FISHING TREND AND FISHERIES POTENTIAL ANALYSES FOR THE PERSIAN GULF AND SEA OF OMAN, 1973-2003

Catch data from Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman during 1973 to 2001 were used to assess the state of the fishery development in these ecosystems. Also, fishery trends were analyzed to determine catch fluctuations during the period. Catch trend for each species from 1997 to 2003 was analyzed and fishing potential of the species for the following year was predicted.
Based on the assessments, we can summarize fishing development in the southern waters of Iran into three periods: undeveloped, rapid development stage and developed stage. The undeveloped stage continued till early 1981, continued by a rapid stage until 1997, reaching to maximum level of at this year and continuing ever since. Catch trend analyses for each species during 1997 to 2003 showed different patterns for each species depending on its economic value. However, the mean catch of all species showed a sustainable trend in the two marine ecosystems. It is concluded that the catch quantity for most of the species have already reached a maximum level. Therefore, in order to keep fisheries sustainable in the region, excess fishing should be avoided.