Bryde's whale sighted in Musandam for first time
Musandam – A Bryde's whale has been recorded for the first time in Musandam in what Environment Authority (EA) has described as a significant step in Oman's marine conservation efforts. The sighting was made during fieldwork by specialists from the Marine Mammal Species Survey Project, which has been underway in phases since 2023.
The whale was spotted with a calf in the waters of Khawr Najd. A video released by EA showed the animal surfacing, offering a rare glimpse of the elusive species in the region. The observation took place during the project's fifth phase currently being conducted in Khasab from April 13 to 24.
Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) have previously been sighted, including with calves, in the Gulf of Masirah and Muscat, but never before in Musandam. The new sighting contributes to efforts aimed at mapping marine life in Musandam National Nature Reserve, a key part of Oman's long-term biodiversity strategy.
Aida bint Khalaf al Jabriya, who heads the project, said the discovery enhances understanding of lesser-known marine species in the sultanate. 'This survey represents a pioneering effort that integrates fieldwork with scientific research,' she said. 'It contributes to the creation of a national database that enhances Oman's commitment to protecting marine life and ensuring sustainability for future generations.'
Distinguished by three ridges on the top of the head, Bryde's whales are typically found in warmer waters. These feed mainly on small fish and plankton, using a 'surge and swallow' technique, and are usually seen alone or in small groups. These characteristics make confirmed sightings particularly valuable for researchers.
Aida informed that her team uses a combination of visual monitoring and digital tools to record sightings. 'Our team conducts visual monitoring using binoculars and the naked eye, searching for signs such as surface disturbances or bird behaviour indicating fish presence.'
Observations are recorded using a custom-built application called Spinner, supported by high-resolution cameras, drones and GoPros. 'Each sighting is documented with species data, group size, behaviour, time and precise location,' Aida added. 'We also gather environmental data including water depth, wind speed, and marine mammal vocalisations to enrich our understanding and support scientific research.'
Since the start of the survey, 38 marine mammal sightings have been logged in Musandam, including Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, spinner dolphins, long-beaked common dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins. Humpback dolphins were mostly recorded in the western parts of the reserve, while larger groups of other species were seen in areas like Ras Shas, Khasab and Khawr Najd.
The findings underline the ecological importance of Musandam's coastal waters and reinforce calls for continued monitoring and conservation to protect Oman's marine biodiversity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Endangered vulture rehabilitated at Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve
Muscat – In a move aimed at strengthening avian conservation, the Environment Authority, in collaboration with the Environment Society of Oman, has released a lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) into the wild at Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve in South Batinah. The bird, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was rehabilitated following an intensive care programme. It has now been fitted with a satellite tracking device to monitor its movement, nesting behaviour and habitat preferences. The data will help researchers understand the species' ecological needs and accordingly contribute to long-term conservation planning. Ali Nasser al Rasbi, an environmental specialist, said, 'There are more than 38 species of birds in the sultanate, and the lappet-faced vulture is the largest among them. Monitoring its behaviour in the wild provides crucial insights into the overall health of our ecosystems.' Once widespread across Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, populations of the lappet-faced vulture have declined sharply due to poisoning, persecution and habitat loss. Only a small and rapidly shrinking population remains, making conservation initiatives in Oman and elsewhere vital to the species' survival. The reintroduction forms part of a broader strategy by the Environment Authority to protect endangered and vulnerable bird species across Oman. The programme aims to support biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, and raise awareness about the critical role vultures play as natural scavengers. Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve, about 45km south of Muscat in the eastern Al Hajar Mountains, was chosen for the release due to its protected status and biodiversity. It is also home to endangered Arabian tahr, among other rare wildlife, making it a key site for ongoing and future conservation efforts.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Muscat Daily
140kg of ghost nets, iron debris cleaned up off Dimaniyat
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) conducted its first coral reef cleanup campaign of 2025 recently, clearing 140kg of abandoned fishing nets and iron debris from the Dimaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve off the coast of Barka. The campaign in South Batinah began with an underwater cleanup at Lumiyh Island, one of several islands in the Dimaniyat archipelago. Specialised divers removed entangled ghost nets and rusted metal fragments from the reef, which marine experts say pose serious threats to coral ecosystems and marine species. 'This campaign reflects our commitment to safeguarding Oman's marine biodiversity and underscores the urgent need to address pollution threats in ecologically sensitive areas,' EA stated. The Dimaniyat Islands, part of nature reserve named after it, are Oman's first marine sanctuary and are listed on Unesco's tentative list of World Heritage sites. The area attracts local and international visitors for diving, snorkelling and wildlife observation, and is home to coral reefs, nesting sea turtles and migratory birds. Marine scientists warn that ghost nets can persist for many years in the ocean, trapping fish and turtles while damaging coral structures. Iron debris, once corroded, release harmful substances that degrade the marine environment. EA stated that this operation was part of a broader effort to promote environmental awareness and sustainable marine tourism. The authority plans several cleanup dives this year in cooperation with local diving teams, volunteers and environmental organisations. 'This is just the beginning,' an EA official said. 'Through collaborative efforts and continued monitoring, we aim to restore the health of our reefs.'
Times of Oman
27-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Regional workshop discusses protection of Arabian Sea humpback whales
Muscat: A workshop titled "Management of Protection and Conservation of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales" was held on Tuesday to explore means of enhancing regional cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and India to adopt a joint executive action framework known as the "Conservation Management Plan'. The three-day workshop aims to establish a cooperative framework to strengthen scientific research, reduce threats, raise awareness, and set objectives to improve the environmental status of this endangered species. Organised by the Environment Authority in collaboration with Oman Environment Society and Future Seas Company, the workshop brings together a select group of international experts, researchers, government and private sector representatives, and civil society organisations. It highlights the key threats facing whales in their habitats, particularly in the Gulf of Masirah in Oman. The workshop discusses the latest scientific developments regarding whales and their threats in Oman and India, ways to foster mutual understanding and cooperation on implementing the conservation management plan, identifying joint activities, and familiarising participants with the structure of the whale protection and conservation plan. Additionally, it reviews solutions to threats posed by shipping traffic, oil exploration, and fishing activities. The Environment Authority presented a visual presentation on the key efforts of the Marine Mammal Species Survey Project in Musandam Governorate from 2023 to 2025. The workshop aims to enhance regional coordination and integration in protecting this rare whale species and adopt a non-binding cooperation agreement between Oman and India for the conservation of Arabian Sea humpback whales. It also seeks to draft a preliminary regional management plan for these whales and form a coordination committee comprising representatives from Oman and India, along with international partners from the International Whaling Commission. The Arabian Sea humpback whales are a unique species that has been the subject of ongoing scientific research off the coast of Oman since 2000. This species was officially listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2008, with estimates suggesting their population does not exceed 100 whales. They are found in all countries bordering the Arabian Sea.
