Robert Baldwin, one of the founding members of the Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN), and Balazs Buzas have co-authored the newly launched book titled “Whales and Dolphins of Fujairah and the Arabian Region”. This book, launched by the Fujairah Environment Authority, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, represents a significant step in understanding marine biodiversity in the Arabian region and highlights the diversity of marine mammals in Fujairah’s waters, an area rich with unique habitats crucial for conservation efforts.
The research behind this book included dedicated study of whales and dolphins in Fujairah’s deep offshore waters, a previously unexplored area in the Arabian region. The work undertaken by Baldwin and Buzas and their team exploration led to the documentation of 12 different species, representing almost 15% of all cetacean species globally. This remarkable finding underscores the importance of marine conservation efforts in the emirate and aligns with ASWN’s mission to protect cetaceans in the Arabian Sea. The book is beautifully illustrated with stunning photos of whales and dolphins and detailed illustrations by Uko Gorter, as well as regional range maps for each species that is described. It not only sheds light on the marine mammal populations in Fujairah but also underscores the vital role of collaboration in conservation. Baldwin and Buzas’s collaborative work with the Fujairah Environment Authority and other partners emphasises the importance of ongoing research and international cooperation to better understand and preserve marine life in the Arabian Sea Region. Their efforts contribute to raising awareness about the need for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term protection of these vital species.
This book is available for purchase here.
