Discussion on 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 organizations.
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.
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