Fisheries status and management plan for Saudi Arabian sea cucumbers

Sea cucumber resources in Saudi Arabia have long been exploited by an open access fishery with no man agement in place. The lack of information on the fishery makes it difficult to ascertain its characteristics, as well as determine sea cucumber stocks. Seven sea cucumber species are exploited mainly for the export market. Signs of stock reduction have become evident as fishers search for new fishing grounds and dive deeper and deeper to reach sea cucumber stocks. The catch per unit of effort (CPUE) for the three major fishing grounds (Al-Wajh, Thowal and Farasan Islands) dramatically decreased during the two survey periods: April to August 2000 and February to July 2003. A management plan was put in place to prescribe types of licence eligibility, licence requirements, export requirements, prohibition, closure and reporting requirements. It was suggested that licences should be closely monitored by the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture to ensure they comply with all management measures. In particular, reporting by exporters is important as these reports provide the only trade information that the Ministry of Agriculture collects. A total allowable catch must be set for all species. Trade of undersized beche-de-mer must be completely banned to protect populations.