In this interview, Dawood Suliman Al Wahaibi, founder of Five Oceans LLC and a seasoned expert in the fisheries sector, discusses his transition from Oman Pelagic to his current role as a fisheries and environmental consultant. He shares insights on how his previous experiences have prepared him to tackle new challenges and drive growth in Oman's fisheries industry. Dawood outlines his commitment to sustainability, his vision for evolving policies, and the importance of engaging local communities to create lasting impacts in the sector.
What inspired your transition from Oman Pelagic into the role of fisheries & environment consultant at Five Oceans LLC, and how do you see your previous experience in the fishing industry helping you make an impact in this new position?
I founded Five Oceans in 2002, providing master-level advice in the fisheries sector. I was chosen to lead the establishment of Oman Pelagic, one of our key projects. It's great to be back on the planning board.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate in this new role, and how do you plan to address them?
Challenges are a part of every business, and returning to where I was will require time and hard work. However, with the experience of the Five Oceans team and the strength of our excellent reputation, I'm confident that these challenges won't stop us from going global.
What excites you most about stepping into this new role, and what impact do you hope to achieve in the industry?
What excites me most about stepping into this new role is the opportunity to build on the success of our previous projects, many of which have already entered into operation. This new phase allows us to focus on promoting a more robust downstream industry, which is crucial to realizing the Sultanate of Oman's vision of becoming a world-class leader in fisheries. I'm eager to contribute to this national goal by leveraging our expertise and innovative approaches to drive growth and sustainability in the sector. The impact I hope to achieve is not only to enhance Oman's position in the global fisheries market but also to create lasting economic and social benefits for the region.
What key issues in fisheries and environmental management do you believe require immediate attention, and how do you plan to contribute to their resolution?
Fisheries, as a vital natural resource, support communities globally, with artisanal fishing providing jobs and helping to prevent internal migrations. Environmental management is fundamental to the sustainability of these communities. To address this, it's crucial for stakeholders to collaborate on establishing a comprehensive natural resource extraction policy. Additionally, forming a Fisheries Advisory Board would be essential in guiding sustainable practices and ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.
How important is sustainability in your new role, and what strategies do you plan to implement to promote sustainable practices in fisheries and environmental management?
Sustainability is the cornerstone of this industry, as it's directly linked to food security. Moving forward, it's crucial to develop a clearer definition of 'sustainability' within the context of fisheries and environmental management. This involves creating comprehensive strategies that take into account the entire fishing ecosystem and the natural marine food chain. By addressing these aspects holistically, we can ensure that our practices not only support current demands but also preserve resources for future generations.
Can you share your vision for how fisheries and environmental policies should evolve to address current global challenges?
My vision is that fisheries and environmental policies must evolve to meet the increasingly complex global challenges we face today. This requires more effective communication among stakeholders and a collective responsibility to protect fisheries from collapse. By adopting the right policies and continuously updating them as circumstances change, we can proactively combat these challenges and ensure the sustainability of our resources. The key lies in being adaptable and committed to ongoing improvement.
How do you plan to engage with local communities and stakeholders in your work to ensure that your consultancy efforts have a meaningful and lasting impact?
Oceans cannot keep up with the increasing demands and fishing efforts. Recognizing this, I plan to engage with local communities and stakeholders by clearly communicating the critical need for sustainable practices and the social and economic impacts of our actions. By conveying the right message, we can inspire the younger generation to embrace sustainable practices, ensuring that our efforts lead to meaningful and lasting change. Engaging communities in this dialogue is essential for fostering a collective commitment to the future of our oceans.
What does this new chapter in your career mean to you personally, and what are your long-term goals in this field?
Personally, this new chapter in my career holds deep significance. After 30 years of working in the fisheries and food sector, I've had the privilege of witnessing the industry's evolution, challenges, and successes. I've seen it all, and now it's time to reflect on some of the fundamental issues that continue to impact the sector. This reflection drives me to focus on creating long-lasting solutions that address these challenges head-on.
My long-term goals are centered around promoting sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. I want to ensure that the knowledge and experience I've gained are used to foster positive change in the industry. This includes not only improving current practices but also mentoring the next generation of leaders in the field. Ultimately, my aim is to contribute to a future where fisheries and environmental management are aligned with both ecological balance and the needs of communities around the world.
