Conservation Management Plan (CMP)

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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.

CMP FactsheetDownload the Factsheet here

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.

To learn more about the Conservation Management Plan and its priorities, download the full CMP document here.

About us

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The Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) collaborates to conserve humpback whales and other cetaceans in the Arabian Sea.  ASWN membership includes representatives of large international NGOs like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF – with offices in Pakistan, India and the UAE) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), as well as grass-roots environmental organizations like the Environment Society of Oman and Plan4theland in Iran. It also includes regional academic institutions, such as the University of Karachi, independent researchers in Oman, India, Iran and Sri Lanka and other whale experts from around the world.

ashw_infographic_021017_300

This infographic was developed by the Arabian Sea Whale Network with financial support from EWS-WWF.  It is intended to help raise awareness of the unique nature of Arabian Sea Humpback whales and their urgent conservation needs.  I high resolution PDF of this info-graphic can be downloaded from the Downloadable resources page on this website.

While this website site is intended primarily as a resource for network members to facilitate the regional exchange of information and tools that they can use in their research and conservation strategies, we hope that it will also provide visitors with an overview of what the network does and what it hopes to achieve for whale conservation in the region.

ASWN Newsletter 2026

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We are pleased to share the 2026 edition of the ASWN Newsletter, highlighting recent activities, collaborations, and progress from across the region. This issue places a strong focus on the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Conservation Management Plan (CMP), which is progressing towards endorsement at upcoming International Whaling Commission (IWC) meetings and aims to support adoption and implementation by range state governments across the region. The newsletter also features updates from ASWN members showcasing ongoing research, stakeholder engagement, and conservation efforts across the Arabian Sea region.

Explore the newsletter to learn about our latest updates!

ASWN Newsletter 2026

HuDoNet releases Network Action Plan for the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin

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The Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Conservation Network (HuDoNet) has released its first Network Action Plan, a collaboratively developed framework to guide coordinated research, policy engagement and conservation action for the Endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) across its range.

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin inhabits shallow coastal waters in the western and northern Indian Ocean, occurring along the coasts of 23 range states from southern Africa to southern Asia, including parts of the Arabian Sea region. Populations are typically small and fragmented and are closely associated with intensively used coastal habitats, making the species particularly vulnerable to fisheries bycatch, habitat degradation, pollution and other human pressures that also impact whales in the Arabian Sea, most notably Arabian Sea humpback whales which are also considered Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. While research and conservation initiatives for Indian Ocean humpback dolphins exist in parts of the range, effort and capacity remain uneven and large areas are still data-poor.

HuDoNet was established in 2023 to help address these challenges by connecting researchers and conservation practitioners working on humpback dolphins across the species’ range. The network currently includes nearly 100 members from 18 countries, including several researchers and practitioners also engaged in the Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN), reflecting the overlap in geography, threats and conservation objectives across the region.

The Network Action Plan was developed through a structured planning process adapted from the IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group framework. Five thematic working groups — Biological Research; Threats and Solutions; People; Policy; and Network Success — convened a series of online meetings between August 2024 and October 2025 to collate existing knowledge, identify priority gaps and opportunities, and agree on feasible, near-term actions.

Rather than attempting to produce a comprehensive species action plan at this early stage, HuDoNet focused on identifying a limited set of achievable, short- to medium-term actions that could be advanced through collaboration within the existing network. The result is a set of thirteen Priority Actions designed to strengthen the evidence base, support practical threat mitigation, enhance community engagement, leverage existing policy mechanisms, and build the organizational foundations needed for longer-term  conservation planning.

The Priority Actions include initiatives to expand basic knowledge of humpback dolphin distribution and abundance in data-poor regions, facilitate the analysis and publication of existing datasets, and coordinate multi-site studies on key threats such as chemical pollution and fisheries bycatch — issues that are also of concern for multiple cetacean species in the Arabian Sea. Other actions focus on mapping spatial protection measures across the species’ range and improving the consideration of humpback dolphins in Environmental Impact Assessments, offering opportunities for alignment with broader regional conservation efforts.

Recognizing the importance of social and governance dimensions, the Action Plan also includes actions aimed at strengthening access to behaviour-change resources, testing approaches to education and awareness, and improving communication and collaboration both within the network and with external partners.

Figure 1. HuDoNet’s Priority Actions within five Working Group.

By focusing on coordination, knowledge sharing and targeted action, HuDoNet aims to reduce duplication, amplify existing efforts and support more consistent consideration of humpback dolphins in research agendas and management decisions across their range. The Network Action Plan is intended to be a living document that will guide HuDoNet’s activities over the next few years and support closer collaboration with regional initiatives such as the Arabian Sea Whale Network, where shared challenges and complementary mandates create strong opportunities for synergy.

The full HuDoNet Network Action Plan is available at HuDoNet’s Action Plan.

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For more information, contact:
Dr Shanan Atkins
HuDoNET coordinator
iohudonet@gmail.com

+27825763107
www.HuDoNet.org

 

Arabian Sea Whale Network showcases regional collaboration at the IUCN World Conservation Congress

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The Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) was proudly represented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC), held in Abu Dhabi from October 9 – 15, 2025. This major global event brought together more than 10,000 participants from over 170 countries, including scientists, conservationists, policy makers, and representatives of the private sector to define conservation priorities for the next four years.

ASWN’s coordinator Gianna Minton and members from Oman, Iran, and UAE joined colleagues from the IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group (CSG) at the shared booth, themed ‘Conservation Planning and Action for Cetaceans’. The booth served as a hub for discussions, attracting hundreds of visitors interested in learning about regional and global efforts to protect cetaceans. Visitors included scientists, conservation practitioners, and government representatives.

For ASWN, the Congress offered a timely opportunity to highlight recent progress and collaborations aimed at advancing the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHW) – one of  the world’s most isolated and endangered humpback whale populations. The draft CMP provides a coordinated framework to guide conservation actions across range states, addressing key threats such as fisheries entanglement, ship strikes, and habitat degradation. The CMP aims to strengthen regional collaboration among range states to mitigate these threats. This CMP would be the first to be run under the joint auspices of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).  It  will be presented for review and endorsement at CMS Scientific Council in December 2025 and its Conference of the Parties in March 2026, and subsequently the IWC Scientific Committee and Commission meetings in April and September 2026.

Through interactions at the WCC, ASWN members helped raise awareness about ongoing research and management initiatives, and encouraged stronger engagement from government agencies and partner organizations in implementing the CMP. The Congress also provided a valuable platform for connecting with potential collaborators and supporters interested in contributing to Arabian Sea humpback whale conservation through policy, research, and community-based initiatives.

The ASWN extends its gratitude to the IUCN SSC Cetacean Specialist Group for hosting the booth, to the UAE Dolphin Project volunteers for their assistance, and to all who visited and engaged in discussions about protecting Arabian Sea humpback whales and other cetaceans in the Indian Ocean.

Learn more about the CMP here

Download the ASHW Factsheet here

Photo credits: Sonja Lavrencic and the team of UAE Dolphin Project volunteers

Regional Collaboration Strengthens Conservation Efforts for Arabian Sea Humpback Whales

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The Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) welcomes the momentum generated by a workshop held in Muscat, Oman, from 27–29 May 2025, focused on the protection and conservation of Arabian Sea humpback whales – one of the world’s most endangered and isolated whale populations.

Hosted by the Environment Authority of Oman, in collaboration with the Environment Society of Oman and Future Seas, and supported by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the workshop made significant steps towards the development of a regional Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Arabian Sea humpback whales under the auspices of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the IWC.

The workshop gathered marine mammal researchers, government representatives, civil society organisations, and industry leaders. Over the course of three days, participants reviewed more than 25 years of scientific research from Oman, India, and other range states, and aligned on shared priorities for a CMP. Discussions focused on threat mitigation, international legal instruments and regional initiatives, legal frameworks, and options for coordinated governance.

Participants agreed on immediate priorities including enhanced marine mammal monitoring and outreach to engage wider regional input in the months ahead.  Oman stakeholders also discussed the development of national management actions, particularly in the Gulf of Masirah, which is internationally recognised as an “Important Marine Mammal Area” and home to what is considered to be the most important Arabian Sea humpback whale habitat in Oman.

Science, Policy, and Industry in Partnership

The workshop underscored the importance of bridging science and policy. Sessions were led by experts from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dakshin Foundation, Environment Society of Oman, and the International Whaling Commission, among others.

Dr. Suaad Al Harthi of the Environment Society of Oman remarked, “The scientific community has built a strong foundation of knowledge over the past 25 years. What this population needs now is action through government policy and regional collaboration.”

Importantly, the event also welcomed engagement from the private sector, particularly the maritime and shipping industries. Representatives from the World Shipping Council, ASYAD, and Port of Duqm joined the dialogue, offering practical insights on reducing ship strikes and planning for safer navigation through whale-sensitive areas.

Dr. Andrew Willson of Future Seas noted, “The threats from human activities are rapidly accelerating. The willingness of the shipping industry to be part of the solution is both timely and encouraging.”

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Arabian Sea Humpback Whales

The workshop reaffirmed the importance of  coordinated, science-based management and transboundary cooperation for the long-term survival of Arabian Sea humpback whales. A draft CMP document is being evaluated by key stakeholders, with the hope that the final document can be reviewed and formally endorsed by formal CMS and IWC meetings taking place later this year and in 2026.  Watch this space for more news! 

In the News

For more insights and media coverage on the regional workshop and ongoing efforts to protect the Arabian Sea humpback whale, explore the following articles:

Photos © Environment Authority of Oman.

Humpback whale stranding in Oman

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     On Tuesday, February 25th, a humpback whale was found washed ashore off the coast of Al Jazer, on the Arabian Sea coast of Oman. A joint team of investigators from the Environment Authority (EA) and Future Seas traveled to the scene to collect data and measurements from the dead whale. Support was provided by the Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Governorate office of Al Jazer.
     Photographs of the dead whale’s tail fluke were compared with photos of live whales in the Oman Humpback Whale Photo-identification catalogue, curated by the Environment Society of Oman.  The whale was identified as OM02-020, nicknamed ‘Joshi’. Although the carcass was somewhat degraded, and the original colouring of the tail fluke had been worn away, it was possible to match distinctive features on the trailing edge of the tail fluke to the photographs taken of the whale over the past 23 years .  The image below demonstrates how the distinctive features highlighted in red, green, blue and yellow on the upper photo taken on the beach in Al Jazer, and the lower photo, taken during research in Dhofar in 2015, were used to make a positive identification.
     Joshi was first photographed during a dedicated whale survey in the southern end of the Gulf of Masirah in November 2002, only a few kilometers from where he eventually washed ashore dead. He was one of the most regularly observed whales during dedicated humpback whale surveys since that time.  Genetic analysis of biopsy samples taken of the whale, as well as anatomical evidence on examination of the carcass indicate that the whale was a male. He was satellite tagged in February 2014 by ESO and was last seen – and recorded singing – while in apparently healthy condition during the EA-hosted humpback whale survey that was conducted in December 2023.
     Joshi was one of fewer than 100 Arabian Sea humpback whales remaining off the coast of Oman.  Initial investigations did not identify any obvious external signs of what could have caused the whale’s death. However, previous studies in Oman and of other humpback whale populations around the world indicate that entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes are the two most significant causes of injury and mortality to the species. Samples collected from the stranding have been delivered to Sultan Qaboos University for further analysis.

 

Joshi was a great whale that gave so much to science, demonstrating the enormous value of long-term monitoring of this Endangered subpopulation. His recorded songs and regular sightings have contributed to our understanding of the cultural transmission of song across the population,  the population’s most important feeding and breeding areas, and its overall health. Regularly seen with other individuals off the coast of Oman it was apparent he had his own social network of whales that will suffer from his absence, particularly within such a small population. However, there is still much more to be gained from the samples and data he has gifted us. The team is keen to find funds for a whole genome analysis of genetic samples collected from Joshi and other whales, and to preserve and display his skeleton as a scientific reference for his this population and as a public monument that will provide platform for education.

Click here to watch a moving tribute compiled by the environment Society of Oman.

 

A photo taken of the dead whale’s tail fluke on the beach was compared with photos of live whales in the Oman humpback whale Photo-Identification catalogue. Unique features on the trailing edge of the fluke enabled the team to recognise the whale as OM02-020, nicknamed Joshi.

A team from the Environment Authority and Future Seas traveled to the site of the stranding to collect valuable data, samples and measurements from the stranded whale.

When observed at sea, it is not often possible to appreciate just how big humpback whales are. In this photo, Dr. Andrew Willson, says a final good-bye to Joshi, the first Arabian Sea humpback whale that he encountered when he joined humpback whale surveys in Oman in 2002. This first sighting of Joshi inspired Dr. Willson”s career path and PhD studies, which focused on Arabian Sea humpback whales in Oman

Sperm Whale Stranding in Oman Highlights Importance of Regional Collaboration

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On December 10th, a sperm whale stranded and died off the coast of Al-Sawadi Beach in Oman, presenting an opportunity for scientists to collect crucial samples to support marine research and conservation efforts. The event underscores the importance of regional collaboration in responding to marine mammal strandings and advancing scientific understanding of the ocean environment.

The stranding was swiftly reported to Oman’s whale stranding network, enabling an organized and collaborative response. The Environment Authority in Oman  organised the stranding response including a necropsy, with expert technical assistance from veterinarians at Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, and valuable support from the Environment Society of Oman, Future Seas Global SPC, and Five Oceans Environmental Services.

The initial evaluation of the carcass did not yield any obvious signs of the cause of death, although in cases such as these determining the cause of death is not always obvious due to the complexity of conducting a full evaluation of such a large animal and the many different potential contributing factors to mortality.  Importantly, every stranding holds a treasure trove of information, and the data and samples collected will now be analyzed, which will hopefully provide insights into the age, reproductive status, and health of the whale,  as well as its  marine environment. This research will contribute to understanding the challenges faced by marine mammals in the region and support the development of more effective conservation strategies.

The successful management of the incident also involved key logistical support from the Royal Navy of Oman and the Royal Oman Police, who managed crowd control and oversaw the removal process. The Musannah Municipality facilitated the disposal of the carcass, while Sultan Qaboos University is storing the samples and will assist in their scientific analysis.

This effort highlights the value of regional collaboration to respond to stranding events – a topic discussed during the most recent ASWN annual virtual meeting held on October 31, 2024, and in earlier Stranding Working Group discussions. During these meetings, members emphasized the value of collective action, provision of technical support from veterinarians and pathologists trained in cetacean strandings,  and information sharing to enhance stranding response and investigation efforts. The insights gained from this stranding response will not only deepen our understanding of marine mammals but also strengthen conservation initiatives across the Arabian Sea region.

See more on these social channels:

Environment Authority in Oman Instagram
Environment Society of Oman Instagram , Facebook

 

 

Celebrating the launch of ‘Whales and Dolphins of Fujairah and the Arabian Region’

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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.

Illustrations by Uko Gorter