@article{,

title = {Whale Distribution in the Northern Arabian Sea along Coast of Pakistan in 2019 based on the information obtained through Fisheries Crew-Based Observer Programme},

author = {Moazzam Khan ,Rab Nawaz, Babar Khan, Sudheer Ahmed. },

url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341776439_Whale_Distribution_in_the_Northern_Arabian_Sea_along_Coast_of_Pakistan_in_2019_based_on_the_information_obtained_through_Fisheries_Crew-Based_Observer_Programme},

isbn = { SC/67A/CMP/05},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

urldate = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},

volume = {SC/68B/CMP/08},

number = {170},

pages = {11},

institution = {Document presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},

abstract = {In 2012 WWF-Pakistan initiated an observer programme to monitor tuna gillnet operations in the coastal and offshore waters of Pakistan. Among other things, these observers were assigned to report observations of whales encountered during fishing operations. These vessels (with onboard observers) provided a platform of opportunity for recording the spatial and temporal distribution of whales in the Northern Arabian Sea. During 2019 a total of 7 sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, 1 sighting each of blue whales and Bryde’s whales, 6 sightings of sperm whales,8 sightings of baleen whales (that could not be identified to species level due to lack of adequate photographic or video evidence) and 3 records of entanglement and mortality of Cuvier’s beaked whales..

Fewer whales were recorded through the programme in 2019  than 2018 and 2017 when a total of 35 and 95 sightings of whale were recorded respectively. This decrease in sightings is attributed to many factors, including early closure of the fishing season in early April 2019 because of  low catches and unreliable prices of tuna in the market. As such the fishery was closed for four months from mid-April to mid-August instead of the usual two months of June and July.

Extremely high sea surface temperatures during September to October 2019 (possibly an oceanic heat wave) were believed to be the cause of reduced tuna catches. Therefore, only a few tuna boats remained operational  during this period. An unprecedented jellyfish bloom of Crambionella orsini  from September 2019 onward forced fishermen to stop fishing operations during this period. Furthermore, the observer programme was completed on September, 2019, after which only 45 out of 75 observers voluntarily continued to provide information about sightings. The paper also reports on two baleen whale strandings - a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) stranded on the rocky shore at Gunz, western coast of Pakistan and a blue whale in Pushukan, Gwadar (West Bay).},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, Bryde's whale, Bycatch, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Observer programmes, Pakistan},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Ecosystem state change in the Arabian Sea fuelled by the recent loss of snow over the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau region},

author = {Goes, Joaquim I.,Tian, Hongzhen,Gomes, Helga do Rosario,Anderson, O. Roger,Al-Hashmi, Khalid,deRada, Sergio,Luo, Hao,Al-Kharusi, Lubna,Al-Azri, Adnan,Martinson, Douglas G.},

url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-64360-2},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64360-2},

issn = {2045-2322},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Scientific Reports},

volume = {10},

number = {102},

pages = {7422},

abstract = {The recent trend of global warming has exerted a disproportionately strong influence on the Eurasian land surface, causing a steady decline in snow cover extent over the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau region. Here we show that this loss of snow is undermining winter convective mixing and causing stratification of the upper layer of the Arabian Sea at a much faster rate than predicted by global climate models. Over the past four decades, the Arabian Sea has also experienced a profound loss of inorganic nitrate. In all probability, this is due to increased denitrification caused by the expansion of the permanent oxygen minimum zone and consequent changes in nutrient stoichiometries. These exceptional changes appear to be creating a niche particularly favorable to the mixotroph, Noctiluca scintillans which has recently replaced diatoms as the dominant winter, bloom forming organism. Although Noctiluca blooms are non-toxic, they can cause fish mortality by exacerbating oxygen deficiency and ammonification of seawater. As a consequence, their continued range expansion represents a significant and growing threat for regional fisheries and the welfare of coastal populations dependent on the Arabian Sea for sustenance.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, HAB, harmful algae, Upwelling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Cetacean bycatch in Indian Ocean tuna gillnet fisheries},

author = {Anderson, Charles,Herrera, Miguel,Ilangakoon, Anoukchika,Koya, KM,Moazzam, M,Mustika, Putu L,Sutaria, Dipani N},

url = {https://www.int-res.com/prepress/n01008.html},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01008},

issn = {1863-5407},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Endangered Species Research},

volume = {41},

number = {292},

pages = {39-53},

abstract = {Pelagic gillnet (driftnet) fisheries account for some 34% of Indian Ocean tuna catches. We combine published results from 10 bycatch sampling programmes (1981–2016) in Australia, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan to estimate bycatch rates for cetaceans across all Indian Ocean tuna gillnet fisheries. Estimated cetacean bycatch peaked at almost 100,000 individuals yr–1 during 2004–2006, but has declined by over 15% since then, despite an increase in tuna gillnet fishing effort. These fisheries caught an estimated cumulative total of 4.1 million small cetaceans between 1950 and 2018. These bycatch estimates take little or no account of cetaceans caught by gillnet but not landed, of delayed mortality or sub-lethal impacts on cetaceans (especially whales) that escape from gillnets, of mortality associated with ghost nets, of harpoon catches made from gillnetters, nor of mortality from other tuna fisheries. Total cetacean mortality from Indian Ocean tuna fisheries may therefore be substantially higher than estimated here. Declining cetacean bycatch rates suggest that such levels of mortality are not sustainable. Indeed, mean small cetacean abundance may currently be 13% of pre-fishery levels. None of these estimates are precise, but they do demonstrate the likely order of magnitude of the issue. Countries with the largest current gillnet catches of tuna, and thus the ones likely to have the largest cetacean bycatch are (in order): Iran, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Oman, Yemen, UAE and Tanzania. These 9 countries together may account for roughly 96% of all cetacean bycatch from tuna gillnet fisheries across the Indian Ocean. },

keywords = {Bycatch, Estimates, Extrapolation, Gill net, gillnet, Indian Ocean, mortality, Observer programmes, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Trends, tuna fishery},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Risk of biodiversity collapse under climate change in the Afro-Arabian region},

author = {Soultan, Alaaeldin,Wikelski, Martin,Safi, Kamran},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-37851-6},

issn = {2045-2322},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Scientific Reports},

volume = {9},

number = {236},

pages = {955},

abstract = {For 107 endemic mammal species in the Afro-Arabian region, Sahara-Sahel and Arabian Desert, we used ensemble species distribution models to: (1) identify the hotspot areas for conservation, (2) assess the potential impact of the projected climate change on the distribution of the focal species, and (3) assign IUCN threat categories for the focal species according to the predicted changes in their potential distribution range. We identified two main hotspot areas for endemic mammals: the Sinai and its surrounding coastal area in the East, and the Mediterranean Coast around Morocco in the West. Alarmingly, our results indicate that about 17% of the endemic mammals in the Afro-Arabian region under the current climate change scenarios could go extinct before 2050. Overall, a substantial number of the endemic species will change from the IUCN threat category “Least Concern” to “Critically Endangered” or “Extinct” in the coming decades. Accordingly, we call for implementing an urgent proactive conservation action for these endemic species, particularly those that face a high risk of extinction in the next few years. The results of our study provide conservation managers and practitioners with the required information for implementing an effective conservation plan to protect the biodiversity of the Afro-Arabian region.},

keywords = {Arabia, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, biodiversity, Climate change, conservation status, extinction, IUCN Red List, Threat assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Confirmed sightings of the Killer Whale, Orcinus orca, in Iranian waters (Mammalia: Cetacea)},

author = {Mohsenian, Nazanin,Moshiri, Hamed,Tollab, Amin,Bargahi, Hamid Reza,Braulik, Gill T.,Gemmell, Georgina L.,Collins, Tim},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/09397140.2019.1596590},

issn = {0939-7140},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Zoology in the Middle East},

volume = {65},

number = {171},

pages = {280-282},

publisher = {Taylor & Francis},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Iran, killer whale, Orcinus orca, Persian Gulf},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Tursiops aduncus},

author = {Braulik, G.,Natoli, A.,Kiszka, J,Parra, G.,Plon, S.,Smith, B.D.},

url = {https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41714/50381127},

doi = {https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T41714A50381127.en},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {IUCN Red List of Threatened Species},

volume = {Downloaded on 20 April 2020},

number = {50},

abstract = {Near-threatened:  Justification: Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins generally occur in shallow coastal waters of the Indian Ocean,

Southeast Asia and Australia. They are among the more commonly studied cetaceans in the Indian

Ocean, especially in Shark Bay, Western Australia. However, information on distribution, population size,

and trends in abundance and mortality from much of the species’ range is still very limited. As they are

primarily coastal, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins often co-occur with fisheries, and bycatch is a major

cause of concern for this species. Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins are also at risk from high levels of

noise and chemical pollution, industrial activity such as oil and gas development, and habitat reduction

caused by land reclamation and coastal development (Curry and Smith 1997, Wells and Scott 1999,

Reeves et al. 2003, Kiszka et al. 2008). Furthermore, survey data suggest that Indo-Pacific Bottlenose

Dolphins occur in relatively small populations or communities with limited geographic ranges, especially

where they reside close to islands (Krützen et al. 2004, Natoli et al. 2008, Fury et al. 2008, Särnblad et al.

2011, Kiszka et al. 2012, Gray et al. 2018), which can exacerbate the impact of human activities and

demographic stochasticity on this species. Estimates of abundance from populations for which

information on bycatch is also available indicate that human-caused mortality is frequently

unsustainable (Cockcroft et al. 1992, Shirakihara and Shirakihara 2012, Preen 2004). Based on the sum

of existing abundance estimates, the total population size for the species over its entire range is likely

well in excess of 40,000 individuals. Large parts of the range have never been surveyed (e.g. much of the

Arabian Sea, Arabian/Persian Gulf, Pakistan, India, Red Sea, Somalia, Yemen, Mozambique, Indonesia,

Philippines). The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin was classified as Data Deficient in 2008. The species

distribution overlaps the range of several other coastal cetacean species that are red-listed as

Endangered (Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris and Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Sousa

plumbea) or Vulnerable (Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Sousa chinensis and Australian Humpback

Dolphin Sousa sahulensis, Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni and the Indo-Pacific Finless

Porpoise Neophocaena phocaenoides) and are subject to the same anthropogenic threats. However,

compared to these other species, the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin is assumed to be under less

immediate threat because it has a wider geographic range and probably larger numbers, greater

behavioural plasticity and broader habitat preferences. Data are insufficient to present a robust case for

listing the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin in a threatened category (CR, EN, or VU). However, its coastal

distribution, inferred local declines, and intensity of threats throughout its range lead to the conclusion

that Least Concern is not an appropriate category. The Red List Guidelines (version 11, 2014) state that

“the category Near Threatened is applied to taxa that do not qualify as threatened now, but may be

close to qualifying as threatened, and to taxa that do not currently meet the criteria for a threatened

category, but are likely to do so if ongoing conservation actions abate or cease.” Also, to qualify for Near

Threatened, the taxon “should be close to qualifying for the Vulnerable category; estimates of

population size or habitat should be close to the Vulnerable thresholds, especially when there is a high

degree of uncertainty, or possibly meet some of the subcriteria; and this may be combined with

biological susceptibility and threat.” Considering the above, the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin is listed

as Near Threatened because: 1) it occurs in a relatively small and restricted near-shore range, 2) it is

highly vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear and its range overlaps with intensive fisheries known

to entangle and kill dolphins, 3) its near-shore habitat is subject to increasing anthropogenic threats

resulting in habitat loss and degradation, and 4) it is experiencing mortality rates that are likely to be

causing population declines in several areas. The species therefore comes close to meeting criterion A4

for Vulnerable. Population size is inferred and suspected to have declined by close to 30% throughout

the range of the species, over three generations and in a time period encompassing the past, present

and future. The causes of the reduction (gillnet entanglement and coastal habitat degradation) have not

ceased. Generation length for Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, according to Taylor et al. (2007), is 21.1

years, therefore three generations is 63.3 years. Thus, an annual decline of around 0.5% would result in

exceeding the 30% decline in 3 generations. Gillnet fisheries and coastal development are increasing

throughout the range of the species and bycatch is anticipated to remain stable or to increase in the

future without urgent and intensive efforts which are unlikely to be forthcoming. It is important to

emphasize that numerous isolated populations of this species would likely qualify as threatened

subpopulations, particularly those found around island groups in the Indian Ocean.},

keywords = {conservation status, indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, IUCN, Red List, tursiops aduncus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Using emerging hot spot analysis of stranding records to inform conservation management of a data-poor cetacean species},

author = {Betty, Emma L.,Bollard, Barbara,Murphy, Sinéad,Ogle, Mike,Hendriks, Hannah,Orams, Mark B.,Stockin, Karen A.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01903-8},

issn = {1572-9710},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Biodiversity and Conservation},

number = {327},

abstract = {Conservation monitoring of highly mobile species in relatively inaccessible habitats presents a considerable challenge to wildlife biologists. Effective conservation strategies require knowledge of cetacean ecology that is often challenging and expensive to obtain. Despite their caveats, stranding data represent an underused resource to study the long-term dynamics of cetacean populations. Using long-finned pilot whale (LFPW; Globicephala melas edwardii) strandings on the New Zealand coast as a case study, we present a novel approach to demonstrate how stranding data can inform conservation management of data-poor species. A total of 8571 LFPWs stranded on the New Zealand coast within a 40-year period between January 1978 and December 2017. Overall, where sex was recorded, mass stranded adults were significantly biased towards females, while a significant male bias was observed in juveniles. Strandings occurred in all months, though significant seasonal variation was evident, with 66% of stranding events reported during austral spring and summer months (October–February). Hot spot analysis (ArcGIS) identified the majority of LFPWs stranded at Golden Bay, Great Barrier Island, Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands, with emerging hot spot analysis (ArcGIS) used to identify spatiotemporal trends. While emerging hot spot analysis revealed no significant temporal trend in the annual frequency of stranding events or numbers of individuals stranded, it did reveal a significant spatiotemporal trend, with the numbers of stranded individuals declining in areas of the Far North, Coromandel, Canterbury, Otago and the Chatham Islands, and increasing in Golden Bay and Stewart Island. When combined with other contextual information, such trends help identify the most significant clusters of LFPW strandings on the New Zealand coast, provide baseline ecological data on a poorly understood subspecies, and can be used to guide conservation management of G. m. edwardii in New Zealand waters.},

keywords = {Distribution, Globicephala melas, Long finned pilot whale, mass mortality, Mass Stranding, New Zealand, stranding},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {A Stranding Record of Dwarf Sperm Whale Kogia sima in Lakshadweep Archipelago, India and its Genetic Analogy by Molecular Phylogeny},

author = {Aneesh Kumar, K. V.,Baby, Sibi T.,Dhaneesh, K. V.,Manjebrayakath, Hashim,Saravanane, N.,Sudhakar, M.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s41208-018-0115-9},

issn = {2366-1674},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences},

volume = {35},

number = {13},

pages = {239-245},

abstract = {The distribution of Kogiid whales from the Indian Ocean waters, especially Indian waters are poorly known. It is extremely difficult to differentiate the two species (Kogia sima and K. breviceps) based on their morphological characteristics alone. Our study presents the first confirmed record of dwarf sperm whale Kogia sima from the Indian waters using morphological examinations, skull morphology and molecular identification. The study is based on the stranded animal found in the west coast of Agatti Island in Lakshadweep Archipelago belongs to the Indian EEZ. K. sima showed intra-species genetic variability which confirms the isolation of the species in oceans as the tropical nature of the species restricts its movement.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, India, Indian Ocean, kogia, kogia simus, stranding},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Update on satellite telemetry studies and first unoccupied aerial vehicle assisted health assessment studies of Arabian Sea humpback whales off the coast of Oman.},

author = {Willson, A.,Leslie, M.,Baldwin, R.,Cerchio, S.,Childerhouse, S.,Collins, T.,Findlay, K.,Genov, T.,Godley, B. J.,Al Harthi, S.,Macdonald, D. W.,Minton, G.,Zerbini, A.,Witt, M.J.},

url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sc_67b_cmp_13_rev1_oman-humbpack-whale-research-update-1.pdf},

issn = {IWC/SC67B/CMP13Rev1},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

urldate = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Document presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},

number = {504},

pages = {15},

publisher = {International Whaling Commission},

abstract = {Four previously documented surveys focusing on satellite tagging Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHW) have

taken place off the coast of Oman since 2014. We present information of the most recent multidisciplinary survey

from November 2017 including results of telemetry studies to investigate spatial ecology, photo-identification

work to support population estimates and the trial of new methods using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) in

conducting non-invasive health assessments. The findings document the first record of the transoceanic passage

of an ASHW within the Arabian Sea and preliminary evidence of regional scale connectivity. Small vessel surveys

resulted in 45 hours of effort resulting in a total of 35 sightings and encounters with over 18 identified individual

ASHWs. Five tags were successfully deployed, three being attached to whales already identified in the ASHW

catalogue (one female and two males) and two whales new to the catalogue (of as yet unknown sex). The recent

telemetry work brings the project total to 14 deployed tags. Four whales from the recent tagged group occupied

regions previously described as important habitat in the South of Oman including the Gulf of Masirah and

Hallaniyats Bay. The tag with the longest tracking duration (n=120 days) documented the passage of an adult

female from the Gulf of Masirah across to the west coast of India, south towards to the Gulf of Manar off the

southern tip of India and the subsequent return of the whale to the tagging site. Additionally, a hexacopter UAV

(drone) was used to acquire digital images of 7 whales to inform investigations into body condition (length-width

relationship), tissue scaring and skin disease. UAVs that were flown through respired condensate (blow) resulted

in collection of three viable samples collected for micro-biome assessment of the respiratory tract. On a broad

geographic scale the tracking data continues to confirm the importance of waters over the continental shelf in

southern Oman for ASHW and together with passive acoustic monitoring studies provides new evidence to

support previous understanding on the connectivity between humpback whales of the Arabian Sea. The frequency

of sightings in the study area, and documented breeding related behaviour during the survey supports existing

evidence demonstrating that the Gulf of Masirah is a critical habitat for the ASHW. Effective conservation of this

population requires concerted application of threat mitigation, whilst studies continue to support the on-going

conservation management requirement to understand the broader spatial ecology of the population.},

keywords = {health, Humpback Whale, lesions, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, photo-identification, Satellite telemetry, song, tattoo, UAV},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Climate change impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries and society in the Arabian Gulf},

author = {Wabnitz, Colette C. C.,Lam, Vicky W. Y.,Reygondeau, Gabriel,Teh, Lydia C. L.,Al-Abdulrazzak, Dalal,Khalfallah, Myriam,Pauly, Daniel,Palomares, Maria L. Deng,Zeller, Dirk,Cheung, William W. L.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194537},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {PLOS ONE},

volume = {13},

number = {494},

pages = {e0194537},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {Climate change–reflected in significant environmental changes such as warming, sea level rise, shifts in salinity, oxygen and other ocean conditions–is expected to impact marine organisms and associated fisheries. This study provides an assessment of the potential impacts on, and the vulnerability of, marine biodiversity and fisheries catches in the Arabian Gulf under climate change. To this end, using three separate niche modelling approaches under a ‘business-as-usual’ climate change scenario, we projected the future habitat suitability of the Arabian Gulf (also known as the Persian Gulf) for 55 expert-identified priority species, including charismatic and non-fish species. Second, we conducted a vulnerability assessment of national economies to climate change impacts on fisheries. The modelling outputs suggested a high rate of local extinction (up to 35% of initial species richness) by 2090 relative to 2010. Spatially, projected local extinctions are highest in the southwestern part of the Gulf, off the coast of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the projected patterns provided useful indicators of potential climate change impacts on the region’s diversity, the magnitude of changes in habitat suitability are more uncertain. Fisheries-specific results suggested reduced future catch potential for several countries on the western side of the Gulf, with projections differing only slightly among models. Qatar and the UAE were particularly affected, with more than a 26% drop in future fish catch potential. Integrating changes in catch potential with socio-economic indicators suggested the fisheries of Bahrain and Iran may be most vulnerable to climate change. We discuss limitations of the indicators and the methods used, as well as the implications of our overall findings for conservation and fisheries management policies in the region.},

keywords = {Arabia, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, biodiversity, Climate change, diversity, economic impact, Fisheries, Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Conservation and restoration of mangroves: Global status, perspectives, and prognosis},

author = {Romañach, Stephanie S.,DeAngelis, Donald L.,Koh, Hock Lye,Li, Yuhong,Teh, Su Yean,Raja Barizan, Raja Sulaiman,Zhai, Lu},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569117301710},

issn = {0964-5691},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Ocean & Coastal Management},

volume = {154},

number = {453},

pages = {72-82},

abstract = {Mangrove forests provide critical services around the globe to both human populations and the ecosystems they occupy. However, losses of mangrove habitat of more than 50% have been recorded in some parts of the world, and these losses are largely attributable to human activities. The importance of mangroves and the threats to their persistence have long been recognized, leading to actions taken locally, by national governments, and through international agreements for their protection. In this review, we explore the status of mangrove forests as well as efforts to protect them. We examine threats to the persistence of mangroves, consequences, and potential solutions for effective conservation. We present case studies from disparate regions of the world, showing that the integration of human livelihood needs in a manner that balances conservation goals can present solutions that could lead to long-term sustainability of mangrove forests throughout the world.},

keywords = {conservation, ecosystem services, management, mangrove, restoration},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Toothed whale and shark depredation indicators: A case study from the Reunion Island and Seychelles pelagic longline fisheries},

author = {Rabearisoa, Njaratiana,Sabarros, Philippe S.,Romanov, Evgeny V.,Lucas, Vincent,Bach, Pascal},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0202037},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {PLOS ONE},

volume = {13},

number = {440},

pages = {e0202037},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {Depredation in marine ecosystems is defined as the damage or removal of fish or bait from fishing gear by predators. Depredation raises concerns about the conservation of species involved, fisheries yield and profitability, and reference points based on stock assessment of depredated species. Therefore, the development of accurate indicators to assess the impact of depredation is needed. Both the Reunion Island and the Seychelles archipelago pelagic longline fisheries targeting swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and tuna (Thunnus spp.) are affected by depredation from toothed whales and pelagic sharks. In this study, we used fishery data collected between 2004 and 2015 to propose depredation indicators and to assess depredation levels in both fisheries. For both fisheries, the interaction rate (depredation occurrence) was significantly higher for shark compared to toothed whale depredation. However, when depredation occurred, toothed whale depredation impact was significantly higher than shark depredation impact, with higher depredation per unit effort (number of fish depredated per 1000 hooks) and damage rate (proportion of fish depredated per depredated set). The gross depredation rate in the Seychelles was 18.3%. A slight increase of the gross depredation rate was observed for the Reunion Island longline fleet from 2011 (4.1% in 2007–2010 and 4.4% in 2011–2015). Economic losses due to depredation were estimated by using these indicators and published official statistics. A loss of 0.09 EUR/hook due to depredation was estimated for the Reunion Island longline fleet, and 0.86 EUR/hook for the Seychelles. These results suggest a southward decreasing toothed whale and shark depredation gradient in the southwest Indian Ocean. Seychelles depredation levels are among the highest observed in the world revealing this area as a “hotspot” of interaction between pelagic longline fisheries and toothed whales. This study also highlights the need for a set of depredation indicators to allow for a global comparison of depredation rates among various fishing grounds worldwide.},

keywords = {Bycatch, depredation, Indian Ocean, longline, Reunion, Seychelles},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Humpback whale singing activity off the Goan coast in the Eastern Arabian Sea},

author = {Madhusudhana, Shyam Kumar,Chakraborty, Bishwajit,Latha, G.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2018.1458248},

issn = {0952-4622},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Bioacoustics},

number = {147},

pages = {1-16},

publisher = {Taylor & Francis},

abstract = {AbstractFor over two decades, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) methods have been successfully employed around the world for studying aquatic megafauna. PAM-driven studies in Indian waters have so far been relatively very scarce. Furthermore, cetacean populations inhabiting the north western Indian Ocean are far less studied than those in many other regions around the world. This work likely constitutes the first systematic study of the vocal repertoire of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) at a near-shore site along the western coast of India. Analysis of the observed vocalizations provides an insight into the behaviour of the species. This is significant as it assists in developing a better understanding of the habitat use of the non-migratory Arabian Sea humpback whale population. In contrast, other breeding populations such as those around the North Atlantic, South Pacific and Australia have been relatively well studied. Underwater passive acoustic data were collected during March 2017 using an autonomous logger at a shallow-water site off the eastern edge of Grande Island off the coast of Goa. Humpback whale vocalizations were found to occur over multiple days in the recordings. Time?frequency contours of individual units of vocalization were extracted with the aid of an automatic detection technique and the characteristics of the units were measured. Further, successive units were analysed for formation of phrases and themes. Reconstruction of putative songs from the identified units and themes was not possible due to the limitations imposed by the nature of data collection. Detailed analyses of units, phrases and themes are presented.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, breeding, Goa, Humpback Whale, India, Megaptera novaeanglia, PAM, passive acoustic monitoring, song, vocal behaviour},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {New Determination of Prey and Parasite Species for Northern Indian Ocean Blue Whales},

author = {de Vos,Asha,Faux,Cassandra E.,Marthick,James,Dickinson,Joanne,Jarman,Simon N.},

url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2018.00104},

issn = {2296-7745},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Frontiers in Marine Science},

volume = {5},

number = {84},

abstract = {Blue whales are little studied, face significant anthropogenic threats and within the Northern Indian Ocean, have a restricted range, making them an archetype for conservation needs of megafauna around the world. We studied feeding behaviour of blue whales using dietary DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples. While globally blue whale populations feed predominantly on Euphausiidae, 87 % of prey DNA amplicons extracted from faecal samples from this population were sergestid shrimp, demonstrating that blue whales can locate and feed on dense swarms of other types of prey when they occur. Within the Indian Ocean sergestids are present within the top 300 m, which correlates with the deep scattering layer observed by hydroacoustics. Studies suggest that this requirement to dive deeper in search of prey likely explains the prevalence of fluke up diving within this population of blue whales relative to other parts of the globe. Furthermore, this study revealed the presence of acanthocephalan endoparasites within the stomach and intestines of the Northern Indian Ocean blue whales. This represents the first record of Acanthocephala in blue whales in the Northern Indian Ocean and highlights the need for further studies on both the ecto- and endoparasitic flora and monitoring of health of these cetaceans for their management and conservation.},

keywords = {Acanthocephala, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, behaviour, blue whales, DNA metabarcoding,Sri Lanka,Blue whales,feeding,Northern Indian Ocean,faeces,Sergestid,Euphausiidae,Acanthocephala,shrimp,krill,behaviour, euphasids, Faeces, fecal analysis, feeding, Krill, Northern Indian Ocean, parasites, prey, Sergestid shrimp, shrimp, Sri Lanka},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Description and classification of Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) whistles recorded off the Sindhudurg coast of Maharashtra, India},

author = {Bopardikar, Isha,Sutaria, Dipani,Sule, Mihir,Jog, Ketki,Patankar, Vardhan,Klinck, Holger},

url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12479},

issn = {1748-7692},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Marine Mammal Science},

volume = {34},

number = {3},

pages = {755-776},

abstract = {The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea), a common cetacean species in India, has a diverse vocal repertoire, which to date has not been described in detail. This study focused on analyzing their whistle vocalizations. Humpback dolphins were recorded off the Sindhudurg coast of Maharashtra, India, and 2,260 whistles were analyzed for their acoustic characteristics. Whistles spanned a wide frequency range between 2.3 kHz and 33.0 kHz, with durations ranging from 0.01 s to 1.60 s. Whistles were categorized into seven contour classes based on their qualitative properties. A classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to quantify variability between the seven contour classes using the measured acoustic features. Based on the CART analysis, frequency gradient, minimum slope, maximum slope, beginning and ending slope accounted for most variability between whistle types. CART resulted in an overall classification accuracy of 89.5%. This study provides a detailed description of acoustic features and qualitative properties of humpback dolphin whistles from the northwestern coast of India. Further comparisons of acoustic data from Sousa populations along the Indian coast are necessary to determine possible geographic variations in whistle characteristics and whether the variations are driven by environmental or genetic factors or a combination of both.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, humpback dolphin, India, passive acoustic monitoring, sousa, Sousa plumbea, vocalization, Whistle, whistles},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Growing knowledge of cetacean fauna in the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE},

author = {Baldwin, R.,Willson, A.,Looker, E.,Buzas, B.},

url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360642888_Baldwin_R_Willson_A_Looker_E_Buzas_B_2018_Growing_knowledge_of_cetacean_fauna_in_the_Emirate_of_Fujairah_UAE_-_Tribulus_26_32-41

},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

urldate = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Tribulus},

volume = {26},

number = {313},

abstract = {Most records of cetaceans in the United Arab Emirates come from relatively few studies undertaken in Arabian Gulf

waters. However, recent study off the coast of Fujairah, in the Gulf of Oman, has revealed a rich diversity of cetaceans

with 11 or more species now known to occur in the emirate. Among them are three new records for the UAE, spotted,

striped and rough-toothed dolphins, as well as infrequently recorded large whales such as sperm, Bryde’s and blue

whales. Most species are primarily distributed in offshore waters over 500 m deep, though some species, such as the

Indo-Pacific common dolphin, also regularly occur closer to shore, including within the Port of Fujairah anchorage area.

Continuing research aims to investigate the population size, status and structure of cetaceans present in waters off

Fujairah using a variety of line transect, photographic, genetic and acoustic research techniques.},

keywords = {Distribution, Gulf of Oman, rough-toothed dolphin, stenella coeruleoalba, steno bredanensis, Striped dolphin, United Arab Emirates},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {First circumglobal assessment of Southern Hemisphere humpback whale mitochondrial genetic variation and implications for management},

author = {Rosenbaum, H. C.,Kershaw, F.,Mendez, M.,Pomilla, C.,Leslie, M. S.,Findlay, K. P.,Best, P. B.,Collins, T.,Vely, M.,Engel, M. H.,Baldwin, R.,Minton, G.,Meÿer, M.,Flórez-González, L.,Poole, M. M.,Hauser, N.,Garrigue, C.,Brasseur, M.,Bannister, J.,Anderson, M.,Olavarría, C.,Baker, C. S.},

url = {http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v32/p551-567/},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Endangered Species Research},

volume = {32},

number = {213},

pages = {551-567},

abstract = {ABSTRACT: The description of genetic population structure over a species’ geographic range can provide insights into its evolutionary history and also support effective management efforts. Assessments for globally distributed species are rare, however, requiring significant international coordination and collaboration. The global distribution of demographically discrete populations for the humpback whale \textit{Megaptera novaeangliae} is not fully known, hampering the definition of appropriate management units. Here, we present the first circumglobal assessment of mitochondrial genetic population structure across the species’ range in the Southern Hemisphere and Arabian Sea. We combine new and existing data from the mitochondrial (mt)DNA control region that resulted in a 311 bp consensus sequence of the mtDNA control region for 3009 individuals sampled across 14 breeding stocks and subpopulations currently recognized by the International Whaling Commission. We assess genetic diversity and test for genetic differentiation and also estimate the magnitude and directionality of historic matrilineal gene flow between putative populations. Our results indicate that maternally directed site fidelity drives significant genetic population structure between breeding stocks within ocean basins. However, patterns of connectivity differ across the circumpolar range, possibly as a result of differences in the extent of longitudinal movements on feeding areas. The number of population comparisons observed to be significantly differentiated were found to diminish at the subpopulation scale when nucleotide differences were examined, indicating that more complex processes underlie genetic structure at this scale. It is crucial that these complexities and uncertainties are afforded greater consideration in management and regulatory efforts.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, breeding grounds, Genetic differentiation, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mtDNA, population structure, Stock assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Some like it hot: Repeat migration and residency of whale sharks within an extreme natural environment},

author = {Robinson, David P.,Jaidah, Mohammed Y.,Bach, Steffen S.,Rohner, Christoph A.,Jabado, Rima W.,Ormond, Rupert,Pierce, Simon J.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185360},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {PLOS ONE},

volume = {12},

number = {446},

pages = {e0185360},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {The Arabian Gulf is the warmest sea in the world and is host to a globally significant population of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. To investigate regional whale shark behaviour and movements, 59 satellite-linked tags were deployed on whale sharks in the Al Shaheen area off Qatar from 2011–14. Four different models of tag were used throughout the study, each model able to collect differing data or quantities of data. Retention varied from one to 227 days. While all tagged sharks crossed international maritime boundaries, they typically stayed within the Arabian Gulf. Only nine sharks dispersed through the narrow Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. Most sharks stayed close to known or suspected feeding aggregation sites over summer months, but dispersed throughout the Arabian Gulf in winter. Sharks rarely ventured into shallow areas (<40 m depth). A single, presumably pregnant female shark was the sole animal to disperse a long distance, crossing five international maritime boundaries in 37 days before the tag detached at a distance of approximately 2644 km from the tagging site, close to the Yemeni-Somali border. No clear space-use differentiation was evident between years, for sharks of different sizes, or between sexes. Whale sharks spent the most time (~66%) in temperatures of 24–30°C and in shallow waters <100 m depth (~60%). Sharks spent relatively more time in cooler (X2 = 121.692; p<0.05) and deeper (X2 = 46.402; p<0.05) water at night. Sharks rarely made dives deeper than 100 m, reflecting the bathymetric constraints of the Gulf environment. Kernel density analysis demonstrated that the tagging site at Al Shaheen was the regional hotspot for these sharks, and revealed a probable secondary aggregation site for whale sharks in nearby Saudi Arabian waters. Analysis of visual re-sightings data of tagged sharks revealed that 58% of tagged individuals were re-sighted back in Al Shaheen over the course of this study, with 40% recorded back at Al Shaheen in the year following their initial identification. Two sharks were confirmed to return to Al Shaheen in each of the five years of study.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, habitat use, rhinccodon typus, Satellite telemetry, Sea of Oman, whale sharks},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {First records of the Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise },

author = {Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Jefferson, Thomas A.,Abayaratne, Sandaruwan},

url = {https://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/1811},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Threatened Taxa},

volume = {9},

number = {181},

pages = {11081-11084},

abstract = {Thirty species of marine mammals have been recorded from Sri Lanka.  Amongst them the Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise Neophocaena phocaenoides is the only representative of the family Phocoenidae.  The only previous record from Sri Lanka was a specimen caught on the Wadge Bank by a Smithsonian Carangid Survey team in 1970.  Wadge Bank is west of the island and is, in fact, in Indian territorial waters.  Here we present the first legitimate records of the Finless Porpoise from Sri Lanka, based on one stranding and three live sightings.  Furthermore, the occurrence of threatened species such as the Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise in the waters of the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar indicates that a cross boundary research initiative between Indian and Sri Lankan scientists, simultaneously focusing on the conservation of the species, is essential.  We believe, through such an initiative, a more holistic approach could be adopted when studying and conserving the species, which could then be expanded to encapsulate many other marine species and ecosystems. },

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Finless Porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides, Sri Lanka, stranding},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Multiple processes drive genetic structure of humpback whale (},

author = {Kershaw, Francine,Carvalho, Inês,Loo, Jacqueline,Pomilla, Cristina,Best, Peter B.,Findlay, Ken P.,Cerchio, Salvatore,Collins, Tim,Engel, Marcia H.,Minton, Gianna,Ersts, Peter,Barendse, Jaco,Kotze, P. G. H.,Razafindrakoto, Yvette,Ngouessono, Solange,Meÿer, Michael,Thorton, Meredith,Rosenbaum, Howard C.},

url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mec.13943},

issn = {1365-294X},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Molecular Ecology},

number = {131},

pages = {n/a-n/a},

abstract = {Elucidating patterns of population structure for species with complex life histories, and disentangling the processes driving such patterns, remains a significant analytical challenge. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations display complex genetic structures that have not been fully resolved at all spatial scales. We generated a data set of nuclear markers for 3575 samples spanning the seven breeding stocks and substocks found in the South Atlantic and western and northern Indian Oceans. For the total sample, and males and females separately, we assessed genetic diversity, tested for genetic differentiation between putative populations and isolation by distance, estimated the number of genetic clusters without a priori population information and estimated rates of gene flow using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian approaches. At the ocean basin scale, structure is governed by geographical distance (IBD P < 0.05) and female fidelity to breeding areas, in line with current understanding of the drivers of broadscale population structure. Consistent with previous studies, the Arabian Sea breeding stock was highly genetically differentiated (FST 0.034–0.161; P < 0.01 for all comparisons). However, the breeding stock boundary between west South Africa and east Africa was more porous than expected based on genetic differentiation, cluster and geneflow analyses. Instances of male fidelity to breeding areas and relatively high rates of dispersal for females were also observed between the three substocks in the western Indian Ocean. The relationships between demographic units and current management boundaries may have ramifications for assessments of the status and continued protections of populations still in recovery from commercial whaling.},

keywords = {behaviour, Humpback Whale, International Whaling Commission, megaptera novaeangliae, population assessment, population genetics, population identity, population structure, Southern Hemisphere, wildlife management},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Living with dolphins: Local ecological knowledge and perceptions of small cetaceans along the Sindhudurg coastline of Maharashtra, India},

author = {Jog, Ketki,Sule, Mihir,Bopardikar, Isha,Patankar, Vardhan,Sutaria, Dipani},

url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12466},

issn = {1748-7692},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Marine Mammal Science},

volume = {34},

number = {128},

pages = {488-498},

abstract = {Two near shore small cetaceans occur commonly along the Maharashtra coast, the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin and Indo Pacific finless porpoise. These cetaceans frequently interact with fisheries in this region due to overlap in space and resource use. Besides stranding records, little ecological information is available about these species from Maharashtra. We conducted 143 semistructured interviews to document local ecological knowledge and community perceptions of small cetaceans in 30 coastal fishing villages in Sindhudurg. Perceptions of finless porpoises were largely neutral, whereas humpback dolphins were negative. A classification regression tree (CART) analysis (root node error: 60%) showed that the annual cost of gear damage was an important predictor variable of humpback dolphin perceptions, followed by occupation (gear type) and age. Entanglements were reported for both species in large and small gill nets, and shore seines. Perceived net damage and catch loss due to humpback dolphins was six times greater than that of finless porpoises. However, finless porpoises were reportedly more frequently entangled in gear than humpback dolphins. We provide an insight into the perceptions of cetaceans in the local community and the fisheries-cetacean interactions that shape them.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bycatch, cetacean-fisheries interactions, competition, Finless Porpoise, humpback dolphin, India, local ecological knowledge, Marine mammals, Neophocaena phocaenoides, perceptions, Sousa plumbea},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Statistical Year Book},

author = {Oman National Centre for Statistics and Information},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

volume = {Issue 45},

number = {390},

pages = {447},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, artisanal fisheries, commercial catch, dhow, Fisheries, Gill net, Oman, Sea of Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Cryptic Lineage Differentiation Among Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Northwest Indian Ocean},

author = {Gray, H. W. I.,Nishida, S.,Welch, A. J.,Moura, A. E.,Tanabe, S.,Kiani, M. S.,Culloch, R.,Möller, L.,Natoli, A.,Ponnampalam, L. S.,Minton, G.,Gore, M.,Collins, T.,Willson, A.,Baldwin, R.,Hoelzel, A. R.},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1055790317300635},

issn = {1055-7903},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution},

number = {381},

abstract = {Phylogeography can provide insight into the potential for speciation and identify geographic regions and evolutionary processes associated with species richness and evolutionary endemism. In the marine environment, highly mobile species sometimes show structured patterns of diversity, but the processes isolating populations and promoting differentiation are often unclear. The Delphinidae (oceanic dolphins) are a striking case in point and, in particular, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.). Understanding the radiation of species in this genus is likely to provide broader inference about the processes that determine patterns of biogeography and speciation, because both fine-scale structure over a range of kilometers and relative panmixia over an oceanic range are known for Tursiops populations. In our study, novel Tursiops spp. sequences from the northwest Indian Ocean (including mitogenomes and two nuDNA loci) are included in a worldwide Tursiops spp. phylogeographic analysis. We discover a new ‘aduncus’ type lineage in the Arabian Sea (off India, Pakistan and Oman) that diverged from the Australasian lineage },

keywords = {bottlenose dolphin, conservation, Indian Ocean, Phylogeography, Pleistocene, taxonomy, tursiops aduncus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Assessment of beach-cast cetaceans in Pakistan: implications for conservation and management},

author = {Gore, M. A.,Culloch, R,Gray, H.,Hoelzel, A. R.,Lockyer, C.,Kiani, M. S.,Waqas, U,Hussain, B,Rahim, Abdul,Shah, A.,Ormond, R. F.},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},

volume = {16},

number = {104},

pages = {1-7},

abstract = {Until recently, little was known about the distribution and species occurrence of marine cetaceans in Pakistani waters, an area which needed to be

addressed exigently given its inclusion in the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Boat-based surveys (2005–09) carried out along the coast of Pakistan

identified 12 species of cetaceans. Although these surveys can be very useful for providing information on species presence and distribution,

estimates of the age and sex of these groups can be more uncertain. Consequently, this present study undertook complementary beach-based surveys

over the same period across all accessible regions of the Pakistani coast and created a community reporting scheme for stranded and beach-cast

remains of cetaceans. Tissue samples and/or skeletal material were collected over three years from 37 individual specimens, with DNA successfully

extracted from 24. Using molecular techniques, a total of seven species were identified and there was an indication that the majority of the samples

were from males. An analysis of teeth collected from 12 beach-cast odontocetes showed an age range between neonatal and 17 years. The results

of this study corroborate the presence of species observed during the boat-based surveys and identified a further three species. The data also provide

additional information on age and sex. A comparison with similar studies suggests that the stranding rate is low in Pakistan. No mass strandings

occurred during the seven year monitoring period. The results indicate that beach-based surveys are effective for gathering data on species presence

in regions where resources are limited, the terrain is harsh and availability of data is low. Ultimately, the results of this work will help with assessing

the conservation status and management requirements of the region’s cetaceans, both locally and internationally with respect to the Indian Ocean

Whale Sanctuary. Species identified were 4 bottlenose

dolphins (Tursiops sp.), 6 long-beaked common dolphins, 1

spinner dolphin, 4 Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, 1 pantropical

spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) and 5 Bryde’s

whales},

keywords = {aging, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, beach survey, Bryde’s whale, carcass analysis, genetics, Pakistan, stranding},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The distribution, abundance and group dynamics of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (},

author = {Díaz López, Bruno,Grandcourt, Edwin,Methion, Séverine,Das, Himansu,Bugla, Ibrahim,Al Hameli, Maitha,Al Ameri, Hind,Abdulla, Mohamed,Al Blooshi, Ayesha,Al Dhaheri, Shaikha},

url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/article/distribution-abundance-and-group-dynamics-of-indian-ocean-humpback-dolphins-sousa-plumbea-in-the-emirate-of-abu-dhabi-uae/9FB6BE811A329C1A0BA57F0BDFC65AB3},

issn = {0025-3154},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom},

number = {88},

pages = {1-9},

publisher = {Cambridge University Press},

abstract = {The Arabian Gulf is one of the most heavily impacted water bodies raising serious concerns about the conservation status of many marine species. A limited coastal range and near-shore distribution make Indian Ocean humpback dolphins particularly vulnerable to mortality and traumatic injuries from heavy maritime traffic and gill-netting practices. Prior to the present study, no research had focused on the ecology of this species in the Arabian Gulf, despite the potential for human impacts. The mark–recapture method of photo-identification, undertaken during 55 boat-based surveys conducted between 2014 and 2015, was used to assess the occurrence, abundance and use of habitat of this endangered species along the coast of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE). In all, 368 h and 6703 km of observation were carried out over a period of 5 months, and 54 encounters were made with humpback dolphins. The group size ranged from 1 to 24 individuals and group composition showed that 79% of the observed dolphins were adults. Abundance estimates were calculated and fitted with open population models. A review of all available data indicates that the studied population is the largest reported in the world with 701 (95% CI = 473–845) individuals. While their occurrence within Abu Dhabi near-shore waters is frequent, the survey area appears to be only a part of a much larger home range for this humpback dolphin population. The observation of multiple threats derived from anthropogenic activities increases our concerns regarding the conservation of this important dolphin population.},

keywords = {abundance, Arabian Gulf, coastal environment, conservation, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, Persian Gulf, photo-identification, sousa},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {First record of Omura’s whale, Balaenoptera omurai, in Sri Lankan waters},

author = {de Vos, Asha},

url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s41200-017-0121-2},

issn = {1755-2672},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Marine Biodiversity Records},

volume = {10},

number = {82},

pages = {18},

abstract = {An unusually coloured, small baleen whale was documented off the southern coast of Sri Lanka in February 2017 during routine field surveys. Based on five distinct morphological characteristics including jaw asymmetry, presence of a prominent central rostral ridge, blaze on right side, asymmetrical chevron on left and right sides and a strongly falcate dorsal fin the individual was positively identified as an Omura’s whale (Balaenoptera omurai). This discovery represents the first confirmed sighting of Omura’s whale in Sri Lankan and therefore central Northern Indian Ocean waters.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera omurai, Distribution, Northern Indian Ocean, Omura's Whale, Sri Lanka},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea Humpback whale population},

author = {Dakhteh, Seyed M. H.,Ranjbar, Sharif,Moazeni, Mostafa,Mohsenian, Nazanin,Delshab, Hossein,Moshiri, Hamed,Nabavi, Seyed M. B.,Van Waerebeek, Koen},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Marine Biology & Oceanography},

volume = {6},

number = {77},

pages = {1-6},

abstract = {The humpback whale has long been considered a rare straggler into the Persian Gulf, however new evidence contradicts this concept. We here critically review published and new records for Megaptera novaeangliae occurrence in the Gulf for the period 1883-2017. Of eight authenticated records (6 specimens, 2 live-sightings), seven are contemporary cases while one is a mid-Holocene specimen from UAE. An additional four are possible but unsubstantiated reports. Four regional, current, range states are confirmed, i.e. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. Four of the five newly reported cases are from Iran's coastal waters. We conclude that the Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea humpback whale population, and has been since at least the mid-Holocene. It is unknown whether frequent passage occurs through the Strait of Hormuz or whether whales are (semi)resident. The low abundance of this endangered population and frequent deleterious anthropogenic events, particularly ship strikes and net entanglements, are cause for major concern. In view of its historical and taxonomic relevance, the formal description of Megaptera indica Gervais, 1883, from Iraq, now thought to be a subspecies M. novaeangliae indica, is here translated from French.%U http://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2017/09/06/185033.full.pdf},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}