An initial assessment of mangrove resources and human activities at Mahout Island, Arabian Sea, Oman

Abstract

This study was initiated to provide information on mangrove structure, communities, wildlife, socio-economics and human impacts on one of the most important areas of mangroves in Oman at Mahout Island, located on the Arabian Sea coast. The island is fringed with a luxuriant vegetation of mangroves formed by Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. Tree height, diameter at breast-height (dbh) and basal area (m²) show progressive increases from the upper to the lower level of the shore. Density (number of stems/0.1 ha) is variable, showing three peaks in transects across western and southern mangroves. The northern mangroves are the most developed, characterized by muddy substrate, followed by the western on a sandy bottom, and the southern surrounded by rock-flat. The mangroves support a large number of fishes, shrimps, crabs and molluscs. Wildlife are represented by shorebirds, waterfowls, turtles and dolphins.

The Mahout population consists of bedouins, mostly supported by fishing. It is semi-settled with seasonal migration in summer to large towns. Fishing activities are usually between September and May. Shrimps and fish are the main natural resources. Human impacts were identified and qualitatively assessed: overutilization of mangroves by woodcutting or livestock grazing; litter and pollution; killing of turtle and other wildlife; removal of benthic marine organisms; the proposed construction of a fishery harbor; and the potential of mariculture and tourism. Management, based on sustainable development, should be undertaken to protect Mahout resources.