Emirates Nature - WWF, P.O. Box 23304, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Elasmo Project, P.O. Box 29588, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Mar Pollut Bull. 2022 Sep;182:113992. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113992. Epub 2022 Aug 5.
There is scarce information on the current importance of oyster beds as fishing grounds in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aims to understand the socio-economic value of oyster bed fisheries through questionnaire-based surveys with fishers. Of 106 Emirati fishers interviewed, 67 % use oyster beds due to the proximity to shore, better catch quality, and species abundance. Oyster bed fisheries are recreational and commercial, with handline and fish traps the most common used gears. They provide food for local consumption and cash income. All respondents noticed a fish abundance and size decrease throughout the last decade. Fishers suggest establishing marine protected areas and updating fishing regulations to improve fishing stock status. During the Covid-19 pandemic, oyster fisheries increased, highlighting the value of these fishing grounds for food availability. These fisheries support the local economy and heritage, and urgently need management to ensure the protection of these often-overlooked habitats.
有关阿联酋牡蛎床作为渔场的当前重要性的信息很少。本研究旨在通过对渔民进行基于问卷调查的方式，了解牡蛎床渔业的社会经济价值。在接受采访的 106 名阿联酋渔民中，有 67%的人因靠近海岸、更好的渔获质量和丰富的物种而使用牡蛎床。牡蛎床渔业既有娱乐性也有商业性，最常用的渔具是手钓和鱼笼。它们为当地消费提供食物和现金收入。所有受访者都注意到过去十年中鱼类数量和大小的减少。渔民建议建立海洋保护区和更新捕捞法规，以改善鱼类资源状况。在新冠疫情期间，牡蛎渔业有所增加，突显了这些渔场在食物供应方面的价值。这些渔业支持当地经济和传统，迫切需要管理，以确保这些经常被忽视的栖息地得到保护。
