A newly published study has provided a comprehensive assessment of marine mammal strandings along the southern coast of Iran, documenting 167 stranding events involving 177 individuals over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020.
The paper represents an important milestone for marine mammal science in the region and highlights the value of long-term collaboration between scientists, government agencies, and local communities through the Iran National Stranding Network (INSN).
Published in Zoology in the Middle East, the study compiled records from four coastal provinces bordering the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, providing critical information on marine mammal species occurrence, distribution, and threats in a region where dedicated offshore research remains limited.
Fourteen Species Documented
The study documented 14 marine mammal species, including 11 species of toothed whales and dolphins, two baleen whale species, and one dugong.
Among the most frequently recorded species were:
- Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides)
- Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus)
- Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea)
- Long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
The records also included sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, a humpback whale, false killer whales, rough-toothed dolphins, and a dugong. The work highlights the diversity of marine mammals occurring in Iranian waters.
A valuable insight into marine mammal conservation
In data-poor regions, stranding records often provide some of the best available information on marine mammal populations. Through a combination of community outreach, citizen science, and collaboration with local authorities, the Iran National Stranding Network has created an invaluable long-term dataset that improves understanding of species presence and conservation needs.
Fisheries interactions remain a major concern
One of the most important findings of the study is the strong evidence linking many strandings to fisheries interactions.
Of the strandings that could be assessed in detail, more than 65% showed evidence of entanglement or other fisheries-related injuries. Signs included net marks, fishing gear attached to carcasses, and cuts consistent with animals being removed from nets.
The findings reinforce concerns that bycatch remains one of the most significant threats facing marine mammals in the region, particularly coastal species such as finless porpoises, humpback dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins. However, in recent months, threats may have shifted from fishing to pollution and other impacts related to the conflict in the region.
From data to conservation action
Beyond documenting strandings, the study demonstrates the power of regional collaboration and citizen science for marine mammal conservation. The authors highlight the need for continued investment in stranding response capacity, training, monitoring programmes, and collaboration with fishing communities to better understand and reduce threats.
As pressures on marine ecosystems continue to grow, particularly in relation to the recent military actions in the region, long-term datasets such as these provide essential information for informing conservation action and marine spatial planning across the wider Arabian Sea region.
The Arabian Sea Whale Network congratulates Dr. Nazanin Mohsenian, Hamed Moshiri, Gianna Minton, Gill Braulik, and all co-authors and contributors on this significant achievement. Their dedication over many years has resulted in an important contribution to our understanding of marine mammals in Iranian waters and provides a strong foundation for future conservation efforts.
Read the full paper here
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