Strategic Plan for Optimal Harvesting of Demersal Fish in the Sea of Oman and the Persian Gulf

In recent decades, increasing fishing pressure, improper and unregulated harvesting practices, technological intensification, and the lack of an integrated and coherent strategic planning framework have posed serious threats to demersal fish stocks in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. According to the latest reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), about ۳۴.۲% of global marine fish stocks are overfished. For demersal fish (fish that live near the seabed), this figure rises to ۴۰%Demersal fish stocks have declined by more than ۵۰% in many parts of the world Demersal fish species are of particular importance due to their high economic value, ecological role in marine ecosystems, and contribution to national food supplies. The main objective of this study is to develop a strategic plan for the optimal harvesting of demersal fish in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. To achieve this objective, the current status of demersal fish stocks and harvesting practices was first assessed. Subsequently, long-term strategic goals were defined, and key strategies were formulated through comprehensive environmental and internal analyses. The research methodology was based on data collection through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with fisheries researchers and experts in Hormozgan and Bushehr provinces. The collected qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using the SWOT strategic analysis framework to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with demersal fish harvesting management. The results revealed that the current status of demersal fish harvesting in the study area is unfavorable and requires immediate strategic intervention. Based on the SWOT analysis, a total of ۲۰ strategies were identified and classified into development, conservation, diversification, and defensive strategies. These strategies were then compared with the key internal and external influencing factors. Given the systematic and scientific approach adopted, the findings of this study can serve as a practical and transferable model for similar research and for the formulation of strategic fisheries management plans in other regions of the country. Despite international action such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG ۱۴) and regional efforts, the pace of recovery of demersal fish stocks has been slow. Stronger political commitment, more effective international cooperation and innovative approaches to fisheries management are needed. This crisis highlights the urgent need to change fishing patterns and adopt more sustainable approaches to the exploitation of marine resources.

کلیدواژه ها:

strategic plan ، Demersal fish ، Optimal harvest ، Hormozgan and Bushehr provinces