For decades, Arabian Sea humpback whales have fascinated scientists because they defy one of the defining characteristics of humpback whales worldwide: long-distance seasonal migration.
A new study by Dr Andrew Willson and several ASWN colleagues, published in Frontiers in Marine Science provides the most detailed picture yet of how these whales move through the Arabian Sea. The findings offer important new insights for their conservation.
Satellite tags deployed on 14 Arabian Sea humpback whales off the coast of Oman, were used to track whale movements. The results confirmed that most individuals remained within a relatively small home range along the coasts of Oman and Yemen, demonstrating an exceptional degree of site fidelity rarely seen in humpback whales elsewhere in the world.
The study found that the Gulf of Masirah and Hallaniyat Bay are particularly important habitats, with whales repeatedly returning to these productive feeding areas. The Arabian Sea’s seasonal upwelling system provides rich feeding opportunities throughout the year, allowing this unique population to survive without undertaking the extensive migrations typical of other humpback whale populations.
Luban’s Extraordinary Journey
The study also reports on one exception among the tagged whales- a female whale named Luban, that travelled across the Arabian Sea to waters off the west coast of India before eventually returning to Oman. Her journey, covering approximately 7,000 kilometres, represents the first direct evidence of an Arabian Sea humpback whale crossing the Arabian Sea.
While previous studies had suggested connections between whale populations in Oman and India through shared song patterns, Luban’s journey provides the first direct evidence of an Arabian Sea humpback whale crossing the Arabian Sea.
Importantly, the study also reinforces the need for coordinated conservation efforts across national boundaries. While most whales appear to spend much of their lives in key habitats off Oman, Luban’s journey demonstrates that at least some individuals move across the wider Arabian Sea, connecting habitats and waters shared by multiple countries.
Why This Matters for Conservation
The findings highlight both the uniqueness and the vulnerability of this population. Arabian Sea humpback whales are listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and number only around 80 individuals off the coast of Oman, making them one of the most threatened whale populations in the world. Understanding where whales spend their time, how they move between habitats, and whether they cross international boundaries is critical for effective conservation planning.
The findings of this study provide valuable information for the implementation of the joint IWC-CMS Regional Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Conservation Management Plan (CMP), which was recently endorsed by the CMS Scientific Council, the CMS Conference of the Parties, and the IWC Scientific Committee.
The CMP recognizes that conserving Arabian Sea humpback whales requires coordinated action across the region. Luban’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that these whales do not recognize political borders, and that successful conservation depends on collaboration among governments, researchers, conservation organizations, and coastal communities throughout the Arabian Sea region.
A Collaborative Effort
The study is also a powerful example of what can be achieved through long-term regional collaboration. The research brought together many ASWN members – scientists, conservation organisations, government agencies, and local partners working across the Arabian Sea region to better understand and protect this extraordinary whale population.
As implementation of the Conservation Management Plan moves forward, studies such as this provide the scientific foundation needed to guide effective conservation action and ensure a safe future for Arabian Sea humpback whales.