off shore ecosystems (Basson, et al., 1977; Sheppard, et al., 1992). Artifi cial reefs have been deployed in the Arabian Gulf as one way to enhance biodiversity by providing habitat for ecosystem development and ultimately increase fi sheries production. Artifi cial reefs have been constructed from a variety of materials: e.g., wood, steel, fi berglass, cars, ships, PVC, materials of opportunity, tires, boulders, concrete. Th e material chosen, especially in reef restoration and mitigation eff orts, is usually concrete or natural rock because they don’t leach contaminants into the environment and they provide a long-term stable structure to support marine life. For an artifi cial reef to be successful it must meet the four following requirements of Stability, Durability, Compatibility and Function.

Artifi cial reefs have been deployed in several areas of the Arabian Gulf by private island owners and Government authorities but are not well documented. Manufactured reefs used in the Arabian Gulf include the concrete pyramidal and tea cup designs.

Future ManagementTh e Arabian Gulf’s marine environment is becoming increasingly important in fulfi lling social, economic, development and strategic objectives of the region. Th e Gulf plays a particularly vital role in providing most of the population with freshwater from desalination plants. Fisheries are a multi-million dollar industry, and the artisanal fi sheries in particular are also a resource of great social signifi cance. Th e Gulf’s coastal and marine environment harbors birds and other wildlife of international as well as national signifi cance, including a high proportion of species unique or “endemic” to the region. Renewable resources and an uncontaminated marine environment therefore play a pivotal role in regional prosperity (Price, et al., 1994).

Climate change is projected to impact broadly across ecosystems, societies and economies, increasing pressures on all livelihoods and food supplies, including those in the fi sheries and aquaculture sector. Food quality will have a more pivotal role as food resources come under greater pressure, and the availability and access to fi sh supplies will become an increasingly critical development issue.

With the increase in demand for shrimp and fi sh in Saudi Arabia, and the simultaneous reduction of fi sh stocks in the world’s oceans, the aquaculture industry will play an important future role in food production in Saudi Arabia. As noted, the nation has many advantages in this area, and the government is actively involved in the development of fi sh and shrimp farming. If Saudi Arabia continues to implement well-defi ned research and development programs, and to develop its aquaculture facilities and potential, the nation will not only provide nutritious viands to its citizens, it is also expected to become a major exporter of high-value maritime food products, spurring new areas of economic growth.

Imported fi sh and fi sh products currently account for around 62% of total supply in Saudi Arabia. Demand will continue to outpace supply in the foreseeable future as the population grows and local supply comes under pressure from both changing environmental conditions and overexploitation.

Plate 7.89 Clark’s clown fi sh, Amphiprion clarkii.

Plate 7.90 Arabian butterfl y fi sh, Chaetodon melapterus.

Plate 7.91 Damselfi sh.



Conservation and management decisions for fi sheries should be based on the best scientifi c evidence available, also taking into account traditional knowledge of the resources and their habitat, as well as environmental, economic and social factors. States should assign priority to undertake research and data collection to improve knowledge of the fi sheries.

Th ere is a growing realization that marine renewable resources oft en contribute signifi cantly to national economies and even geopolitical stability. Indeed their eff ective assessment and management is fundamental to sustainable development. Th e recent Gulf War highlighted dramatically both the importance and vulnerability of the Gulf’s marine environment (Price, et al., 1994).

Overexploitation has led to restriction of fi shing eff orts by limiting fi shing licenses, regulating fi shing gear (mesh size) and capture size, closing fi shing areas, restricting fi shing season, and banning certain fi sheries. However, fi sheries management was hampered by lack of appropriate management regulations, enforcement and data on most stocks. Pollution and degradation of nursery areas were also aff ecting the productivity of fi sheries resources. To achieve sustainable demersal fi sheries, maintaining a healthy marine environment, reducing fi shing eff ort, and strictly enforcing closed seasons and closed areas are needed. Th ese measures are being implemented with varying degrees of success by all the Gulf countries (Siddeek, et al., 1999).

With demand increasing and production from wild capture fi sheries stable or, for some species, falling, prices of most major local fi sh species are increasing signifi cantly. As a result, profi tability of individual fi shing enterprises has remained adequate despite lower catch rates within the fi nfi sh sector. However, profi tability is signifi cantly distorted by direct, and increasing, subsidies by the Government which are in response to lower catches.

Most stocks are fully or over exploited and, although some management is in place, over capacity of the fl eet remains a signifi cant issue. It is paramount that continued study, monitoring and research are directed towards fi sheries resources in an eff ort to improve the overall management of this important component of Saudi Arabia.

Th e demands of growing populations will require substantial increases in aquatic food supply in the next 20 to 30 years, during which period climate change impacts are expected to widen and increase. Th e primary challenge for the sector will be, in the face of these impacts and the existing development and management constraints, to deliver food supply, strengthen economic output and maintain and enhance food security; while ensuring ecosystem resilience. Th is will require concerted, collaborative and determined action across all stakeholders, linking private sector, community and public sector agents.

Th e right to fi sh carries with it the obligation to do so in a responsible manner so as to ensure eff ective conservation and management of living aquatic resources (FAO, 1995).

Plate 7.92 Five Lined Terapon, Pelates Quadrillineatus,

Arabic “Yamyam.”


Plate 7.94 Dark butterfl y fi sh, Chaetodon nigropunctatus.


Plate 7.95 Diver observing wrasse fi sh in a feeding frenzy.

Map 7.1 Northern Region major fishing areas.


Map 7.2 Southern Region fishing ports.


Documents

Marine Atlas of the Western Arabian Gulf - Saudi · PDF file188 Marine Atlas of the Western Arabian Gulf Chapter 7: FISHERIES 189 Plate 7.2 Th e Arabian bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium