Fisheries management of the Arabian Peninsula region with special emphasis to the Sultanate of Oman: perspectives of climate change adaptations

Abstract The impacts of climate change on marine fisheries are becoming increasingly evident; however, climate resilient fisheries management and policy making continues to be challenging. In the Arabian Peninsula Region (APR), productivity of the marine and coastal fisheries is largely impacted by climate change. The present study provides perspectives of the existing fisheries management plans of the APR with special emphasis on the Sultanate of Oman (SO) by conducting a comprehensive literature survey that includes primary research articles, academic theses, reports, governmental decisions and legislations and reputable websites. The study proposes future climate-adaptive management strategies for APR and SO, emphasizing the risk assessments, stakeholder collaboration by taking a transboundary approach. Fisheries management in the APR currently faces challenges of overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts, with each country employing unique approaches; regional cooperation and sharing best practices are deemed essential for long-term sustainability. Fisheries management in the SO, a critical part of the country's economy, includes measures such as licensing and seasonal closures; however, a climate-resilient framework for pelagic fisheries is lacking, which is creating an uncertainty in fisheries management the face of ongoing climate change. Effective climate-adaptive fisheries management in the SO necessitates risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, and cross-border collaborations. The APR as a whole requires integrated short- and long-term strategies for addressing climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries, with a focus on flexibility and local participation. The study recommends ecosystem-based fisheries management, which incorporates both biotic and abiotic elements, as well as regional evaluations and co-management solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.