Protecting the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale
The Arabian Sea humpback whale is one of the world’s most endangered whale populations. Unlike other humpback whale populations that migrate seasonally between feeding and breeding grounds, Arabian Sea humpback whales remain in the northern Indian Ocean year-round. This unique population has likely been isolated for thousands of years and faces increasing threats across its range.
The Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) supports regional collaboration to improve understanding and conservation of marine mammals throughout the Arabian Sea. A central priority of the network is the protection of the Arabian Sea humpback whale through coordinated, science-based action.
As part of this commitment, ASWN regional members have worked with range-state government stakeholders to develop a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) to support coordinated conservation action for Arabian Sea humpback whales. Explore the factsheet below to learn more about the CMP, its objectives, and the benefits of regional conservation action.
Current Status
The CMP has already received endorsement through the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) during their March 2026 Conference of Parties in Brazil and is now under consideration for endorsement at the upcoming meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) Scientific committee meeting (April-May) and Commission meeting (September, 2026). Endorsement would provide an important opportunity to strengthen coordinated conservation efforts and support long-term protection for this unique whale population.