Latest news with #MarineMammalSpeciesSurveyProject
27-05-2025
- General
Oman plans management for Arabian Sea humpback whales
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) launched a regional workshop titled 'Managing the Protection and Conservation of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales' on Tuesday in collaboration with Environment Society of Oman. The three-day event aims to enhance conservation efforts for one of the world's most endangered whale populations. Held with participation of international experts, researchers, and representatives from public and private sector entities, besides civil society organisations, the workshop is focused on developing a comprehensive management framework to protect the Arabian Sea humpback whale. Believed to number fewer than 100 individuals, the species is primarily found in waters off Oman, especially in the Gulf of Masirah. Key discussions during the workshop include the most pressing threats to the species, such as shipping traffic, oil and gas exploration, and fishing activities. Participants will also explore the latest scientific research from Oman and India, and evaluate practical steps for implementing a joint conservation management plan. The workshop will include a review of the plan's structure, with emphasis on coordinated actions between countries bordering the Arabian Sea. EA presented updates from the Marine Mammal Species Survey Project in Musandam, covering the period 2023 to 2025, at the workshop. The survey is part of broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation in marine conservation. A key part of the workshop is a proposal to establish a non-binding cooperation agreement between Oman and India to protect the Arabian Sea humpback whale. Additionally, a draft regional management plan will be prepared and a joint coordination committee will be formed comprising international partners from the International Whaling Commission. The Arabian Sea humpback whale has been under scientific observation in Oman since 2000. In 2008, the species was added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species due to its critically low population and isolated habitat. This week's workshop is expected to play a pivotal role in aligning regional conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term survival of this unique marine species.
03-05-2025
- Science
EA records 37 marine mammal sightings in Musandam
Khasab – Environment Authority (EA) has recorded 37 marine mammal sightings in Musandam in the last two years as part of its Marine Mammal Species Survey Project aimed at improving conservation policy and biodiversity management. According to the authority, 19 sightings were documented in 2024 along 1,604km of survey routes, while 18 sightings were recorded in 2023 across 1,897km. Species observed included Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, spinner dolphins, long-beaked common dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins. Some groups comprised up to 100 individuals. The fifth phase of the survey concluded in April 2025. The initiative is part of the management plan for Musandam National Nature Reserve and seeks to establish a detailed marine mammal distribution map for evidence-based environmental strategies. 'The survey is conducted as part of the reserve's management plan,' EA said in a statement. Fieldwork involves visual monitoring using binoculars and the naked eye to identify surface disturbances or bird activity, often indicating the presence of marine mammals. Research vessels follow designated routes, with sightings logged using high-resolution cameras and a customised digital application named 'Spinner'. Each observation includes species identification, group size, behaviour, time and GPS location. Additional tools include drones, GoPro cameras and acoustic recorders, with data gathered on water depth, wind speed and animal movement. Oman's marine ecosystems, including the Sea of Oman and Arabian Sea, offer key habitats for dolphins and whales. These mammals play an essential role in maintaining food chain stability, regulating marine diseases and supporting carbon cycling. Earlier phases of the survey found Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins concentrated in western areas of the reserve, while spinner dolphins, common dolphins and spotted dolphins were more prevalent in the east, particularly near Ras Shas, Khasab and Khawr Najd. Alongside fieldwork, the authority has conducted awareness campaigns and workshops targeting fishermen and students to enhance local engagement in marine conservation.
22-04-2025
- Science
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.
Observer
22-04-2025
- Science
- Observer
Bryde's whale spotted in Musandam
The Environment Authority (EA) has spotted a Bryde's whale in Musandam Governorate since the launch of the Marine Mammal Species Survey Project, which began in 2023 and continued over five different phases. Aida bint Khalaf al Jabri, project leader, said that this monitoring is an important step in understanding the spread of rare or previously undocumented marine species in Musandam Governorate, underscoring the importance of continuing environmental surveys to protect biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman. She added that the project represents a pioneering initiative that links fieldwork and scientific research, and contributes to building a national database that enhances the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to protect marine organisms and sustain them for future generations. Bryde's whales are a medium-sized species of whale, characterized by a long, streamlined body, a blue-gray color, and three prominent protrusions on top of their heads that distinguish them from other whales. This whale is known for its stealthy behavior and rapid movements, as it prefers warm waters and feeds on small fish and plankton using the "surge and swallow" method. It is often seen alone or in small groups. Bryde's whale or the Bryde's whale complex, putatively comprises three species of rorqual and maybe four. The complex means the number and classification remain unclear because of a lack of definitive information and research. The common Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei, Olsen, 1913) is a larger form that occurs worldwide in warm temperate and tropical waters.
