
Entangled Whale found dead on Al Ashkhara beach, highlighting marine debris threat
Initial examinations conducted by the department's specialists determined that the whale's death was caused by suffocation. Ropes had become tightly wrapped around its body, severely restricting its movement and preventing it from breathing. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the negative effects of marine debris, particularly discarded fishing nets and gear, on marine life.
The Environment Authority used the incident to underscore the critical importance of environmental awareness among fishermen and beachgoers. The Authority called for the safe and responsible disposal of fishing gear and urged the public to refrain from throwing any waste into the sea to preserve marine life and maintain ecological balance.
The Authority continues its ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to marine strandings. It also implements awareness campaigns and conducts periodic monitoring to mitigate threats to the marine environment throughout the Sultanate of Oman.Specialists from the Environment Department in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate responded to the death of a whale that washed ashore on Al Ashkhara Beach. Relevant teams immediately began work, taking the necessary environmental and technical measures to address the situation.
Initial examinations conducted by the department's specialists determined that the whale's death was caused by suffocation. Ropes had become tightly wrapped around its body, severely restricting its movement and preventing it from breathing. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the negative effects of marine debris, particularly discarded fishing nets and gear, on marine life.
The Environment Authority used the incident to underscore the critical importance of environmental awareness among fishermen and beachgoers. The Authority called for the safe and responsible disposal of fishing gear and urged the public to refrain from throwing any waste into the sea to preserve marine life and maintain ecological balance.
The Authority continues its ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to marine strandings. It also implements awareness campaigns and conducts periodic monitoring to mitigate threats to the marine environment throughout the Sultanate of Oman.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
Mandvi to Muscat... a book that looks into ancient maritime trade
'Mandvi to Muscat' - Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman - is a book that delves into the ancient maritime trade and cultural connections between India and Oman and brings to light the more than 5,000-year-old relations between the two countries. The 222-page book is the result of a series of lectures and research by the Indian Embassy in Muscat aimed at exploring the historical, cultural and economic ties between India (as indicated to the port of Mandvi in Gujarat) and Muscat, Oman, and involves a potential sailing voyage recreating ancient trade routes between the two locations. The primary objective of the lecture series was to rekindle awareness about the story and history of the Indian community in Oman and its remarkable contributions in strengthening India-Oman ties. While the lectures from this series, starting in October 2023 and concluding in May 2024, formed the foundation of the book that highlights the contributions of Indian community to Omani society and the shared history of both countries, an announcement of recreating ancient ships that connected the two ports, two people and two cultures was made during the Royal visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India in December 2023. The ambitious project also involves the construction of the ship and its sail from Mandvi to Muscat, thus enlivening a bygone era today. The book, with a cover designed by Soni Budhia, has its preface titled "Ties: An Overview" penned by Dr Sandhya Rao Mehta, Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, which discusses the historical relationship between India and the Arab world. Sailors utilised knowledge of monsoon winds to navigate and establish connections. According to her, these interactions led to the establishment of commercial and cultural relations between the regions. The lecture series featured distinguished academics, historians and anthropologists from Oman, India, the US and the UAE, offering rich insights into the historical connections between India and Oman. Line of speakers included Dr M Redha Bhacker, a noted scholar from Oman; Dr Chhaya Goswami, a historian of the western Indian Ocean from India, Sanjeev Sanyal, historian and member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council; Prof James Onley, historian from the American University of Sharjah, Swagat Pani, anthropologist historian based in the US; and Prof Calvin Allen, a historian from the US. The lecture series was followed by a narration of family history of 6 Indian families in Oman, tracing their origins from the Kutch/Gujarat region of India. They include the Ratansi Purushottam family, Khimji Ramdas family, Shah Nagardas Manji family, Toprani family, Naranjee Hirjee family and the Lakhoo Ved family. Speaking to the Observer, G V Srinivas, Indian Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, said that Mandvi to Muscat is an attempt to live the 1,500-year-old tradition of navigating the rough waters between Gujarat and Muscat. "The knowledge of the currents in the shortest time and vice versa enabled trade between the two nations. The ship that sailed using the old technology is recreated and will be arriving in Muscat in December," he added. In addition to this, the oral narratives of Dr Syed Mohammad Rafay from Bihar and Dr Mohamed Ali from Kerala were also captured, along with the history of the Indian schools and Hindu temples in Muscat, enriching the historical discourse presented by the academicians.. Published with the support from Hindu Mahajan community in Oman, the National Museum of Oman and the Oman Historical Association, the book boasts of having the acknowledgement letter from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, a felicitation letter from Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, Jamal bin Hassan al Mousawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, Amit Narang, the then Indian ambassador, Sayyid Nooh bin Mohammed al Busaidy, Chairman of Oman Historical Association, and Shaikh Anil Mathradas Khimji, President of the Management of Hindu Temples in Oman.


Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- Times of Oman
79 years of freedom in India celebrated at ISG
Muscat: The 79th Independence Day of India was celebrated with pride and patriotic fervour at Indian School Al Ghubra on Friday, 15th August 2025. The Chief Guest at the celebration was Mrs Sumaiya Khalil, Member, School Management Committee. The programme commenced with a stirring performance by the School Band, which first presented the National Anthem followed by 'Maa Tujhe Salaam'. The rendition created an atmosphere of deep patriotism and set a fitting tone for the occasion. The cultural programme showcased the values of independence and national unity. The two School Choirs presented two poignant songs, 'Ye Desh Meri Jaan Hain'and 'Courage to Change', both of which resonated strongly with the audience, evoking deep patriotism and inspiring pride in India's enduring national pride. A skit titled 'The Real India' followed, highlighting the contribution of education in creating a truly free India. It also portrayed the role of various professions in building the nation's pride, thereby emphasising that freedom is strengthened by responsibility and service. Adding colour and vigour to the programme, a patriotic dance was performed by students, symbolising the sacrifices and dedication of countless freedom fighters. The event concluded with a prayer offered by the Principal, Mrs. Papri Ghosh. In her solemn prayer, she invoked blessings for peace, progress and harmony. The 79th Independence Day celebration at Indian School Al Ghubra was thus, a meaningful occasion, instilling pride in the nation's heritage and inspiring all to contribute towards its continued growth.


Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
Military Technological College continues to welcome new students
Muscat: The Military Technological College (MTC) is continuing to welcome its new batch of female general diploma students. These students, who were accepted through the Higher Education Admission Centre of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, are completing the essential admission requirements, which include written exams, medical check-ups, and personal interviews. This year, the college opened admissions for both male and female students in its programmes (without employment). To create a comprehensive educational environment that meets various needs, the college is providing on-campus housing for male students and dedicated transportation for female students. The initiative reflects the MTC's commitment to supplying the local job market with qualified national talent capable of meeting the demands of national development. In its programmes (without employment), the MTC grants a bachelor's degree. Students who do not meet the academic requirements can receive an advanced diploma qualification after completing three years of specialised engineering studies. The academic journey at the college begins with a foundational year that includes courses in English, mathematics, physics, and computer science, preparing students for the specialised engineering programs. Throughout their academic path, students participate in practical training in labs and workshops based on their specialisations. They are assigned to major specialisations based on their preferences and their general education diploma results.