Spiny lobsters constitute an important fishery in the Sultanate of Oman for nearly three decades. The landings declined sharply in the last decade and continuation of poor landings might impact the socioeconomic well being of the lobster fishermen in the country. Hence a decision was made to investigate the causes of decline and offer possible solutions to manage the lobster fishery sustainably. In this regard, the researcher obtained scientific and statistical data to investigate the current status of the lobster fishery and conducted a socioeconomic survey among the lobster fishermen to validate the findings. Management strategies were outlined based on the findings and the researcher’s previous experience.

Spiny lobsters constitute an important fishery in the Sultanate of Oman for nearly three decades. The landings declined sharply in the last decade and continuation of poor landings might impact the socioeconomic well being of the lobster fishermen in the country. Hence a decision was made to investi...