The Biology and Economic Analysis of the Traditional Omani-lndian Oil Sardine Sardinella longiceps Val. Fishery Along the Coast ofOman.

The collection of basic fish biological data is very important in fisheries science. These biological data include length, weight, sex, maturation stages, fecundity, age..etc. Parameters obtained from such data are important for fish stock assessment, management and development. Due to the ecological, biological, and economical importance of the Omani sardines the current proposed study is going to estimate the different biological and economical parameters that are essential in recommending the best development and management approaches for such a fishery. Sardines are considered to be very important fish along the Omani coast as they are generally an easy catch for the traditional coastal Omani fishermen and good source of income as well (Al-Jufaili 2002). Sardines are also important food sources for the large valuable fishes including kingfish and tuna among others. This proposal will also include an economic analysis to investigate the economic potential of sardines. Specifically, the economic analysis will explore the various value-added products that can be produced from sardines. Sardines are commercially fished for a multiplicity of uses ranging from immediate consumption; bait; drying; and processing into fish meal or oil. The chief use of sardines is for human consumption, but fish meal is used as animal feed, while sardine oil has many uses, including the manufacture of paint, varnish and linoleum. Currently, in Oman sardines are mainly fished for immediate human consumption. Therefore, it is very important to: First, understand the biology and the economy of the sardine fishery in Oman. Secondly, investigate the possibility of processing sardines in Oman to add value and create processing jobs in the country.