THE POST-GULF-WAR SHRIMP FISHERY MANAGEMENT IN THE TERRITORIAL WATERSOF KUWAIT

Kuwait has been self-sufficient to fulfill its requirement of shrimp c onsumption. Thirteen species of penaeid shrimp are known to occur in K uwait waters. Two of the species, namely Penaeus semisulcatus and Meta penaeus affinis, are being caught in bulk. Approximately 3 Gg of shrim p have been caught annually by artisanal as well as industrial fishing units as 24 dhow boats and 35 steel vessels are licensed for shrimp t rawling, respectively. The post-Gulf-War shrimp fishing liberalization lead to an over-exploitation of the fishery, resulting in a significa nt decline in the catch per unit effort from 447 kg/d . boat in 1993 t o 187 kg/d . boat in 1994. However, there is a distinct improvement in the annual shrimp production as a result of renewed strategic control over catch per unit effort as well as strict implementation of a clos ed season between March and August. Causes for variation in the annual shrimp production are discussed. There has been an increased vigilanc e of patrolling boats to monitor implementation of fishing laws and re gulations. The post-Gulf-War's effective surveillance enables the safe guarding of territorial fishery resources against unauthorized fishing . The shrimp fishery management measures were evaluated. (C) 1998 Else vier Science Ltd.