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Abstract

Oman's fisheries sector, deeply rooted in coastal tradition, is becoming a key pillar in the nation's transition away from oil dependency. With over 3,165 km of coastline and access to three major marine ecosystems, the Arabian/Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Arabian Sea, the country holds vast ecological and economic potential. However, the sustainability and performance of small-scale fisheries (SSF), which represent over 90% of national fishing activity, vary widely across governorates due to environmental stress, infrastructure gaps, and climate vulnerability. This study presents the first governorate-level, multidimensional assessment of fisheries and coastal resources sustainability in Oman. Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data were collected from artisanal fishers and government officials (2023–2025) through structured surveys and focus group discussions. The analysis focuses on four interrelated dimensions: (1) marine habitat availability and utilization, (2) quality and sustainability of coastal features, (3) exposure and preparedness to environmental risks, and (4) regional competitive advantage, with Muscat serving as a standardized benchmark for comparison. Results reveal strong spatial differences. South Ash Sharqiyah and Al-Wusta were identified as ecologically rich with seasonally dynamic, underutilized resources. Musandam and Al-Batinah were notable for their effective traditional fishing methods. Meanwhile, Dhofar showed structural gaps across most indicators, particularly in infrastructure and coastal management. Several Arabian Sea-facing governorates were both productive and highly vulnerable, highlighting the urgency of region-specific adaptation strategies. This study proposes a new evidence-based framework for guiding marine spatial planning, fisheries development, and climate-resilient governance. Policy recommendations include governorate-specific development strategies, investment in adaptive infrastructure, sustainable exploitation of underutilized species (e.g., dolphinfish, rays, and seaweed), and formal recognition of traditional fishing knowledge. These insights offer valuable tools for advancing Oman's blue economy in an inclusive, ecologically grounded, and regionally differentiated manner.

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