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

Arabian Sea Whales at the 2024 IWC Scientific Committee Meeting

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The 2024 IWC Scientific Committee Meeting took place in Bled, Slovenia from April 22nd to May 3rd, 2024. Representatives from ASWN participated in person and virtually to present both regional updates and results of research conducted at national or project levels. As in past years, the ASWN worked collectively to prepare an annual update for the Scientific Committee. This update included progress against ASWN objectives at the regional level, including coordination, communication and meetings, and contributions from most ASWN range countries with updates on their research, stakeholder engagement and management efforts for Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHW) and other cetaceans in the region. The update highlighted the Extension of the Convention Migratory Species (CMS) Concerted Action for ASHW and the progress made by stakeholders in Oman towards a National Action Plan for ASHW and participation in the long-hoped-for regional Conservation Management Plan (CMP).  It also showcased the ways in which a wide range of stakeholders including national and international NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions and independent researchers are collaborating on cetacean research, conservation and management. 

The Committee expressed gratitude for the update and commended the ASWN members, the Oman Environment Authority, and other government officials and stakeholders for their efforts, collaborations, and scientific contributions over the past two decades. The Subcommittee acknowledged the growing support from ASHW range-country governments, particularly Oman and India, and noted Oman’s plan to form a cross-government committee to draft a national ASHW Action Plan and guide its participation in a regional CMP process. The Subcommittee welcomed the extension of the CMS Concerted Action and reiterated its support for the development of a joint CMS-IWC CMP for Arabian Sea humpback whales. It recommended the continued involvement of at least one range-country scientist in regional communications and coordination, emphasizing the need for a full-time CMP Coordination role once a CMP is approved.

Several documents and papers were presented by ASWN members at the meeting, including the following:

  1. SC/69B/CMP/05_Rev 1: summarized the activities and progress of the Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) and its members since SC69A (see more details above).
  2. SC/69B/CMP/16Rev_1: provided an update on research conducted in Oman from 2023 to 2024, showcasing vessel-based studies funded by the Oman Environment Authority (EA) in the Gulf of Masirah in November, 2023.  The survey documented  multiple Arabian Sea humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and humpback dolphin sightings. Drone imagery and biologging devices were employed to assess whale bioenergetics and behavior, and one whale was tagged with a transdermal satellite tag.The committee emphasized the importance of continued research activities in Oman, including fisheries and ship strike risk assessments, photo-id and genetic data collection, and updating abundance and trend models with recent data to inform conservation efforts and IUCN Red List assessments.
  3. SC/69B/CMP/12: provided a mark-recapture analysis of photo-ID records and genetic data from Omani waters (2000-2018). The analysis estimated the abundance and trend of Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHWs). The photo-ID modeling was analyzed in relation to genetics, telemetry, acoustics, and strandings data that all support the  conclusion that the population in Oman’s waters likely declined from 2000 to 2018. The Committee welcomed the analysis, recognizing the importance of continued photo-ID data collection. However, the committee noted that the estimates provided in SC/69B/CMP/12 are provisional and likely to change with new data, and should not be cited before the completion of updated analyses.
  4. SC/69B/HIM/21: provided a bycatch risk assessment of ASHWs within their core home range (Gulf of Masirah Oman) through integration of satellite imagery to detect vessels and satellite telemetry data to define whale habitat. The high-risk bycatch score modeled for this area flag it as a priority concern to be addressed within a conservation management plan, whilst the method demonstrates potential to be applied across the broader part of the population’s range as a regional scale conservation management tool.
  5. SC/69B/ForInfo/54: reported on the results of a study funded by the IWC to conduct exploratory surveys for humpback whales along the western coast of India between 2016 and 2021, utilizing interview surveys, participatory informant networks (PIN), and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). This effort identified five hotspots where species have been reported offshore along the west coast of India. PAM off Netrani Island in Karnataka and Poovar in Kerala detected ASHW, blue whales, and an unidentified whale call. The sub-committee commended India’s passive acoustic monitoring efforts and recommended continued PAM implementation along the coasts of India and Oman, suggesting expansion to other areas of historical or potential ASHW distribution, including the Indus canyon region off the coast of Pakistan, with consideration for geopolitical challenges. Simultaneous deployments in different regions are encouraged to enable whale presence detection and song comparison.
  6. SC/69B/E/10: presented the first comprehensive review of cetacean stranding records in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), conducted using 125 opportunistic stranding records between 1989 and 2023, using a variety of sources. The Committee commended the strandings work in the UAE, which is an underrepresented region, and recommended (1) the continued collection of stranding information from the UAE; and (2) collaboration with partners in neighboring countries in order to obtain a better understanding of the extent and distribution of cetacean strandings in the region.
  7. SC/69B/SM/05: provided an update on collaborations to enhance conservation efforts for the Endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) by the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Conservation Network (HuDoNet).
  8. SC/69B/SAN/03Rev2: provided an update on the Indian Ocean Cetacean Network (IndoCet), which focuses on cetacean research and conservation in the south-western Indian Ocean (SWIO). The Committee praised IndoCet’s accomplishments and urged continued efforts, recommending the development of a species action plan for Indian Ocean humpback dolphins through formal mechanisms like the CMS Concerted Action initiative or the IWC CMP process.
  9. SC/69B/HIM/03: provided guidelines on best practices for the disentanglement of free swimming small cetaceans. The Committee endorsed the guidelines in SC/69B/HIM/03 as Best Practices for the Disentanglement of Free-Swimming Small Cetaceans and recommended that they are made available through the IWC website and other dissemination channels.

Furthermore the following papers, originally prepared for and presented at the 19th Indian Ocean Tuna Commission Working Party on Ecosystems and Bycatch meeting in September 2023, were presented and discussed in the HIM subcommittee of the IWC Scientific Committee.

  1. IOTC-2023-WPEB19-27_rev1: provided a review of the scope of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Rule for IOTC Members, particularly for those with gillnet fisheries, and discussed potential synergies between the Rule and IOTC bycatch reporting and monitoring. This preliminary review was one part of an ongoing, broader analysis of unilateral and multilateral approaches to bycatch management in the Indian Ocean across multiple scales.
  2. IOTC-2023-WPEB19-28: this study focused on Pakistan’s drift gillnet fleet as a case study. The paper discussed existing data on catch and bycatch, the potential of satellite imagery and deep learning for fisheries management, and the methods, challenges, and insights gained. It served as a foundational study for similar analyses in the Indian Ocean and beyond to enhance understanding of data-poor fisheries.
  3. IOTC-2023-WPEB19-24_rev3: provided an ecological risk assessment of cetaceans to Indian Ocean tuna fisheries. This study highlighted the need to better quantify cetacean bycatch in Indian Ocean tuna fisheries, particularly in gillnet fisheries.

The Committee welcomed the ongoing and strengthening collaboration between the IWC BMI (Bycatch Mitigation Initiative) and the IOTC. 

Actions recommended for the ASW by the Scientific Committee at IWC-SC Meeting 2024

The SC highlighted the following priority actions to advance the conservation efforts for Arabian Sea humpback whales:

  1. Continued involvement of at least one range-country scientist in regional communications and coordination, noting the need for a full-time CMP coordination role.
  2. Continuation of fisheries and ship strike risk assessments and work with stakeholders to develop mitigation measures for threats within the most important known habitat for Arabian Sea humpback whales, the Gulf of Masirah and Offshore waters IMMA.
  3. Continuation of collection of photo-ID and genetic data from Arabian Sea humpback whales. If possible, the sampling should be expanded to encompass wider temporal (and possibly spatial) coverage to increase sample sizes for updated abundance and trend modeling.
  4. Use of data collected from 2019 onwards to update models of abundance and trends, and to update the visual health assessment conducted by Minton et al. (2022).
  5. Formal review of the abundance estimates presented in SC/69B/CMP/12rev1 (or an update thereof) by the IWC’s ASI/ASG, and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
  6. Continuation of passive acoustic monitoring off the coasts of India and Oman and implementation in other areas of historical or potential Arabian Sea humpback whale distribution.
  7. Completion the genetic analyses to provide clarity on the taxonomic status of ASHW.
  8. Organization of an in-person workshop in Oman to progress the development of a CMP.

The IWC Scientifc Committee report and its annexes can be downloaded here.

The Environment Society of Oman celebrates the graduates of a year-long Cetacean Research and Conservation Capacity Building programme

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On Friday, October 5th, 2023, the Environment Society of Oman celebrated the achievement of four early-career Omani scientists who completed a year-long long capacity building programme on cetacean research and conservation.  The programme, previously funded by HSBC Oman and now by Sohar International Bank, started in September 2022 with a series of classroom style components, delivered through a combination of online and in-person elements including lectures, questions and answers and group exercises. Half-day long modules focused on topics including general cetacean biology and ecology, cetaceans in Oman, cetacean research methodology, protocols for boat-based research in Oman, and a module titled ‘beyond research – engaging stakeholders in conservation’.

Participants also took part in boat-based surveys in the Muscat area and the Gulf of Masirah, where they had a chance to complement their classroom learning with hands-on experience in data collection protocols, photo-identification, data downloading and archiving, and mapping and data analysis.   On Thursday, October 5th, participants presented the results of their final projects, which required them to apply their experience in a very practical way.  Final projects included the drafting and design of a ‘glossy’ survey report for funders, geospatial analysis of the November 2022 Gulf of Masirah survey data, the design of a month-long social media campaign to raise awareness of cetaceans and their conservation needs in Oman, and the design and implementation of a systematic cetacean survey in Musandam.  

All four candidates did an excellent job of presenting their project results to ESO management and the sponsor. The programme will continue with some more Muscat-based survey training.  It will be great to see what this inspiring new generation of cetacean scientists and advocates do next.

ASWN members participate in a regional meeting showcasing new tools for marine conservation

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The Global Biodiversity Initiative Project (GOBI) hosted a meeting in Oman on October 2-4th, 2023 with the theme of ‘New tools to support ocean conservation, planning and sustainable use in the northwest Indian Ocean’.  A number of ASWN members participated, representing organizations from Oman, Pakistan, and India.  

The workshop highlighted a suite of new tools developed under the GOBI-IKI Project, including:

The meeting also included presentations from regional participants, who described ongoing projects to protect marine biodiversity in Oman, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Seychelles, and Mauritius. These presentations included a focus on Arabian Sea humpback whales, and the work that the Environment Society of Oman, WCS India, WWF Pakistan and the University of Karachi, and the ASWN are doing to better understand the population and to work towards a regional Conservation Management Plan for this Endangered population.  

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for a few ASWN members to reconnect in person, and to welcome new members from WCS India and WWF Pakistan.  It also provided inspiration to and raise funds to bring the wider network together in person.  Watch this space!