Pilleri, G Cetologische Expedition zum Indus und Persischen Golf und Forschungsreise nach Goa und Thailand im Jahre 1973 Journal Article Investigations on Cetacea, 5 (188), pp. 36-38, 1973. BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, India, Indus Delta, Pakistan, Persian Gulf, Thailand @article{, title = {Cetologische Expedition zum Indus und Persischen Golf und Forschungsreise nach Goa und Thailand im Jahre 1973}, author = {Pilleri, G}, year = {1973}, date = {1973-01-01}, journal = {Investigations on Cetacea}, volume = {5}, number = {188}, pages = {36-38}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, India, Indus Delta, Pakistan, Persian Gulf, Thailand}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
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. Climate change impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries and society in the Arabian Gulf Journal Article PLOS ONE, 13 (494), pp. e0194537, 2018. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabia, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, biodiversity, Climate change, diversity, economic impact, Fisheries, Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman @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} } 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. |
Piontkovski, S. A.,Al Jufaili, S. Coastal upwellings and Mesoscale Eddies of the Western Arabian Sea: Some Biological Implications Journal Article International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography, 7 (430), pp. 93-115, 2013. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Fisheries, Mesopelagic boundary community, oceanography, Oman, prey @article{, title = {Coastal upwellings and Mesoscale Eddies of the Western Arabian Sea: Some Biological Implications}, author = {Piontkovski, S. A.,Al Jufaili, S.}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, journal = {International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography}, volume = {7}, number = {430}, pages = {93-115}, abstract = {Satellite derived (SeaWIFS, MODIS, TOPEX/Poseidon, and Jason) chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface heights, sea surface temperature, data on vertical profiles of temperature and salinity from the ARGO drifting floats, wind speed, the Dipole Mode Index, and historical data on sardine landings were employed, to analyze physical-biological coupling in the western Arabian Sea which is known for its vigorous eddy field affecting characteristics of biological productivity. Summer and winter monsoons impose different modes of mesoscale variability. In summer, the East Arabian Current along with the currents of the Arabian Sea interior generates a dense field of eddies, where as in winter, eddies become less developed and less numerous. Therefore, the chlorophyll distribution is more heterogeneous spatially and more variable temporally during summer monsoon. Interannual changes of eddy field bear footprints of the impact of basin-scale atmospheric anomaly (the Indian Ocean Dipole). Spatial-temporal characteristics of the eddy field are valuable tools in understanding seasonal and interannual fluctuations of sardine landings contributing ~ 50% to the fishery in the region}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Fisheries, Mesopelagic boundary community, oceanography, Oman, prey}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Satellite derived (SeaWIFS, MODIS, TOPEX/Poseidon, and Jason) chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface heights, sea surface temperature, data on vertical profiles of temperature and salinity from the ARGO drifting floats, wind speed, the Dipole Mode Index, and historical data on sardine landings were employed, to analyze physical-biological coupling in the western Arabian Sea which is known for its vigorous eddy field affecting characteristics of biological productivity. Summer and winter monsoons impose different modes of mesoscale variability. In summer, the East Arabian Current along with the currents of the Arabian Sea interior generates a dense field of eddies, where as in winter, eddies become less developed and less numerous. Therefore, the chlorophyll distribution is more heterogeneous spatially and more variable temporally during summer monsoon. Interannual changes of eddy field bear footprints of the impact of basin-scale atmospheric anomaly (the Indian Ocean Dipole). Spatial-temporal characteristics of the eddy field are valuable tools in understanding seasonal and interannual fluctuations of sardine landings contributing ~ 50% to the fishery in the region |
Mohsenian, Nazanin,Moshiri, Hamed,Tollab, Amin,Bargahi, Hamid Reza,Braulik, Gill T.,Gemmell, Georgina L.,Collins, Tim Confirmed sightings of the Killer Whale, Orcinus orca, in Iranian waters (Mammalia: Cetacea) Journal Article Zoology in the Middle East, 65 (171), pp. 280-282, 2019, ISBN: 0939-7140. Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Iran, killer whale, Orcinus orca, Persian Gulf @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} } |
Romañach, Stephanie S.,DeAngelis, Donald L.,Koh, Hock Lye,Li, Yuhong,Teh, Su Yean,Raja Barizan, Raja Sulaiman,Zhai, Lu Conservation and restoration of mangroves: Global status, perspectives, and prognosis Journal Article Ocean & Coastal Management, 154 (453), pp. 72-82, 2018, ISBN: 0964-5691. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: conservation, ecosystem services, management, mangrove, restoration @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} } 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. |
Hines,E.,Adulyanukosol,K.,Somany,P.,Ath,L.S.,Cox,N.,Boonyanate,P.,Hoa,N.X. Conservation needs of the dugong Dugong dugon in Cambodia and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam Journal Article Oryx, 42 (386), pp. 113-121, 2008. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: aerial survey, conservation, dugong, education, location, management, marine, nets, population, survey @article{, title = {Conservation needs of the dugong Dugong dugon in Cambodia and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam}, author = {Hines,E.,Adulyanukosol,K.,Somany,P.,Ath,L.S.,Cox,N.,Boonyanate,P.,Hoa,N.X.}, year = {2008}, date = {2008-01-01}, journal = {Oryx}, volume = {42}, number = {386}, pages = {113-121}, abstract = {This research was conducted to assess the location of population groups and conservation issuesaffecting dugongs Dugong dugon along the eastern Gulf of Thailand off Cambodia and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.Interviews in fishing communities in 2002 and 2004 along the Cambodian coast revealed that dugongs aresporadically found in fishing nets and their body parts are sold for a relatively large profit. During 4 days ofaerial surveys in Cambodia in 2004 we saw no dugongs. We interviewed villagers in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam,in 2002 and learnt that dugongs are regularly found and hunted, again for high profits. In both countrieswe recommend that legislation addressing threatened species be strengthened and enforced. In collaborationwith the Cambodian and Vietnamese governments and NGOs, we propose the exploration of alternative nondestructivefishing methods and the initiation of an education campaign based on conservation of marinewildlife and the nearshore environment. National and transboundary management and community-based conservationare required in conjunction with strategies to address overfishing and poverty.}, keywords = {aerial survey, conservation, dugong, education, location, management, marine, nets, population, survey}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This research was conducted to assess the location of population groups and conservation issuesaffecting dugongs Dugong dugon along the eastern Gulf of Thailand off Cambodia and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.Interviews in fishing communities in 2002 and 2004 along the Cambodian coast revealed that dugongs aresporadically found in fishing nets and their body parts are sold for a relatively large profit. During 4 days ofaerial surveys in Cambodia in 2004 we saw no dugongs. We interviewed villagers in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam,in 2002 and learnt that dugongs are regularly found and hunted, again for high profits. In both countrieswe recommend that legislation addressing threatened species be strengthened and enforced. In collaborationwith the Cambodian and Vietnamese governments and NGOs, we propose the exploration of alternative nondestructivefishing methods and the initiation of an education campaign based on conservation of marinewildlife and the nearshore environment. National and transboundary management and community-based conservationare required in conjunction with strategies to address overfishing and poverty. |
Murray, James. A. Contribution to the knowledge of marine fauna of Kurrachee Journal Article Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 13 (176), pp. 348-352, 1884. BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Finless Porpoise, Indian Ocean, Kurachi, Pakistan @article{, title = {Contribution to the knowledge of marine fauna of Kurrachee}, author = {Murray, James. A.}, year = {1884}, date = {1884-01-01}, journal = {Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist.}, volume = {13}, number = {176}, pages = {348-352}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Finless Porpoise, Indian Ocean, Kurachi, Pakistan}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher M.,Papastavrou,V.,Al-Lawati,S.M. Cranial evidence of melon-headed whale and rough-toothed dolphin from Oman and the Arabian Sea Journal Article Aquatic Mammals, (492), 1998. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, dolphin, melon-headed whale, Oman, rough-toothed dolphin, whale @article{, title = {Cranial evidence of melon-headed whale and rough-toothed dolphin from Oman and the Arabian Sea }, author = {Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher M.,Papastavrou,V.,Al-Lawati,S.M.}, year = {1998}, date = {1998-01-01}, journal = {Aquatic Mammals}, number = {492}, abstract = {Published information remains scant on small cetaceans from the Arabian Sea, here defined as the NW Indian Ocean north of 15 N, including the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf (for physical features and boundaries see Anonymous, 1967, 1980) but excluding the Gulf of Aden. Cetacean stranding and by-catch records from the Sultanate of Oman have been gathered mostly over the past two decades (van Bree & Gallagher, 1978; Gallagher & van Bree, 1980; Gallagher, 1991; Leatherwood et al, 1991; Papastavrou & Salm, 1991; Salm, 1992; Baldwin & Salm, 1994). The present note documents the first authenticated specimens of the melon-headed whale Peponocephala electra (Gray, 1846) and rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis (Lesson, 1828) from Oman and the Arabian Sea. }, keywords = {Arabian Sea, dolphin, melon-headed whale, Oman, rough-toothed dolphin, whale}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Published information remains scant on small cetaceans from the Arabian Sea, here defined as the NW Indian Ocean north of 15 N, including the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf (for physical features and boundaries see Anonymous, 1967, 1980) but excluding the Gulf of Aden. Cetacean stranding and by-catch records from the Sultanate of Oman have been gathered mostly over the past two decades (van Bree & Gallagher, 1978; Gallagher & van Bree, 1980; Gallagher, 1991; Leatherwood et al, 1991; Papastavrou & Salm, 1991; Salm, 1992; Baldwin & Salm, 1994). The present note documents the first authenticated specimens of the melon-headed whale Peponocephala electra (Gray, 1846) and rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis (Lesson, 1828) from Oman and the Arabian Sea. |
Jensen,T.G. Cross-equatorial pathways of salt and tracers from the northern Indian Ocean: Modelling results Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 50 (127), pp. 2111-2127, 2003. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean @article{, title = {Cross-equatorial pathways of salt and tracers from the northern Indian Ocean: Modelling results}, author = {Jensen,T.G.}, year = {2003}, date = {2003-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {50}, number = {127}, pages = {2111-2127}, abstract = {The pathways of cross-equatorial flows originating in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are modelled using a 4.5-layer model of the Indian Ocean. Passive tracers and drifters are used to diagnose the transports. The model results show that relatively fresh Bay of Bengal water is transported southward across the equator throughout the year east of 90§E, but during the southwest monsoon as far west as 60§E. In the western part of the ocean, northward transport of low-salinity water across the equator takes place in a narrow region of positive relative vorticity flows in the Somali Current. Substantial southward cross-equatorial exchange of Arabian Sea water occurs as far east as 95§E, primarily from May to September. During the northeast monsoon the net transport is small, but large variability in the exchange of Arabian Sea water is associated with planetary equatorial waves. The cross-equatorial circulation emerge as a clockwise gyre, with southward flow in the mixed layer of the interior of the ocean, and a northward flow in the western boundary current region, including the mixed layer as well as subsurface layers. The path of the low-salinity or freshwater transport is associated with this circulation.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The pathways of cross-equatorial flows originating in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are modelled using a 4.5-layer model of the Indian Ocean. Passive tracers and drifters are used to diagnose the transports. The model results show that relatively fresh Bay of Bengal water is transported southward across the equator throughout the year east of 90§E, but during the southwest monsoon as far west as 60§E. In the western part of the ocean, northward transport of low-salinity water across the equator takes place in a narrow region of positive relative vorticity flows in the Somali Current. Substantial southward cross-equatorial exchange of Arabian Sea water occurs as far east as 95§E, primarily from May to September. During the northeast monsoon the net transport is small, but large variability in the exchange of Arabian Sea water is associated with planetary equatorial waves. The cross-equatorial circulation emerge as a clockwise gyre, with southward flow in the mixed layer of the interior of the ocean, and a northward flow in the western boundary current region, including the mixed layer as well as subsurface layers. The path of the low-salinity or freshwater transport is associated with this circulation. |
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. Cryptic Lineage Differentiation Among Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Northwest Indian Ocean Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, (381), 2017, ISBN: 1055-7903. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: bottlenose dolphin, conservation, Indian Ocean, Phylogeography, Pleistocene, taxonomy, tursiops aduncus @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} } 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 |
Fritz, H.M.,Blount, C.D.,Albusaidi, F.B.,Al-Harthy, A.H.M. Cyclone Gonu Storm Surge in Oman Journal Article Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2009.10.019 (95), 2009. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Cyclone, Oman, Storm @article{, title = {Cyclone Gonu Storm Surge in Oman}, author = {Fritz, H.M.,Blount, C.D.,Albusaidi, F.B.,Al-Harthy, A.H.M.}, year = {2009}, date = {2009-01-01}, journal = {Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science}, volume = {doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2009.10.019}, number = {95}, abstract = {Super Cyclone Gonu is the strongest tropical cyclone on record in the Arabian Sea. Gonu caused coastal damage due to storm surge and storm wave impact as well as wadi flooding. High water marks, overland flow depths, and inundation distances were measured in the coastal flood zones along the Gulf of Oman from 1 to 4 August 2007. The high water marks peaked at Ras al Hadd at the eastern tip of Oman exceeding 5 meters. The storm surge of Gonu is modeled using the Advanced Circulation Model (ADCIRC). The multi-hazard aspect is analyzed by comparing observations from Cyclone Gonu with the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.}, keywords = {Cyclone, Oman, Storm}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Super Cyclone Gonu is the strongest tropical cyclone on record in the Arabian Sea. Gonu caused coastal damage due to storm surge and storm wave impact as well as wadi flooding. High water marks, overland flow depths, and inundation distances were measured in the coastal flood zones along the Gulf of Oman from 1 to 4 August 2007. The high water marks peaked at Ras al Hadd at the eastern tip of Oman exceeding 5 meters. The storm surge of Gonu is modeled using the Advanced Circulation Model (ADCIRC). The multi-hazard aspect is analyzed by comparing observations from Cyclone Gonu with the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. |
Pande, Satish.,Sant, Niranjan.,Pednekar, Shivkumar.,Pradhan, M. S. Definite records of Sperm Whale Journal Article Journal of Threatened Taxa, 1 (186), pp. 180-181, 2009. BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, bottlenose dolphins, India, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin @article{, title = {Definite records of Sperm Whale }, author = {Pande, Satish.,Sant, Niranjan.,Pednekar, Shivkumar.,Pradhan, M. S.}, year = {2009}, date = {2009-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Threatened Taxa}, volume = {1}, number = {186}, pages = {180-181}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, bottlenose dolphins, India, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Siddeek,M.S.M.,Fouda,M.M.,Hermosa,G.V.Jr. Demersal fisheries of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf Journal Article Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 49 (474), pp. 87-97, 1999. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, enforcement, Fisheries, fishing gear, Gulf of Oman, management, marine, nets, Oman, pollution, productivity, regulations, trap, trawlers @article{, title = {Demersal fisheries of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf}, author = {Siddeek,M.S.M.,Fouda,M.M.,Hermosa,G.V.Jr.}, year = {1999}, date = {1999-01-01}, journal = {Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science}, volume = {49}, number = {474}, pages = {87-97}, abstract = {The demersal fisheries of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf are reviewed. The region comprises eight countries: Oman, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran. Over 350 commercial fish species, eight shrimp species, two spiny lobster species, one shovel nose lobster species, one cuttlefish species, one crab species, and one abalone species support the demersal fisheries in the continental shelves of the three regions. Artisanal and industrial vessels with over 120 000 fishermen were involved in demersal fisheries. Fishing boats include fish and shrimp trawlers (wooden and steel hulled), large wooden boats (dhow) with inboard engines, small dhows with outboard engines, and fiberglass boats. Fishing gear consists of trawls, bottom gill nets, traps (wire mesh and plastic types), barrier traps, hand lines, and bare hands and knives (to dislodge abalone). Demersal fish (primarily Lethrinidae, Sparidae, Serranidae, Siganidae, Sciaenidae, Stromateidae, Lutjanidae, Trichiuridae, and Nemipteridae) and shrimp (primarily Penaeus semisulcatus, Metapenaeus affinis, Parapenaeopsis stylifera, and Penaeus merguiensis) were the two commercial demersal resources. Approximately 198 000-214 000 tonnes (t) of demersals were landed annually during 1988-1993, accounting for nearly 40% of the total marine landings (475000-552000 t). This percentage, however varied among countries: 25% in Oman, 32% in U.A.E., 71% in Qatar, 52% in Saudi Arabia, 56% in Bahrain, 55% in Kuwait, close to 100% in Iraq, and 41% in Iran. Fishing effort on certain stocks may have been below the optimum level (e.g. certain Omani demersal fish), near the optimum level (e.g. Omani shrimp), or above the optimum level ( e.g. Arabian Gulf shrimp and demersal fish). Overexploitation led to restriction of fishing effort by limiting fishing licenses, regulating fishing gear (mesh size) and capture size, closing fishing areas, restricting fishing season, and banning certain fisheries. However, fisheries management was hampered by lack of appropriate management regulations, enforcement and data on most stocks. Pollution and degradation of nursery areas were also affecting the productivity of fisheries resources. To achieve sustainable demersal fisheries, maintaining a healthy marine environment, reducing fishing effort, and strictly enforcing closed seasons and closed areas are needed. These measures are being implemented with varying degrees of success by all the countries.}, keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, enforcement, Fisheries, fishing gear, Gulf of Oman, management, marine, nets, Oman, pollution, productivity, regulations, trap, trawlers}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The demersal fisheries of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf are reviewed. The region comprises eight countries: Oman, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran. Over 350 commercial fish species, eight shrimp species, two spiny lobster species, one shovel nose lobster species, one cuttlefish species, one crab species, and one abalone species support the demersal fisheries in the continental shelves of the three regions. Artisanal and industrial vessels with over 120 000 fishermen were involved in demersal fisheries. Fishing boats include fish and shrimp trawlers (wooden and steel hulled), large wooden boats (dhow) with inboard engines, small dhows with outboard engines, and fiberglass boats. Fishing gear consists of trawls, bottom gill nets, traps (wire mesh and plastic types), barrier traps, hand lines, and bare hands and knives (to dislodge abalone). Demersal fish (primarily Lethrinidae, Sparidae, Serranidae, Siganidae, Sciaenidae, Stromateidae, Lutjanidae, Trichiuridae, and Nemipteridae) and shrimp (primarily Penaeus semisulcatus, Metapenaeus affinis, Parapenaeopsis stylifera, and Penaeus merguiensis) were the two commercial demersal resources. Approximately 198 000-214 000 tonnes (t) of demersals were landed annually during 1988-1993, accounting for nearly 40% of the total marine landings (475000-552000 t). This percentage, however varied among countries: 25% in Oman, 32% in U.A.E., 71% in Qatar, 52% in Saudi Arabia, 56% in Bahrain, 55% in Kuwait, close to 100% in Iraq, and 41% in Iran. Fishing effort on certain stocks may have been below the optimum level (e.g. certain Omani demersal fish), near the optimum level (e.g. Omani shrimp), or above the optimum level ( e.g. Arabian Gulf shrimp and demersal fish). Overexploitation led to restriction of fishing effort by limiting fishing licenses, regulating fishing gear (mesh size) and capture size, closing fishing areas, restricting fishing season, and banning certain fisheries. However, fisheries management was hampered by lack of appropriate management regulations, enforcement and data on most stocks. Pollution and degradation of nursery areas were also affecting the productivity of fisheries resources. To achieve sustainable demersal fisheries, maintaining a healthy marine environment, reducing fishing effort, and strictly enforcing closed seasons and closed areas are needed. These measures are being implemented with varying degrees of success by all the countries. |
Bopardikar, Isha,Sutaria, Dipani,Sule, Mihir,Jog, Ketki,Patankar, Vardhan,Klinck, Holger Description and classification of Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) whistles recorded off the Sindhudurg coast of Maharashtra, India Journal Article Marine Mammal Science, 34 (3), pp. 755-776, 2018, ISSN: 1748-7692. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, humpback dolphin, India, passive acoustic monitoring, sousa, Sousa plumbea, vocalization, Whistle, whistles @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} } 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. |
Kinkade,C.S.,Marra,J.,Dickey,T.D.,Langdon,C.,Sigurdson,D.E.,Weller,R. Diel bio-optical variability observed from moored sensors in the Arabian Sea Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 46 (136), pp. 1813-1831, 1999. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, diel, growth, thermocline @article{, title = {Diel bio-optical variability observed from moored sensors in the Arabian Sea}, author = {Kinkade,C.S.,Marra,J.,Dickey,T.D.,Langdon,C.,Sigurdson,D.E.,Weller,R.}, year = {1999}, date = {1999-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {46}, number = {136}, pages = {1813-1831}, abstract = {As part of the Forced Upper Ocean Dynamics Program, which ran concurrently with the US JGOFS Arabian Sea Expedition, five moorings were deployed in the historical axis of the Findlater Jet. In addition to other variables, moored sensors collected photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), particulate beam attenuation (Cp), stimulated fluorescence (FLU), and dissolved oxygen (O2) data from October 1994 to October 1995. Diel bio-optical signals were recorded during two periods between the Northeast and Southwest Monsoons at 10, 35, and 65 m. Spectral analysis shows significant diel cycles of Cp, FLU, and O2, but the strength of these cycles was not constant over time. Daily periodicity was lowest for all bio-optical signals just after a strong storm during the 1994 Fall Intermonsoon period. During a phytoplankton bloom associated with a cool advective feature, the FLU and O2 diel signals were most pronounced. Although these signals are biological responses to the daily cycle of irradiance, they are mediated by hydrographic conditions; strongest when phytoplankton are confined within the mixed layer or thermocline, and thus exposed to light intensities long enough to display these responses to PAR. Fluorescence quenching at 10 m due to high irradiance (~1000 æEinstein m-2 s-1) forced the ratio of fluorescence to particulate attenuation into a diel periodicity at 10 m, but not at 35 m (noontime irradiance ~200 æEinstein m-2 s-1), where the FLU and Cp increases were almost in phase. Diel changes in Cp, when scaled to particulate organic carbon, suggest a net production of ~20 mg C m-3 d-1 at 10 and 35 m. We estimate a specific growth rate from a calculated particle production rate balanced by a constant grazing over 24 h to be 0.77 d-1, and using a C*c of 424 mg C m-2, estimate a carbon : chl a ratio between 85 and 115 for a 10-d window during the 1994 Fall Intermonsoon period }, keywords = {Arabian Sea, diel, growth, thermocline}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } As part of the Forced Upper Ocean Dynamics Program, which ran concurrently with the US JGOFS Arabian Sea Expedition, five moorings were deployed in the historical axis of the Findlater Jet. In addition to other variables, moored sensors collected photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), particulate beam attenuation (Cp), stimulated fluorescence (FLU), and dissolved oxygen (O2) data from October 1994 to October 1995. Diel bio-optical signals were recorded during two periods between the Northeast and Southwest Monsoons at 10, 35, and 65 m. Spectral analysis shows significant diel cycles of Cp, FLU, and O2, but the strength of these cycles was not constant over time. Daily periodicity was lowest for all bio-optical signals just after a strong storm during the 1994 Fall Intermonsoon period. During a phytoplankton bloom associated with a cool advective feature, the FLU and O2 diel signals were most pronounced. Although these signals are biological responses to the daily cycle of irradiance, they are mediated by hydrographic conditions; strongest when phytoplankton are confined within the mixed layer or thermocline, and thus exposed to light intensities long enough to display these responses to PAR. Fluorescence quenching at 10 m due to high irradiance (~1000 æEinstein m-2 s-1) forced the ratio of fluorescence to particulate attenuation into a diel periodicity at 10 m, but not at 35 m (noontime irradiance ~200 æEinstein m-2 s-1), where the FLU and Cp increases were almost in phase. Diel changes in Cp, when scaled to particulate organic carbon, suggest a net production of ~20 mg C m-3 d-1 at 10 and 35 m. We estimate a specific growth rate from a calculated particle production rate balanced by a constant grazing over 24 h to be 0.77 d-1, and using a C*c of 424 mg C m-2, estimate a carbon : chl a ratio between 85 and 115 for a 10-d window during the 1994 Fall Intermonsoon period |
Luo,J.,Ortner,P.B.,Forcucci,D.,Cummings,S.R. Diel vertical migration of zooplankton and mesopelagic fish in the Arabian Sea Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 47 (145), pp. 1451-1473, 2000. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: acoustic, Arabian Sea, depth, diel, displacement, fish, migration, oxygen minimum, sonar, temperature, zooplankton @article{, title = {Diel vertical migration of zooplankton and mesopelagic fish in the Arabian Sea}, author = {Luo,J.,Ortner,P.B.,Forcucci,D.,Cummings,S.R.}, year = {2000}, date = {2000-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {47 }, number = {145}, pages = {1451-1473}, abstract = {Acoustic (153 kHz ADCP and 12 kHz hull-mounted transducers) data and MOCNESS (MOC01 and MOC10) net tow samples collected in the Arabian Sea during the Spring Intermonsoon (April/May) and Southwest Monsoon (August) in 1995 documented substantial diel migrations of fish and zooplankton despite the year-round presence of an oxygen minimum ((0.2 ml l-1 at 125-150 m). Fish and zooplankton layers were distinguished by comparing 12 kHz sonar and 153 kHz ADCP backscatter data, which indicated that the strongly migrating layers were predominantly composed of fishes. Fish vertical migration speeds were independently estimated from the slopes of the volume scattering layers and from the vertical velocity components of the ADCP, yielding average speeds of 4 and 3 cm s-1 and maximum speeds of 13 and 10 cm s-1, respectively. A few migrating zooplankton layers were identified with an average speed of about 2 cm s-1 and maximum speeds as high as 8 cm s-1. Migration depths for both zooplankton and fish differed somewhat amongst stations and appeared to be related to local hydrographic conditions (principally the vertical gradients in DO and water temperature). Zooplankton displacement volumes at individual sites suggested that zooplankton biomass during the Southwest Monsoon could be as much as fivefold greater than during the Spring Intermonsoon. This observation was confirmed for the region in general by first deriving a relationship between ADCP backscatter intensity and daytime zooplankton biomass and then comparing the latter between cruises using daytime ADCP data taken along a 1500 km transect that extended from the coast of Somalia to the center of the northern basin.}, keywords = {acoustic, Arabian Sea, depth, diel, displacement, fish, migration, oxygen minimum, sonar, temperature, zooplankton}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Acoustic (153 kHz ADCP and 12 kHz hull-mounted transducers) data and MOCNESS (MOC01 and MOC10) net tow samples collected in the Arabian Sea during the Spring Intermonsoon (April/May) and Southwest Monsoon (August) in 1995 documented substantial diel migrations of fish and zooplankton despite the year-round presence of an oxygen minimum ((0.2 ml l-1 at 125-150 m). Fish and zooplankton layers were distinguished by comparing 12 kHz sonar and 153 kHz ADCP backscatter data, which indicated that the strongly migrating layers were predominantly composed of fishes. Fish vertical migration speeds were independently estimated from the slopes of the volume scattering layers and from the vertical velocity components of the ADCP, yielding average speeds of 4 and 3 cm s-1 and maximum speeds of 13 and 10 cm s-1, respectively. A few migrating zooplankton layers were identified with an average speed of about 2 cm s-1 and maximum speeds as high as 8 cm s-1. Migration depths for both zooplankton and fish differed somewhat amongst stations and appeared to be related to local hydrographic conditions (principally the vertical gradients in DO and water temperature). Zooplankton displacement volumes at individual sites suggested that zooplankton biomass during the Southwest Monsoon could be as much as fivefold greater than during the Spring Intermonsoon. This observation was confirmed for the region in general by first deriving a relationship between ADCP backscatter intensity and daytime zooplankton biomass and then comparing the latter between cruises using daytime ADCP data taken along a 1500 km transect that extended from the coast of Somalia to the center of the northern basin. |
Best,P.B. Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa Journal Article Marine Ecology Progress Series, 220 (44), pp. 277-289, 2001. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Bryde's whale, Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, Madagascar, migration, population characteristics, reproduction, sexual maturity, South Africa, whaling @article{, title = {Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa}, author = {Best,P.B.}, year = {2001}, date = {2001-01-01}, journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series}, volume = {220}, number = {44}, pages = {277-289}, abstract = {A review of available catch and biological data suggests that there are 3 populations of Bryde's whales in the Southern African region. An inshore population (the South African Inshore stock) occurs over hte continental shelf of South Africa, south of about 30§ S and seems to be non-migratory, although there is a movement up the west coast in winter. A pelagic population (the South-east Atlantic Stock) occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, ranging from equatorial regions to about 34§ S, and appears to migrate north in autumn and south in spring. Whales from the Southeast Atlantic Stock differ from the South African Inshore Stock in size, scarring, baleen shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity and prey types. both occured in the west coast whaling ground off Donkergat, but with differing seasonalities and distributions from the coast. Bryde's whales are rare on the east coast of southern Africa, but are found in summer in some numbers south of Madagascar. Whales from this population are clearly smaller than those from the Southeast Atlantic Stock, but are similar in size to, or even smaller than, those from teh South African Inshore stock. Their external appearance is unknown, but they differ in prey type from South African Inshore stock, and because of a clear discontinuity in distribution, it is believed that they form a third (pelagic) population (the Southwest Indian Ocean Sstock). this population may or may not move normt as far as the Seychelles in winter, but seems to be separate from Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea. From their size composition, length at sexual maturity and infrequent capture, Bryde's whales taken at Durban may have repasented strays from ei ther ht eh South African Inshore Stock or the Southwest Indian Ocean Stock, and recorded stomach contents also indicate prey ty pes commn toe either stock. The unusual degree of population differentiation shown by Bryde's whales may be a consequence of hteir limited seasonal migrations and apparent resource partitioning.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bryde's whale, Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, Madagascar, migration, population characteristics, reproduction, sexual maturity, South Africa, whaling}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A review of available catch and biological data suggests that there are 3 populations of Bryde's whales in the Southern African region. An inshore population (the South African Inshore stock) occurs over hte continental shelf of South Africa, south of about 30§ S and seems to be non-migratory, although there is a movement up the west coast in winter. A pelagic population (the South-east Atlantic Stock) occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, ranging from equatorial regions to about 34§ S, and appears to migrate north in autumn and south in spring. Whales from the Southeast Atlantic Stock differ from the South African Inshore Stock in size, scarring, baleen shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity and prey types. both occured in the west coast whaling ground off Donkergat, but with differing seasonalities and distributions from the coast. Bryde's whales are rare on the east coast of southern Africa, but are found in summer in some numbers south of Madagascar. Whales from this population are clearly smaller than those from the Southeast Atlantic Stock, but are similar in size to, or even smaller than, those from teh South African Inshore stock. Their external appearance is unknown, but they differ in prey type from South African Inshore stock, and because of a clear discontinuity in distribution, it is believed that they form a third (pelagic) population (the Southwest Indian Ocean Sstock). this population may or may not move normt as far as the Seychelles in winter, but seems to be separate from Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea. From their size composition, length at sexual maturity and infrequent capture, Bryde's whales taken at Durban may have repasented strays from ei ther ht eh South African Inshore Stock or the Southwest Indian Ocean Stock, and recorded stomach contents also indicate prey ty pes commn toe either stock. The unusual degree of population differentiation shown by Bryde's whales may be a consequence of hteir limited seasonal migrations and apparent resource partitioning. |
Mincks,S.L.,Bollens,S.M.,Madin,L.P.,Horgan,E.,Butler,M.,Kremer,P.M.,Craddock,J.E. Distribution, abundance, and feeding ecology of decapods in the Arabian Sea, with implications for vertical flux Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 47 (158), pp. 1475-1516, 2000. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: abundance, Arabian Sea, depth, Distribution, ecology, feeding ecology, migration, oxygen minimum, population, zooplankton @article{, title = {Distribution, abundance, and feeding ecology of decapods in the Arabian Sea, with implications for vertical flux}, author = {Mincks,S.L.,Bollens,S.M.,Madin,L.P.,Horgan,E.,Butler,M.,Kremer,P.M.,Craddock,J.E.}, year = {2000}, date = {2000-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {47}, number = {158}, pages = {1475-1516}, abstract = {Macrozooplankton and micronekton samples were collected on two cruises in the Arabian Sea conducted during the Spring Intermonsoon period (May) and the SW Monsoon period (August) of 1995. Discrete depth samples were collected down to depths of 1000-1500 m. Quantitative gut content analyses were performed on four species of decapod shrimps, Gennadas sordidus, Sergia filictum, Sergia creber, and Eupasiphae gilesii, as well as on the pelagic crab Charybdis smithii. Of the shrimps, only S. filictum and S. creber increased significantly in abundance between the Spring Intermonsoon and SW Monsoon seasons. These four species were found at all depths sampled, and most did not appear to be strong vertical migrators. G. sordidus and S. filictum did appear to spread upward at night, especially during the SW Monsoon, but this movement did not include the entire population. S. creber showed signs of diel vertical migration only in some areas. All four shrimp species except, to some degree, S. creber lived almost exclusively within the oxygen minimum zone(150-1000 m), and are likely to have respiratory adaptations that allow them to persist under such conditions. Feeding occurred at all depths throughout these species' ranges, but only modest feeding occurred in the surface layer (0-150 m). G. sordidus appeared to feed continuously throughout the day and night. Estimated contribution of fecal material to vertical flux ranged from < 0.01-2.1% of particulate flux at 1000 m for the shrimps and 1.8-3.0% for C. smithii. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. .}, keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, depth, Distribution, ecology, feeding ecology, migration, oxygen minimum, population, zooplankton}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Macrozooplankton and micronekton samples were collected on two cruises in the Arabian Sea conducted during the Spring Intermonsoon period (May) and the SW Monsoon period (August) of 1995. Discrete depth samples were collected down to depths of 1000-1500 m. Quantitative gut content analyses were performed on four species of decapod shrimps, Gennadas sordidus, Sergia filictum, Sergia creber, and Eupasiphae gilesii, as well as on the pelagic crab Charybdis smithii. Of the shrimps, only S. filictum and S. creber increased significantly in abundance between the Spring Intermonsoon and SW Monsoon seasons. These four species were found at all depths sampled, and most did not appear to be strong vertical migrators. G. sordidus and S. filictum did appear to spread upward at night, especially during the SW Monsoon, but this movement did not include the entire population. S. creber showed signs of diel vertical migration only in some areas. All four shrimp species except, to some degree, S. creber lived almost exclusively within the oxygen minimum zone(150-1000 m), and are likely to have respiratory adaptations that allow them to persist under such conditions. Feeding occurred at all depths throughout these species' ranges, but only modest feeding occurred in the surface layer (0-150 m). G. sordidus appeared to feed continuously throughout the day and night. Estimated contribution of fecal material to vertical flux ranged from < 0.01-2.1% of particulate flux at 1000 m for the shrimps and 1.8-3.0% for C. smithii. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. . |
Ashjian,C.J.,Smtih,S.L.,Flagg,C.N.,Idrisi,N. Distribution, annual cycle, and vertical migration of acoustically derived biomass in the Arabian Sea during 1994-1995 Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 49 (299), pp. 2377-2402, 2002. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: acoustic, Arabian Sea, diel, Distribution, history, life history, migration, myctophids, Oceanic, Oman, predation, seasonal change, stocks, Upwelling, zooplankton @article{, title = {Distribution, annual cycle, and vertical migration of acoustically derived biomass in the Arabian Sea during 1994-1995}, author = {Ashjian,C.J.,Smtih,S.L.,Flagg,C.N.,Idrisi,N.}, year = {2002}, date = {2002-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {49}, number = {299}, pages = {2377-2402}, abstract = {The distinguishing characteristic that sets the Arabian Sea apart from other oceanic regions is the regular oscillation of monsoonal atmospheric conditions that produces predictable periods of upwelling or convective mixing, with associated biological response, during the Southwest and Northeast monsoons, respectively. This oscillation is also evident in cycles of standing stocks of zooplankton and micronekton. The vertical distribution and spatial pattern of zooplankton and micronekton biomass were estimated using an acoustic Doppler current profiler along a 1000-km transect extending from the continental shelf of Oman to the central Arabian Sea during ten cruises on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson (November 1994-December 1995). The influence of the Southwest Monsoon, and accompanying upwelling and enhanced acoustically derived biomass, was the dominant feature in the spatial-temporal distributions of both zooplankton and micronekton near the Omani coast. The diel vertical migration of predators (myctophids, pelagic crabs), and the seasonal changes in the strength of this signal, was the most significant pattern observed in the vertical distribution of biomass and imparted a strong day-night signal to the integrated upper water-column biomass. Significant differences in the magnitude of integrated upper water-column biomass, both zooplankton (day) and migrator-zooplankton (night), were seen between inshore and offshore of the atmospheric Findlater Jet. A station located in the central Arabian Sea demonstrated seasonal changes in biomass over the year, despite being quite far from the influence of the monsoonal oscillations. Predation pressure was greater offshore of the Findlater Jet than in the region inshore of the Jet or in the central Arabian Sea. The pelagic community of the Arabian Sea may have evolved life history strategies to coincide with the predictable monsoonal cycle}, keywords = {acoustic, Arabian Sea, diel, Distribution, history, life history, migration, myctophids, Oceanic, Oman, predation, seasonal change, stocks, Upwelling, zooplankton}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The distinguishing characteristic that sets the Arabian Sea apart from other oceanic regions is the regular oscillation of monsoonal atmospheric conditions that produces predictable periods of upwelling or convective mixing, with associated biological response, during the Southwest and Northeast monsoons, respectively. This oscillation is also evident in cycles of standing stocks of zooplankton and micronekton. The vertical distribution and spatial pattern of zooplankton and micronekton biomass were estimated using an acoustic Doppler current profiler along a 1000-km transect extending from the continental shelf of Oman to the central Arabian Sea during ten cruises on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson (November 1994-December 1995). The influence of the Southwest Monsoon, and accompanying upwelling and enhanced acoustically derived biomass, was the dominant feature in the spatial-temporal distributions of both zooplankton and micronekton near the Omani coast. The diel vertical migration of predators (myctophids, pelagic crabs), and the seasonal changes in the strength of this signal, was the most significant pattern observed in the vertical distribution of biomass and imparted a strong day-night signal to the integrated upper water-column biomass. Significant differences in the magnitude of integrated upper water-column biomass, both zooplankton (day) and migrator-zooplankton (night), were seen between inshore and offshore of the atmospheric Findlater Jet. A station located in the central Arabian Sea demonstrated seasonal changes in biomass over the year, despite being quite far from the influence of the monsoonal oscillations. Predation pressure was greater offshore of the Findlater Jet than in the region inshore of the Jet or in the central Arabian Sea. The pelagic community of the Arabian Sea may have evolved life history strategies to coincide with the predictable monsoonal cycle |
Baldwin, Robert. Dolphin Spectacular Journal Article Arabian Wildlife, 1 (302), 2001. BibTeX | Keywords: cetaceans, Oman, Popular Article @article{, title = {Dolphin Spectacular}, author = {Baldwin, Robert.}, year = {2001}, date = {2001-01-01}, journal = {Arabian Wildlife}, volume = {1}, number = {302}, keywords = {cetaceans, Oman, Popular Article}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Ponnampalam, Louisa S. Dolphin Watching in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman: Tourist Perceptions and Actual Current Practice Journal Article Tourism in Marine Environments, 7 (435), pp. 81-93, 2011. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: disturbance, dolphin watching, guidelines, impact, interview Survey, management, Oman, Perception, Questionnaire, Sea of Oman, Sultanate of Oman, tourism, Whale watching @article{, title = {Dolphin Watching in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman: Tourist Perceptions and Actual Current Practice}, author = {Ponnampalam, Louisa S.}, url = {http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/tme/2011/00000007/00000002/art00003,https://doi.org/10.3727/154427311X13038402065866}, year = {2011}, date = {2011-01-01}, journal = {Tourism in Marine Environments}, volume = {7}, number = {435}, pages = {81-93}, abstract = {Tourists who went dolphin watching in Muscat between December 2006 and June 2007 were asked to complete a questionnaire gauging the overall quality of their trips based on four main aspects: safety, educational value, perception of the boat driver's behavior, and overall satisfaction. Results showed that most tourists were satisfied with their dolphin-watching trip and that the majority felt that the boat drivers maintained a good distance between the boat and the dolphins, yet most also expressed the view that official guidelines should be established and implemented. However, awareness levels of tourists regarding the existence of dolphin-watching guidelines were low and tourist perceptions of their trips contrasted with observed practices, which reveal the current industry standards in Muscat to be lacking in many respects. The contrast is discussed and recommendations made for raising industry standards.}, keywords = {disturbance, dolphin watching, guidelines, impact, interview Survey, management, Oman, Perception, Questionnaire, Sea of Oman, Sultanate of Oman, tourism, Whale watching}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Tourists who went dolphin watching in Muscat between December 2006 and June 2007 were asked to complete a questionnaire gauging the overall quality of their trips based on four main aspects: safety, educational value, perception of the boat driver's behavior, and overall satisfaction. Results showed that most tourists were satisfied with their dolphin-watching trip and that the majority felt that the boat drivers maintained a good distance between the boat and the dolphins, yet most also expressed the view that official guidelines should be established and implemented. However, awareness levels of tourists regarding the existence of dolphin-watching guidelines were low and tourist perceptions of their trips contrasted with observed practices, which reveal the current industry standards in Muscat to be lacking in many respects. The contrast is discussed and recommendations made for raising industry standards. |
Al-Hashmi, Khalid A,Smith, Sharon L,Claereboudt, Michel,Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Azri, Adnan Dynamics of potentially harmful phytoplankton in a semi-enclosed bay in the Sea of Oman Journal Article Bulletin of Marine Science, 91 (276), pp. 141-166, 2015, ISBN: 0007-4977. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Harmful Algal Bloom, mortality, Oman, Sea of Oman @article{, title = {Dynamics of potentially harmful phytoplankton in a semi-enclosed bay in the Sea of Oman}, author = {Al-Hashmi, Khalid A,Smith, Sharon L,Claereboudt, Michel,Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Azri, Adnan}, issn = {0007-4977}, year = {2015}, date = {2015-01-01}, journal = {Bulletin of Marine Science}, volume = {91}, number = {276}, pages = {141-166}, abstract = {The dynamics of potentially harmful phytoplankton in relation to environmental parameters was investigated in the semi-enclosed Bay of Bandar Khayran (Sea of Oman) from April 2006 through April 2011. In total, 24 potentially harmful algal species were identified, including 11 species of dinoflagellates and eight species of diatoms. The dinoflagellates Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) Schiller, 1933, Scrippsiella trochoidea Balech ex Loeblich III, 1965, and Noctiluca scintillans (Macartney) Kofoid and Swezy, 1921 were most abundant during the Southwest Monsoon (SWM, July–September) and Northeast Monsoon (NEM, January–March) seasons, while other species occurred in low abundance and with no clear seasonal patterns. A dense bloom of Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef, 1961 that affected the distribution and abundance of other harmful algal species (HAB) was observed for the first time in the Sea of Oman during 2008–2009. Prorocentrum minimum increased in abundance during and after the decay of the Cochlodinium bloom while S. trochoidea was suppressed during this bloom, increasing thereafter once again. Noctiluca scintillans disappeared in the late SWM and NEM of 2008 and SWM of 2009, when blooms typically occur annually. Prorocentrum minimum and S. trochoidea persisted throughout the annual cycle of all years, enhancing their capability to bloom in the region under favorable conditions of high light intensities and relatively warm waters of low turbulence.}, keywords = {Harmful Algal Bloom, mortality, Oman, Sea of Oman}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The dynamics of potentially harmful phytoplankton in relation to environmental parameters was investigated in the semi-enclosed Bay of Bandar Khayran (Sea of Oman) from April 2006 through April 2011. In total, 24 potentially harmful algal species were identified, including 11 species of dinoflagellates and eight species of diatoms. The dinoflagellates Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) Schiller, 1933, Scrippsiella trochoidea Balech ex Loeblich III, 1965, and Noctiluca scintillans (Macartney) Kofoid and Swezy, 1921 were most abundant during the Southwest Monsoon (SWM, July–September) and Northeast Monsoon (NEM, January–March) seasons, while other species occurred in low abundance and with no clear seasonal patterns. A dense bloom of Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef, 1961 that affected the distribution and abundance of other harmful algal species (HAB) was observed for the first time in the Sea of Oman during 2008–2009. Prorocentrum minimum increased in abundance during and after the decay of the Cochlodinium bloom while S. trochoidea was suppressed during this bloom, increasing thereafter once again. Noctiluca scintillans disappeared in the late SWM and NEM of 2008 and SWM of 2009, when blooms typically occur annually. Prorocentrum minimum and S. trochoidea persisted throughout the annual cycle of all years, enhancing their capability to bloom in the region under favorable conditions of high light intensities and relatively warm waters of low turbulence. |
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. Ecosystem state change in the Arabian Sea fuelled by the recent loss of snow over the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau region Journal Article Scientific Reports, 10 (102), pp. 7422, 2020, ISSN: 2045-2322. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, HAB, harmful algae, Upwelling @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} } 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. |
Dans, Silvana Laura,Degrati, Mariana,Pedraza, Susana NoemÍ,Crespo, Enrique Alberto Effects of Tour Boats on Dolphin Activity Examined with Sensitivity Analysis of Markov Chains Journal Article Conservation Biology, 26 (356), pp. 708-716, 2012, ISBN: 1523-1739. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: activity budget, Argentina, disturbance, dolphin watching, dusky dolphins, impact, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, management, Patagonia, sensitivity analysis, stochastic matrix models, Threats, tourism, Whale watching @article{, title = {Effects of Tour Boats on Dolphin Activity Examined with Sensitivity Analysis of Markov Chains}, author = {Dans, Silvana Laura,Degrati, Mariana,Pedraza, Susana NoemÍ,Crespo, Enrique Alberto}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01844.x}, issn = {1523-1739}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, journal = {Conservation Biology}, volume = {26}, number = {356}, pages = {708-716}, publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Inc}, abstract = {In Patagonia, Argentina, watching dolphins, especially dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), is a new tourist activity. Feeding time decreases and time to return to feeding after feeding is abandoned and time it takes a group of dolphins to feed increase in the presence of boats. Such effects on feeding behavior may exert energetic costs on dolphins and thus reduce an individual's survival and reproductive capacity or maybe associated with shifts in distribution. We sought to predict which behavioral changes modify the activity pattern of dolphins the most. We modeled behavioral sequences of dusky dolphins with Markov chains. We calculated transition probabilities from one activity to another and arranged them in a stochastic matrix model. The proportion of time dolphins dedicated to a given activity (activity budget) and the time it took a dolphin to resume that activity after it had been abandoned (recurrence time) were calculated. We used a sensitivity analysis of Markov chains to calculate the sensitivity of the time budget and the activity-resumption time to changes in behavioral transition probabilities. Feeding-time budget was most sensitive to changes in the probability of dolphins switching from traveling to feeding behavior and of maintaining feeding behavior. Thus, an increase in these probabilities would be associated with the largest reduction in the time dedicated to feeding. A reduction in the probability of changing from traveling to feeding would also be associated with the largest increases in the time it takes dolphins to resume feeding. To approach dolphins when they are traveling would not affect behavior less because presence of the boat may keep dolphins from returning to feeding. Our results may help operators of dolphin-watching vessels minimize negative effects on dolphins. Resumen: La observación de delfines, especialmente Lagenorhynchus obscurus, es una actividad turística nueva en Patagonia, Argentina. En presencia de barcos, el tiempo de alimentación disminuye y el tiempo para volver a alimentarse después de abandonar la alimentación y el tiempo que toma un grupo de delfines para alimentarse aumentan. Tales efectos sobre la conducta de alimentación puede implicar costos energéticos en los delfines y por lo tanto reducir la supervivencia y la capacidad reproductiva de un individuo o quizá asociarse con cambios en la distribución. Tratamos de predecir los cambios conductuales que más modifican el patrón de actividad de los delfines. Modelamos secuencias conductuales de delfines mediante cadenas de Markov. Calculamos las probabilidades de transición de una actividad a otra y las acomodamos en un modelo matricial estocástico. Calculamos la proporción de tiempo que los delfines dedicaron a una actividad determinada (presupuesto de actividad) y el tiempo que le llevó a un delfín reanudar esa actividad después de abandonarla (tiempo de recurrencia). Utilizamos un análisis de sensibilidad de cadenas de Markov para calcular la sensibilidad del presupuesto de tiempo y el tiempo de reanudación de la actividad a los cambios de las probabilidades de transición conductual. El presupuesto de tiempo para alimentación fue más sensible a los cambios en la probabilidad de que los delfines cambien de conducta de traslado a conducta de alimentación y de que mantengan la conducta de alimentación. Por lo tanto, un incremento en esas probabilidades pudiera ser asociada con la mayor reducción en el tiempo dedicado a la alimentación. Una reducción en la probabilidad de cambiar de traslado a alimentación también estaría asociada con los mayores incrementos en el tiempo que toman los delfines para reanudar la alimentación. Acercarse a los delfines cuando se están trasladando no afectaría menos su conducta porque la presencia del barco puede evitar que los delfines regresen a alimentarse. Nuestros resultados pueden ayudar a que los operadores de embarcaciones para observación de delfines minimicen los efectos negativos sobre los delfines.}, keywords = {activity budget, Argentina, disturbance, dolphin watching, dusky dolphins, impact, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, management, Patagonia, sensitivity analysis, stochastic matrix models, Threats, tourism, Whale watching}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } In Patagonia, Argentina, watching dolphins, especially dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), is a new tourist activity. Feeding time decreases and time to return to feeding after feeding is abandoned and time it takes a group of dolphins to feed increase in the presence of boats. Such effects on feeding behavior may exert energetic costs on dolphins and thus reduce an individual's survival and reproductive capacity or maybe associated with shifts in distribution. We sought to predict which behavioral changes modify the activity pattern of dolphins the most. We modeled behavioral sequences of dusky dolphins with Markov chains. We calculated transition probabilities from one activity to another and arranged them in a stochastic matrix model. The proportion of time dolphins dedicated to a given activity (activity budget) and the time it took a dolphin to resume that activity after it had been abandoned (recurrence time) were calculated. We used a sensitivity analysis of Markov chains to calculate the sensitivity of the time budget and the activity-resumption time to changes in behavioral transition probabilities. Feeding-time budget was most sensitive to changes in the probability of dolphins switching from traveling to feeding behavior and of maintaining feeding behavior. Thus, an increase in these probabilities would be associated with the largest reduction in the time dedicated to feeding. A reduction in the probability of changing from traveling to feeding would also be associated with the largest increases in the time it takes dolphins to resume feeding. To approach dolphins when they are traveling would not affect behavior less because presence of the boat may keep dolphins from returning to feeding. Our results may help operators of dolphin-watching vessels minimize negative effects on dolphins. Resumen: La observación de delfines, especialmente Lagenorhynchus obscurus, es una actividad turística nueva en Patagonia, Argentina. En presencia de barcos, el tiempo de alimentación disminuye y el tiempo para volver a alimentarse después de abandonar la alimentación y el tiempo que toma un grupo de delfines para alimentarse aumentan. Tales efectos sobre la conducta de alimentación puede implicar costos energéticos en los delfines y por lo tanto reducir la supervivencia y la capacidad reproductiva de un individuo o quizá asociarse con cambios en la distribución. Tratamos de predecir los cambios conductuales que más modifican el patrón de actividad de los delfines. Modelamos secuencias conductuales de delfines mediante cadenas de Markov. Calculamos las probabilidades de transición de una actividad a otra y las acomodamos en un modelo matricial estocástico. Calculamos la proporción de tiempo que los delfines dedicaron a una actividad determinada (presupuesto de actividad) y el tiempo que le llevó a un delfín reanudar esa actividad después de abandonarla (tiempo de recurrencia). Utilizamos un análisis de sensibilidad de cadenas de Markov para calcular la sensibilidad del presupuesto de tiempo y el tiempo de reanudación de la actividad a los cambios de las probabilidades de transición conductual. El presupuesto de tiempo para alimentación fue más sensible a los cambios en la probabilidad de que los delfines cambien de conducta de traslado a conducta de alimentación y de que mantengan la conducta de alimentación. Por lo tanto, un incremento en esas probabilidades pudiera ser asociada con la mayor reducción en el tiempo dedicado a la alimentación. Una reducción en la probabilidad de cambiar de traslado a alimentación también estaría asociada con los mayores incrementos en el tiempo que toman los delfines para reanudar la alimentación. Acercarse a los delfines cuando se están trasladando no afectaría menos su conducta porque la presencia del barco puede evitar que los delfines regresen a alimentarse. Nuestros resultados pueden ayudar a que los operadores de embarcaciones para observación de delfines minimicen los efectos negativos sobre los delfines. |
Moore, AlecB M. Elasmobranchs of the Persian (Arabian) Gulf: ecology, human aspects and research priorities for their improved management Journal Article Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 22 (172), pp. 35-61, 2012, ISBN: 0960-3166. Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Batoids, Bycatch, Chondrichthyes, conservation, Fisheries, Middle East, Sharks, Western Indian Ocean @article{, title = {Elasmobranchs of the Persian (Arabian) Gulf: ecology, human aspects and research priorities for their improved management}, author = {Moore, AlecB M.}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11160-011-9222-x}, issn = {0960-3166}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, journal = {Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries}, volume = {22}, number = {172}, pages = {35-61}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, keywords = {Batoids, Bycatch, Chondrichthyes, conservation, Fisheries, Middle East, Sharks, Western Indian Ocean}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Johnson,Z.,Landry,M.L.,Bidigare,R.R.,Brown,S.L.,Campbell,L.,Gunderson,J.,Marra,J.,Trees,C. Energetics and growth kinetics of a deep Prochlorococcus spp. population in the Arabian Sea Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 46 (129), pp. 1719-1743, 1999. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, growth, marine, performance, population, populations @article{, title = {Energetics and growth kinetics of a deep Prochlorococcus spp. population in the Arabian Sea}, author = {Johnson,Z.,Landry,M.L.,Bidigare,R.R.,Brown,S.L.,Campbell,L.,Gunderson,J.,Marra,J.,Trees,C.}, year = {1999}, date = {1999-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {46}, number = {129}, pages = {1719-1743}, abstract = {During the US JGOFS process studies in the Arabian Sea (1995), secondary fluorescence maxima (SFM) were observed frequently at the oxic-anoxic interface at the extreme base of the euphotic zone. These secondary peaks were most prominent during the early NE monsoon in the central oligotrophic portion of the Arabian Sea, although they were spatially and temporally variable. Based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and flow cytometry analyses, SFM were determined to be populated almost exclusively by the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus spp. While SFM were about half the magnitude of primary fluorescence peaks, chlorophyll a biomass was typically an order of magnitude less than at the primary maxima (although total chlorophyll (a + b) differed only by a factor of two). Photosynthesis versus irradiance response curves revealed an efficient population adapted to extremely low light (~0.02-0.05% surface irradiance) largely through increased light absorption capabilities. A theoretical spectral irradiance absorption effciency model based on available spectral irradiance, individual cell properties, and bulk particulate spectral absorption also supports a well-adapted low-light population. Deck-incubated C-14 uptake as well as dilution growth experiments revealed instantaneous growth rates on the order of æ = 0.01 d-1. However, additional in situ observations suggest SFM populations may be more dynamic than the growth rates estimates from shipboard bottle incubations predict. We advance four hypotheses for the regulation of SFM populations including: (1) reduced loss rates, (2) discontinuous environmental conditions, (3) enhanced sub-oxic growth, and (4) physical mechanisms.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, growth, marine, performance, population, populations}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } During the US JGOFS process studies in the Arabian Sea (1995), secondary fluorescence maxima (SFM) were observed frequently at the oxic-anoxic interface at the extreme base of the euphotic zone. These secondary peaks were most prominent during the early NE monsoon in the central oligotrophic portion of the Arabian Sea, although they were spatially and temporally variable. Based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and flow cytometry analyses, SFM were determined to be populated almost exclusively by the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus spp. While SFM were about half the magnitude of primary fluorescence peaks, chlorophyll a biomass was typically an order of magnitude less than at the primary maxima (although total chlorophyll (a + b) differed only by a factor of two). Photosynthesis versus irradiance response curves revealed an efficient population adapted to extremely low light (~0.02-0.05% surface irradiance) largely through increased light absorption capabilities. A theoretical spectral irradiance absorption effciency model based on available spectral irradiance, individual cell properties, and bulk particulate spectral absorption also supports a well-adapted low-light population. Deck-incubated C-14 uptake as well as dilution growth experiments revealed instantaneous growth rates on the order of æ = 0.01 d-1. However, additional in situ observations suggest SFM populations may be more dynamic than the growth rates estimates from shipboard bottle incubations predict. We advance four hypotheses for the regulation of SFM populations including: (1) reduced loss rates, (2) discontinuous environmental conditions, (3) enhanced sub-oxic growth, and (4) physical mechanisms. |
Fatima,M. Euphausiids from central part of north Arabian Sea collected in S.W. monsoon season Journal Article Marine Research, Karachi, 1 (92), pp. 79-85, 1992. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Euphausiid, sex-ratio @article{, title = {Euphausiids from central part of north Arabian Sea collected in S.W. monsoon season}, author = {Fatima,M.}, year = {1992}, date = {1992-01-01}, journal = {Marine Research, Karachi}, volume = {1}, number = {92}, pages = {79-85}, abstract = {Four species of Euphausiacea (E. sibogae, E. dimedeae, P. latifrons, and S. carinatum) collected during the sw monsoon season from an open sea station (63 degree E, 20 degree N) in the central part of the north Arabian Sea are reported. Size structure, sex ratios and key to the identification of these species with figures is provided.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Euphausiid, sex-ratio}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Four species of Euphausiacea (E. sibogae, E. dimedeae, P. latifrons, and S. carinatum) collected during the sw monsoon season from an open sea station (63 degree E, 20 degree N) in the central part of the north Arabian Sea are reported. Size structure, sex ratios and key to the identification of these species with figures is provided. |
Ponomareva,L.A. Euphausiids of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea (original title Ehvfauziidy Indijskogo okeana I krasnogo morya) Journal Article Nauka, 1 (197), 1975. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, biology, Distribution, Euphausiid, feeding, Indian Ocean, migration, plankton, Red Sea, zooplankton @article{, title = {Euphausiids of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea (original title Ehvfauziidy Indijskogo okeana I krasnogo morya)}, author = {Ponomareva,L.A.}, year = {1975}, date = {1975-01-01}, journal = {Nauka}, volume = {1}, number = {197}, abstract = {The study is mainly based on euphausiid material from 2390 plankton samples collected in the Indian Ocean during Oct-March 1959/60 and 1960/61. Data are presented on the sp composition, biology, vertical and quantitative distribution. The northern Indian Ocean (as far south as 40 degree S) is inhabited by typically tropical euphausiid fauna. The area most rich in euphausiids is the Arabian Sea. The spp most commonly occurring in the 0-200m layer in the Indian Ocean are Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda, Stylocheiron carinatum and Thysanopoda tricuspidata. In the northern Indian Ocean eggs an early larval stages occurred from Jan to June (no observations were made later in the yr), which suggests that euphausiids spawn several times during the yr. The eggs develop very rapidly (within <24h) and so do early larval stages. On reaching the nauplius-2 stage the development slows down and it takes the larva 10-12 days to develop into furcilia-1. The feeding is varied and mixed: none of the spp were observed to feed on phyto- or zooplankton exclusively. Migratory spp show diurnal feeding rhythms. Most of the spp occurring in the upper layers ( down to 500m) are distinct migrants; interzonal spp do not perform significant migrations rarely rising close to the surface and almost never occurring above 50-40m. The Red Sea is inhabited by immigrants from teh Gulf of Aden and by some endemic spp. The spp abundant in the Arabian Sea are also predominant here with the addition of S. affine. }, keywords = {Arabian Sea, biology, Distribution, Euphausiid, feeding, Indian Ocean, migration, plankton, Red Sea, zooplankton}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The study is mainly based on euphausiid material from 2390 plankton samples collected in the Indian Ocean during Oct-March 1959/60 and 1960/61. Data are presented on the sp composition, biology, vertical and quantitative distribution. The northern Indian Ocean (as far south as 40 degree S) is inhabited by typically tropical euphausiid fauna. The area most rich in euphausiids is the Arabian Sea. The spp most commonly occurring in the 0-200m layer in the Indian Ocean are Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda, Stylocheiron carinatum and Thysanopoda tricuspidata. In the northern Indian Ocean eggs an early larval stages occurred from Jan to June (no observations were made later in the yr), which suggests that euphausiids spawn several times during the yr. The eggs develop very rapidly (within <24h) and so do early larval stages. On reaching the nauplius-2 stage the development slows down and it takes the larva 10-12 days to develop into furcilia-1. The feeding is varied and mixed: none of the spp were observed to feed on phyto- or zooplankton exclusively. Migratory spp show diurnal feeding rhythms. Most of the spp occurring in the upper layers ( down to 500m) are distinct migrants; interzonal spp do not perform significant migrations rarely rising close to the surface and almost never occurring above 50-40m. The Red Sea is inhabited by immigrants from teh Gulf of Aden and by some endemic spp. The spp abundant in the Arabian Sea are also predominant here with the addition of S. affine. |
Bruce, John G,Johnson, Donald R,Kindle, John C Evidence for eddy formation in the eastern Arabian Sea during the northeast monsoon Journal Article Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 99 (59), pp. 7651-7664, 1994, ISBN: 2156-2202. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Eddy, India, Laccadive Islands, monsoon, oceanography @article{, title = {Evidence for eddy formation in the eastern Arabian Sea during the northeast monsoon}, author = {Bruce, John G,Johnson, Donald R,Kindle, John C}, issn = {2156-2202}, year = {1994}, date = {1994-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans}, volume = {99}, number = {59}, pages = {7651-7664}, abstract = {The seasonal formation of a large (500-800 km diameter) anticyclonic eddy in the upper 300-400 rn of the eastern Arabian Sea during the northeast monsoon period (December-April) is indicated from hydrographic and satellite altimetry sea level observations, as well as from numerical model experiments. The center of the eddy circulation is approximately 10øN, 70øE, just to the west of the north-south Laccadive Island chain. In this paper the eddy is called the Laccadive High (LH). In some ways it is a mirrorlike counterpart to the Great Whirl, which develops during the southwest monsoon off the Somali coast (western Arabian Sea). The LH occurs at the same latitude but on the opposite side of the basin during the reversed monsoon. It is different from the Great Whirl, however, in its formation process, its intensity, and its decay. The hydrographic data obtained from surveys all during a single season give sufficiently close station spacing to allow reasonable contouring of the geopotential surfaces and of the properties within and around the LH region with minimum time aliasing. The Geosat altimeter record extends over 4 years, during which the seasonal variability of the LH indicates a dynamic relief of approximately 15-20 cm, which is in good agreement with the hydrographic observations. The altimetry time series also suggests a westward translation of the LH by January with a subsequent dissipation in midbasin. The model used is a wind-forced three-layer primitive equation model which depicts a LH in agreement with the timing, position, and amplitude of both the hydrographic and altimetric measurements. The numerical simulation includes a passive tracer located in the western Bay of Bengal; the western advection of the tracer around the south coasts of Sri Lanka and India in December and January is consistent with the appearance of low-salinity water observed to extend into the Arabian Sea during this period. The modeling studies suggest that both local and remote forcing are important in formation of the LH.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Eddy, India, Laccadive Islands, monsoon, oceanography}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The seasonal formation of a large (500-800 km diameter) anticyclonic eddy in the upper 300-400 rn of the eastern Arabian Sea during the northeast monsoon period (December-April) is indicated from hydrographic and satellite altimetry sea level observations, as well as from numerical model experiments. The center of the eddy circulation is approximately 10øN, 70øE, just to the west of the north-south Laccadive Island chain. In this paper the eddy is called the Laccadive High (LH). In some ways it is a mirrorlike counterpart to the Great Whirl, which develops during the southwest monsoon off the Somali coast (western Arabian Sea). The LH occurs at the same latitude but on the opposite side of the basin during the reversed monsoon. It is different from the Great Whirl, however, in its formation process, its intensity, and its decay. The hydrographic data obtained from surveys all during a single season give sufficiently close station spacing to allow reasonable contouring of the geopotential surfaces and of the properties within and around the LH region with minimum time aliasing. The Geosat altimeter record extends over 4 years, during which the seasonal variability of the LH indicates a dynamic relief of approximately 15-20 cm, which is in good agreement with the hydrographic observations. The altimetry time series also suggests a westward translation of the LH by January with a subsequent dissipation in midbasin. The model used is a wind-forced three-layer primitive equation model which depicts a LH in agreement with the timing, position, and amplitude of both the hydrographic and altimetric measurements. The numerical simulation includes a passive tracer located in the western Bay of Bengal; the western advection of the tracer around the south coasts of Sri Lanka and India in December and January is consistent with the appearance of low-salinity water observed to extend into the Arabian Sea during this period. The modeling studies suggest that both local and remote forcing are important in formation of the LH. |
Ilangakoon, A. D. Exploring anthropogenic activities that threaten endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Sri Lanka Journal Article Journal of Marine Animals and their Ecology, 5 (114), pp. 3-7, 2012. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, impacts, Northern Indian Ocean, shipping, Sri Lanka, Whale watching @article{, title = {Exploring anthropogenic activities that threaten endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Sri Lanka}, author = {Ilangakoon, A. D.}, url = {http://www.oers.ca/journal/volume5/issue1/Ilangakoon_Gallery.pdf}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Marine Animals and their Ecology}, volume = {5}, number = {114}, pages = {3-7}, abstract = {The waters off Sri Lanka, an island in the northern Indian Ocean, are an important habitat for blue whales, a species listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The subspecies status, genetic affinities and movement patterns of this northern Indian Ocean population of blue whales is not yet clearly understood but off Sri Lanka they can be found throughout the year. Sri Lanka also lies on a busy international shipping lane. Since 2009 a boat-based commercial whale-watching industry targeting the blue whale, has been developing off the south coast, with annual growth in numbers of boats and visitors. This industry however remains unregulated in any formal or informal manner due to the absence of regulatory mechanisms in this small, developing, island nation. Consequently unethical practices are leading to harassment resulting in direct and indirect impacts on the targeted whales. Sighting and stranding data from before and after the inception of whale watching activities indicate a spatial shift in the area of occurrence and concentration of whales and a corresponding increase in fatal vessel collisions along the southwest coastline of the island. There are clear indications of displacement from preferred near-shore feeding areas to the vicinity of the adjacent shipping lane, causing an increase in collision risk. Although these findings are based on limited data, it is recommended that a precautionary principal is followed and anthropogenic activities are quickly regulated to mitigate adverse impacts on these endangered blue whales. }, keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, impacts, Northern Indian Ocean, shipping, Sri Lanka, Whale watching}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The waters off Sri Lanka, an island in the northern Indian Ocean, are an important habitat for blue whales, a species listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The subspecies status, genetic affinities and movement patterns of this northern Indian Ocean population of blue whales is not yet clearly understood but off Sri Lanka they can be found throughout the year. Sri Lanka also lies on a busy international shipping lane. Since 2009 a boat-based commercial whale-watching industry targeting the blue whale, has been developing off the south coast, with annual growth in numbers of boats and visitors. This industry however remains unregulated in any formal or informal manner due to the absence of regulatory mechanisms in this small, developing, island nation. Consequently unethical practices are leading to harassment resulting in direct and indirect impacts on the targeted whales. Sighting and stranding data from before and after the inception of whale watching activities indicate a spatial shift in the area of occurrence and concentration of whales and a corresponding increase in fatal vessel collisions along the southwest coastline of the island. There are clear indications of displacement from preferred near-shore feeding areas to the vicinity of the adjacent shipping lane, causing an increase in collision risk. Although these findings are based on limited data, it is recommended that a precautionary principal is followed and anthropogenic activities are quickly regulated to mitigate adverse impacts on these endangered blue whales. |
Ponnampalam,L.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R Feeding ecology of small cetaceans in the Sultanate of Oman Journal Article Poster presented at the 17th meeting of the Society for Marine Mammals in Cape Town, (433), 2007. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: bottlenose dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, cephalopod, cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, diet, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, ecology, feeding, feeding ecology, fish, habitat, humpback dolphins, occurrence, Oman, prey, Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, stomach contents, survey, tursiops @article{, title = {Feeding ecology of small cetaceans in the Sultanate of Oman}, author = {Ponnampalam,L.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R}, year = {2007}, date = {2007-01-01}, journal = {Poster presented at the 17th meeting of the Society for Marine Mammals in Cape Town}, number = {433}, abstract = {Beach surveys were conducted along the coast of Oman between 2000 and 2006 to locate and examine cetacean remains. This study examines the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), 5 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and 2 spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found beach-cast along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing 36 species in 23 families. No crustacean remains were found. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number (%N), and percentage by frequency of occurrence (%FO) methods, and a modified index of relative importance (IRI). Percentage similarity was also calculated to examine interspecific and intraspecific dietary overlap. All three species of dolphins examined here ate mainly fish. The fish families Apogonidae and Carangidae were the most numerically important prey in the diet of bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for humpback dolphins. Mesopelagic fishes comprised the diet of spinner dolphins, with the myctophid Benthosema pterotum forming the bulk of the prey items. The cephalopod preys found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The frequency distribution of prey items indicate that the bottlenose dolphins fed in a wide variety of habitats, and may reflect the occurrence of at least two species or ecotypes of Tursiops in Oman. The humpback dolphin prey items indicate feeding in coastal, nearshore areas with soft substrate. Spinner dolphins appeared to feed in the upper 200m of the water column on nocturnal vertically migrating prey. Although most of the prey species do not appear to be of commercial importance, the findings of this study indicated that all three species of dolphins were feeding in areas where fishing occurs and this is likely to have conservation implications. }, keywords = {bottlenose dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, cephalopod, cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, diet, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, ecology, feeding, feeding ecology, fish, habitat, humpback dolphins, occurrence, Oman, prey, Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, stomach contents, survey, tursiops}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Beach surveys were conducted along the coast of Oman between 2000 and 2006 to locate and examine cetacean remains. This study examines the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), 5 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and 2 spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found beach-cast along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing 36 species in 23 families. No crustacean remains were found. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number (%N), and percentage by frequency of occurrence (%FO) methods, and a modified index of relative importance (IRI). Percentage similarity was also calculated to examine interspecific and intraspecific dietary overlap. All three species of dolphins examined here ate mainly fish. The fish families Apogonidae and Carangidae were the most numerically important prey in the diet of bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for humpback dolphins. Mesopelagic fishes comprised the diet of spinner dolphins, with the myctophid Benthosema pterotum forming the bulk of the prey items. The cephalopod preys found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The frequency distribution of prey items indicate that the bottlenose dolphins fed in a wide variety of habitats, and may reflect the occurrence of at least two species or ecotypes of Tursiops in Oman. The humpback dolphin prey items indicate feeding in coastal, nearshore areas with soft substrate. Spinner dolphins appeared to feed in the upper 200m of the water column on nocturnal vertically migrating prey. Although most of the prey species do not appear to be of commercial importance, the findings of this study indicated that all three species of dolphins were feeding in areas where fishing occurs and this is likely to have conservation implications. |
Gowing,M.M.,Wishner,K.F. Feeding ecology of the copepod Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 45 (105), pp. 2433, 1998. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: abundance, Arabian Sea, depth, eastern tropical Pacific, ecology, feeding ecology, oxygen minimum, population, populations, zooplankton @article{, title = {Feeding ecology of the copepod}, author = {Gowing,M.M.,Wishner,K.F.}, year = {1998}, date = {1998-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {45 }, number = {105}, pages = {2433}, abstract = {Feeding ecology of the calanoid copepod Lucicutia aff. L. grandis collected in the Arabian Sea at one station during the Spring Intermonsoon and during the Southwest Monsoon of 1995 was studied with transmission electron microscopy of gut-contents. Highest abundances of these animals occurred from 400 to 1100 m, near the lower interface of the oxygen minimum zone and at the inflection point where oxygen starts to increase. We expected that their gut-contents would include particles and cells that had sunk relatively undegraded from surface waters as well as those from within the oxygen minimum zone, and that gut-contents would differ between the Spring Intermonsoon and the more productive SW Monsoon. Overall, in both seasons Lucicutia aff. L. grandis was omnivorous, and consumed a variety of detrital particles, prokaryotic and eukaryotic autotrophs, gram-negative bacteria including metal-precipitating bacteria, aggregates of probable gram-positive bacteria, microheterotrophs, virus-like particles and large virus-like particles, as well as cuticle and cnidarian tissue. Few significant differences in types of food consumed were seen among life stages within or among various depth zones. Amorphous, unidentifiable material was significantly more abundant in guts during the Spring Intermonsoon than during the late SW Monsoon, and recognizable cells made up a significantly higher portion of gut-contents during the late SW Monsoon. This is consistent with the Intermonsoon as a time when organic material is considerably re-worked by the surface water microbial loop before leaving the euphotic zone. In both seasons Lucicutia aff. L. grandis had consumed what appeared to be aggregates of probable gram-positive bacteria, similar to those we had previously found in gut-contents of several species of zooplankton from the oxygen minimum zone in the eastern tropical Pacific. By intercepting sinking material, populations of Lucicutia aff. L. grandis act as a filter for carbon sinking to the sea floor. They also}, keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, depth, eastern tropical Pacific, ecology, feeding ecology, oxygen minimum, population, populations, zooplankton}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Feeding ecology of the calanoid copepod Lucicutia aff. L. grandis collected in the Arabian Sea at one station during the Spring Intermonsoon and during the Southwest Monsoon of 1995 was studied with transmission electron microscopy of gut-contents. Highest abundances of these animals occurred from 400 to 1100 m, near the lower interface of the oxygen minimum zone and at the inflection point where oxygen starts to increase. We expected that their gut-contents would include particles and cells that had sunk relatively undegraded from surface waters as well as those from within the oxygen minimum zone, and that gut-contents would differ between the Spring Intermonsoon and the more productive SW Monsoon. Overall, in both seasons Lucicutia aff. L. grandis was omnivorous, and consumed a variety of detrital particles, prokaryotic and eukaryotic autotrophs, gram-negative bacteria including metal-precipitating bacteria, aggregates of probable gram-positive bacteria, microheterotrophs, virus-like particles and large virus-like particles, as well as cuticle and cnidarian tissue. Few significant differences in types of food consumed were seen among life stages within or among various depth zones. Amorphous, unidentifiable material was significantly more abundant in guts during the Spring Intermonsoon than during the late SW Monsoon, and recognizable cells made up a significantly higher portion of gut-contents during the late SW Monsoon. This is consistent with the Intermonsoon as a time when organic material is considerably re-worked by the surface water microbial loop before leaving the euphotic zone. In both seasons Lucicutia aff. L. grandis had consumed what appeared to be aggregates of probable gram-positive bacteria, similar to those we had previously found in gut-contents of several species of zooplankton from the oxygen minimum zone in the eastern tropical Pacific. By intercepting sinking material, populations of Lucicutia aff. L. grandis act as a filter for carbon sinking to the sea floor. They also |
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. First circumglobal assessment of Southern Hemisphere humpback whale mitochondrial genetic variation and implications for management Journal Article Endangered Species Research, 32 (213), pp. 551-567, 2017. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, breeding grounds, Genetic differentiation, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mtDNA, population structure, Stock assessment @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} } 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 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. |
Kiani, S. M.,Iqbal, P.,Siddiqui, P. J. A. First confirmation of occurrence of the pan-tropical spotted dolphin, Journal Article Marine Biodiversity Records, 4 (133), pp. doi:10.1017/S1755267211000601, 2011. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, mass mortality, naval activity, Pakistan, spotted dolphin, stenella attenuata @article{, title = {First confirmation of occurrence of the pan-tropical spotted dolphin, }, author = {Kiani, S. M.,Iqbal, P.,Siddiqui, P. J. A.}, year = {2011}, date = {2011-01-01}, journal = {Marine Biodiversity Records}, volume = {4}, number = {133}, pages = {doi:10.1017/S1755267211000601}, abstract = {The pan-tropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata is typically found in deep tropical and warm temperate waters and has been previously confirmed from the waters of most of Pakistan's neighbouring countries. However, to date, there has been no record of this species from Pakistan. This paper reports the first confirmed occurrence of this species in Pakistani waters, specifically a mass stranding event of 200–250 animals on 6 March 2009. The animals live stranded and all except two were rescued. These possibly died as a result of being stranded for a long time on the beach in hot, arid conditions that generally prevail along the coastline of Pakistan. All the animals appeared healthy but the exact cause of this mass stranding event could not be determined. Being the first confirmed record of this species in Pakistan, this information is an important addition and consideration for the Pakistan Biodiversity Action Plan.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, mass mortality, naval activity, Pakistan, spotted dolphin, stenella attenuata}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The pan-tropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata is typically found in deep tropical and warm temperate waters and has been previously confirmed from the waters of most of Pakistan's neighbouring countries. However, to date, there has been no record of this species from Pakistan. This paper reports the first confirmed occurrence of this species in Pakistani waters, specifically a mass stranding event of 200–250 animals on 6 March 2009. The animals live stranded and all except two were rescued. These possibly died as a result of being stranded for a long time on the beach in hot, arid conditions that generally prevail along the coastline of Pakistan. All the animals appeared healthy but the exact cause of this mass stranding event could not be determined. Being the first confirmed record of this species in Pakistan, this information is an important addition and consideration for the Pakistan Biodiversity Action Plan. |
Heil,C.A.,Gilbert,P.M.,Al-Sarawl,M.A.,Faraj,M.,Behbehani,M.,Husain,M. First record of a fish-killing Journal Article Marine Ecology Progress Series, 214 (110), pp. 15-23, 2001. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, occurrence, pollution @article{, title = {First record of a fish-killing}, author = {Heil,C.A.,Gilbert,P.M.,Al-Sarawl,M.A.,Faraj,M.,Behbehani,M.,Husain,M.}, url = {http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v214/p15-23/}, year = {2001}, date = {2001-01-01}, journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series}, volume = {214}, number = {110}, pages = {15-23}, abstract = {Significant natural and aquaculture fish deaths in Kuwait Bay occurred from September to October of 1999 and were attributed to a bloom of the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium sp. A chronology of the bloom event suggests that a period of low winds and stable water-column structure preceded the bloom. Maximum cell concentrations of Gymnodinium sp. (>6 x 10(6) cells 1(-1)) were also immediately preceded by more than 20-fold increase in mean inorganic nitrogen concentrations (up to 60 muM) and elevated inorganic phosphate concentrations. This, combined with elevated inorganic and organic nutrient concentrations within the bloom, suggests that coastal nutrient eutrophication was Likely to have contributed significantly to bloom development and support. Termination of the Gymnodinium sp. bloom coincided with abloom of the non-toxic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum, which appeared as large red patches in Kuwait Bay. While no adverse human health effects were associated with the bloom, closure of shellfish and selected finfish (largely mullet Liza macrolepis) markets resulted in significant economic losses to the region. The occurrence of this toxic algal bloom event, the first within the Arabian Sea, highlights the need for monitoring and research programs in the Arabian Sea and Kuwait Bay that focus on nutrients and eutrophication, in addition to oil related pollution issues.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, occurrence, pollution}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Significant natural and aquaculture fish deaths in Kuwait Bay occurred from September to October of 1999 and were attributed to a bloom of the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium sp. A chronology of the bloom event suggests that a period of low winds and stable water-column structure preceded the bloom. Maximum cell concentrations of Gymnodinium sp. (>6 x 10(6) cells 1(-1)) were also immediately preceded by more than 20-fold increase in mean inorganic nitrogen concentrations (up to 60 muM) and elevated inorganic phosphate concentrations. This, combined with elevated inorganic and organic nutrient concentrations within the bloom, suggests that coastal nutrient eutrophication was Likely to have contributed significantly to bloom development and support. Termination of the Gymnodinium sp. bloom coincided with abloom of the non-toxic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum, which appeared as large red patches in Kuwait Bay. While no adverse human health effects were associated with the bloom, closure of shellfish and selected finfish (largely mullet Liza macrolepis) markets resulted in significant economic losses to the region. The occurrence of this toxic algal bloom event, the first within the Arabian Sea, highlights the need for monitoring and research programs in the Arabian Sea and Kuwait Bay that focus on nutrients and eutrophication, in addition to oil related pollution issues. |
de Vos, Asha First record of Omura’s whale, Balaenoptera omurai, in Sri Lankan waters Journal Article Marine Biodiversity Records, 10 (82), pp. 18, 2017, ISBN: 1755-2672. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera omurai, Distribution, Northern Indian Ocean, Omura's Whale, Sri Lanka @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} } 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. |
Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Jefferson, Thomas A.,Abayaratne, Sandaruwan First records of the Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise Journal Article Journal of Threatened Taxa, 9 (181), pp. 11081-11084, 2017. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Finless Porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides, Sri Lanka, stranding @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} } 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. |
Wood,A.M.,Lipsen,M.,Coble,P. Fluorescence-based characterization of phycoerythrin-containing cyanobacterial communities in the Arabian Sea during the Northeast and early Southwest Monsoon (1994-1995) Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 46 (265), pp. 1769-1790, 1999. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Distribution, Gulf of Maine, population, populations, salinity, temperature, Upwelling @article{, title = {Fluorescence-based characterization of phycoerythrin-containing cyanobacterial communities in the Arabian Sea during the Northeast and early Southwest Monsoon (1994-1995)}, author = {Wood,A.M.,Lipsen,M.,Coble,P.}, year = {1999}, date = {1999-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {46}, number = {265}, pages = {1769-1790}, abstract = {Scanning fluorescence spectroscopy was used to investigate the spatial and temporal variability in the fluorescence signature of phycoerythrin-containing organisms in the Arabian Sea during the early Northeast and early Southwest Monsoon (1994-1995). Phycoerythrin (PE) emission spectra were relatively invariant among all the samples collected on either cruise; the relatively symmetrical PE emission peaks showed maxima at wavelengths ranging from 563-572 nm. PE excitation spectra always showed either a strong shoulder or a peak at wavelengths absorbed maximally by phycourobilin (PUB) chromophores as well as a peak at wavelengths absorbed maximally by phycoerythrobilin (PEB) chromophores. Thus, the Arabian Sea appears to be different from the Black Sea or Gulf of Maine in that PUB-lacking forms of PE rarely, if ever, dominate the PE signal. Fluorescence excitation signatures differed in the relative excitation of PE emission by wavelengths absorbed by PUB (~495 nm, ExPUB) and bywavelengths absorbed by PEB (~550 nm, ExPEB); these were distinguished by having either very low (~0.6), very high (~1.8), or intermediate ExPUB:ExPEB ratios. The distribution of samples with different PE fluorescence signatures was investigated extensively during the early Southwest Monsoon, and communities characterized by the low ExPUB:ExPEB ratios were closely associated with cooler (24-27§C), fresher (35.7-36.25 psu) water influenced by coastal upwelling. In general, "ambient" surface water of the Arabian Sea during the early Southwest Monsoon was of intermediate temperature (27-29§C) and salinity (36.15-36.4 psu) and showed intermediate or high values for ExPUB :ExPEB. This suggests that the PE fluorescence signature can be used to follow the fate of upwelling-influenced water masses and the populations they transport. }, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Distribution, Gulf of Maine, population, populations, salinity, temperature, Upwelling}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Scanning fluorescence spectroscopy was used to investigate the spatial and temporal variability in the fluorescence signature of phycoerythrin-containing organisms in the Arabian Sea during the early Northeast and early Southwest Monsoon (1994-1995). Phycoerythrin (PE) emission spectra were relatively invariant among all the samples collected on either cruise; the relatively symmetrical PE emission peaks showed maxima at wavelengths ranging from 563-572 nm. PE excitation spectra always showed either a strong shoulder or a peak at wavelengths absorbed maximally by phycourobilin (PUB) chromophores as well as a peak at wavelengths absorbed maximally by phycoerythrobilin (PEB) chromophores. Thus, the Arabian Sea appears to be different from the Black Sea or Gulf of Maine in that PUB-lacking forms of PE rarely, if ever, dominate the PE signal. Fluorescence excitation signatures differed in the relative excitation of PE emission by wavelengths absorbed by PUB (~495 nm, ExPUB) and bywavelengths absorbed by PEB (~550 nm, ExPEB); these were distinguished by having either very low (~0.6), very high (~1.8), or intermediate ExPUB:ExPEB ratios. The distribution of samples with different PE fluorescence signatures was investigated extensively during the early Southwest Monsoon, and communities characterized by the low ExPUB:ExPEB ratios were closely associated with cooler (24-27§C), fresher (35.7-36.25 psu) water influenced by coastal upwelling. In general, "ambient" surface water of the Arabian Sea during the early Southwest Monsoon was of intermediate temperature (27-29§C) and salinity (36.15-36.4 psu) and showed intermediate or high values for ExPUB :ExPEB. This suggests that the PE fluorescence signature can be used to follow the fate of upwelling-influenced water masses and the populations they transport. |
Banse,K.,English,D.C. Geographical differences in seasonality of CZCS-derived phytoplankton pigment in the Arabian Sea for 1978-1986 Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 47 (322), pp. 1623-1677, 2000. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, depth, Gulf of Oman, lead, Oman, plankton, productivity, timing, trap, Upwelling @article{, title = {Geographical differences in seasonality of CZCS-derived phytoplankton pigment in the Arabian Sea for 1978-1986}, author = {Banse,K.,English,D.C.}, year = {2000}, date = {2000-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {47}, number = {322}, pages = {1623-1677}, abstract = {In situ measurements of phytoplankton chlorophyll in the Arabian Sea were taken largely along temporally and spatially unevenly distributed sections, scarce especially prior to the operation of NASA's Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS). Herein, the CZCS pigment observations between late 1978 and mid-1986 north of 10§N, including the outer Gulf of Oman, are depicted for 14 subregions beyond the continental shelves as daily means, often only five days apart. To eliminate bias from electronic overshoot, the data were reprocessed with a more conservative cloud screen than used for NASA's Global Data Set. The pattern, derived from the older in situ observations, of one period with elevated chlorophyll almost everywhere during the Southwest Monsoon (SWM) and one additional late-winter bloom in the north, is confirmed. The differing nitrate silicate ratios in freshly entrained water in the central and northern Arabian Sea seem to lead to different succession and perhaps to differing vertical fluxes, and during winter favor blooms only in the north. The spatial pigment pattern in the outer Gulf of Oman is not an extension of that of the northwestern Arabian Sea. The seasonal physical forcing explains much of the timing of pigment concentration changes, but not the levels maintained over long periods. From the CZCS observations it is unclear whether the period of high phytoplankton productivity expected during the SWM in the open Arabian Sea lasts for about two or four months. During this entire season, chlorophyll values in the upper layers rarely exceed 1-2 mg m-3 outside the zone influenced by the Arabian upwelling. Near 15§N, however, fluxes into sediment traps at 3 km depth indicate an onset of high primary production very soon after the arrival of the SWM and suggest a long period of high production in the open sea. The partial temporal disconnect during the SWM between pigment changes in the upper part of the euphotic zone and of fluxes into the traps is disconcerting. For future modeling of plankton production in the open Arabian Sea, the use of two size classes of phytoplankton is recommended. The utility of satellite-derived pigment concentrations (as opposed to temporal changes of pigment) for testing such models is questioned.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, depth, Gulf of Oman, lead, Oman, plankton, productivity, timing, trap, Upwelling}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } In situ measurements of phytoplankton chlorophyll in the Arabian Sea were taken largely along temporally and spatially unevenly distributed sections, scarce especially prior to the operation of NASA's Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS). Herein, the CZCS pigment observations between late 1978 and mid-1986 north of 10§N, including the outer Gulf of Oman, are depicted for 14 subregions beyond the continental shelves as daily means, often only five days apart. To eliminate bias from electronic overshoot, the data were reprocessed with a more conservative cloud screen than used for NASA's Global Data Set. The pattern, derived from the older in situ observations, of one period with elevated chlorophyll almost everywhere during the Southwest Monsoon (SWM) and one additional late-winter bloom in the north, is confirmed. The differing nitrate silicate ratios in freshly entrained water in the central and northern Arabian Sea seem to lead to different succession and perhaps to differing vertical fluxes, and during winter favor blooms only in the north. The spatial pigment pattern in the outer Gulf of Oman is not an extension of that of the northwestern Arabian Sea. The seasonal physical forcing explains much of the timing of pigment concentration changes, but not the levels maintained over long periods. From the CZCS observations it is unclear whether the period of high phytoplankton productivity expected during the SWM in the open Arabian Sea lasts for about two or four months. During this entire season, chlorophyll values in the upper layers rarely exceed 1-2 mg m-3 outside the zone influenced by the Arabian upwelling. Near 15§N, however, fluxes into sediment traps at 3 km depth indicate an onset of high primary production very soon after the arrival of the SWM and suggest a long period of high production in the open sea. The partial temporal disconnect during the SWM between pigment changes in the upper part of the euphotic zone and of fluxes into the traps is disconcerting. For future modeling of plankton production in the open Arabian Sea, the use of two size classes of phytoplankton is recommended. The utility of satellite-derived pigment concentrations (as opposed to temporal changes of pigment) for testing such models is questioned. |
Baldwin, R.,Willson, A.,Looker, E.,Buzas, B. Growing knowledge of cetacean fauna in the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE Journal Article Tribulus, 26 (313), 2018. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Distribution, Gulf of Oman, rough-toothed dolphin, stenella coeruleoalba, steno bredanensis, Striped dolphin, United Arab Emirates @article{, title = {Growing knowledge of cetacean fauna in the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE}, author = {Baldwin, R.,Willson, A.,Looker, E.,Buzas, B.}, year = {2018}, date = {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} } 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. |
Chaghtai, F.,Saifullah, S.M Harmful algal bloom (HAB) organisms of the North Arabian Sea bordering Pakistan - Journal Article Pakistan Journal of Botany, 33 (67), pp. 69-75, 2001. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: algae, HABs, Pakistan, ted tide @article{, title = {Harmful algal bloom (HAB) organisms of the North Arabian Sea bordering Pakistan - }, author = {Chaghtai, F.,Saifullah, S.M}, year = {2001}, date = {2001-01-01}, journal = {Pakistan Journal of Botany}, volume = {33}, number = {67}, pages = {69-75}, abstract = {only}, keywords = {algae, HABs, Pakistan, ted tide}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } only |
Ducklow,H.W.,Smith,D.C.,Campbell,L.,Landry,M.R.,Quinby,H.L.,Steward,G.F.,Azam,F. Heterotrophic bacterioplankton in the Arabian Sea: Basinwide response to year-round high primary productivity Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 48 (90), pp. 1303-1323, 2001. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, population, populations, productivity, Upwelling @article{, title = {Heterotrophic bacterioplankton in the Arabian Sea: Basinwide response to year-round high primary productivity}, author = {Ducklow,H.W.,Smith,D.C.,Campbell,L.,Landry,M.R.,Quinby,H.L.,Steward,G.F.,Azam,F.}, year = {2001}, date = {2001-01-01}, journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II}, volume = {48}, number = {90}, pages = {1303-1323}, abstract = {Heterotrophic bacterial abundance and productivity were measured during five and four cruises, respectively, in the northwest Arabian Sea as part of the US JGOFS Process Study, which provided a new view of seasonal bacterial dynamics in that part of the basin influenced by monsoonal forcing. In this paper, surface layer data are used to address two questions concerning the influence of the monsoon cycle on bacterial dynamics: (1) Is there a bacterial bloom in the SW Monsoon? and (2) Is bacterial production low during the oligotrophic Spring Intermonsoon? An extensive comparison of epifluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, unprecedented at this scale, detected essentially the same heterotrophic bacterial populations and distributions, with some between-cruise di!erences. Use of the two methods allowed us to extend our observations in space and time. Bacterial productivity, both in the surface layer and integrated over the euphotic zone, was elevated less than 2-fold during the Southwest Monsoon. Levels of bacterial abundance and production were low during the Northeast Monsoon, then increased in March during the Spring Intermonsoon. There was some stimulation of abundance or production inshore in response to coastal upwelling. In general, the basin was enriched in bacterial biomass >5 ' 108 cells l-1 throughout the year, relative to other tropical regimes, presumably in response to overall high PP and DOC levels. Seasonally uniform DOC levels may be regulated in part by intense bacterial utilization rates, but also reflect seasonal consistency in PP.}, keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, population, populations, productivity, Upwelling}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Heterotrophic bacterial abundance and productivity were measured during five and four cruises, respectively, in the northwest Arabian Sea as part of the US JGOFS Process Study, which provided a new view of seasonal bacterial dynamics in that part of the basin influenced by monsoonal forcing. In this paper, surface layer data are used to address two questions concerning the influence of the monsoon cycle on bacterial dynamics: (1) Is there a bacterial bloom in the SW Monsoon? and (2) Is bacterial production low during the oligotrophic Spring Intermonsoon? An extensive comparison of epifluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, unprecedented at this scale, detected essentially the same heterotrophic bacterial populations and distributions, with some between-cruise di!erences. Use of the two methods allowed us to extend our observations in space and time. Bacterial productivity, both in the surface layer and integrated over the euphotic zone, was elevated less than 2-fold during the Southwest Monsoon. Levels of bacterial abundance and production were low during the Northeast Monsoon, then increased in March during the Spring Intermonsoon. There was some stimulation of abundance or production inshore in response to coastal upwelling. In general, the basin was enriched in bacterial biomass >5 ' 108 cells l-1 throughout the year, relative to other tropical regimes, presumably in response to overall high PP and DOC levels. Seasonally uniform DOC levels may be regulated in part by intense bacterial utilization rates, but also reflect seasonal consistency in PP. |
Ali, Mohammad. Hamid. Humpback whale - first record in Sind coastal waters. Journal Article WWF Pakistan Newsletter, Vol. 3 (4), pp. 5-6, 1984. BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, Pakistan, Strandings @article{, title = {Humpback whale - first record in Sind coastal waters.}, author = {Ali, Mohammad. Hamid.}, year = {1984}, date = {1984-01-01}, journal = {WWF Pakistan Newsletter}, volume = {Vol. 3}, number = {4}, pages = {5-6}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, Pakistan, Strandings}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Madhusudhana, Shyam Kumar,Chakraborty, Bishwajit,Latha, G. Humpback whale singing activity off the Goan coast in the Eastern Arabian Sea Journal Article Bioacoustics, (147), pp. 1-16, 2018, ISBN: 0952-4622. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, breeding, Goa, Humpback Whale, India, Megaptera novaeanglia, PAM, passive acoustic monitoring, song, vocal behaviour @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} } 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. |
Whitehead,H. Humpback whale songs from the North Indian Ocean Journal Article Investigations on Cetacea, 17 (499), pp. 157-162, 1985. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, North Pacific, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, singing, Southern Hemisphere @article{, title = {Humpback whale songs from the North Indian Ocean}, author = {Whitehead,H.}, year = {1985}, date = {1985-01-01}, journal = {Investigations on Cetacea}, volume = {17}, number = {499}, pages = {157-162}, abstract = {The Author conducted acoustic watches during surveys conducted in the WWF-UUCN Indian Ocean Sperm Whale Project. The survey area extended between the Seychelles and Chagos in the South, to Sri Lanka, India and Oman (Muscat) in the north. It did not include the NW coast of India, Pakistan or Iran. Song was detected near the Kuria Muria Islands from Jan 15th-17th 1982, and in the Gulf of Mannar in Sri Lanka between 19 Feb and 10 March 1982. The songs in both these places contained similar content, and the author concludes that at least some whales were present in these areas and adhering to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. He supports Ross's 1981 suggestion that upwelling in the NIO provides a year-round food source, and that the singing whales are neither Southern Hemisphere migrants, or North Pacific visitors. As no humpback whales were directly observed, he suggests that the survey either missed areas of peak concentration, or that the population is small and dispersed.}, keywords = {Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, North Pacific, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, singing, Southern Hemisphere}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The Author conducted acoustic watches during surveys conducted in the WWF-UUCN Indian Ocean Sperm Whale Project. The survey area extended between the Seychelles and Chagos in the South, to Sri Lanka, India and Oman (Muscat) in the north. It did not include the NW coast of India, Pakistan or Iran. Song was detected near the Kuria Muria Islands from Jan 15th-17th 1982, and in the Gulf of Mannar in Sri Lanka between 19 Feb and 10 March 1982. The songs in both these places contained similar content, and the author concludes that at least some whales were present in these areas and adhering to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. He supports Ross's 1981 suggestion that upwelling in the NIO provides a year-round food source, and that the singing whales are neither Southern Hemisphere migrants, or North Pacific visitors. As no humpback whales were directly observed, he suggests that the survey either missed areas of peak concentration, or that the population is small and dispersed. |
Mikhalev,Y.A. Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea Journal Article Marine Ecology Progress Series, 149 (154), pp. 13-21, 1997. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, length, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, Pakistan, pathology, population, Population Biology, population identity, reproduction, whale, whales, whaling @article{, title = {Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea}, author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.}, year = {1997}, date = {1997-01-01}, journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series}, volume = {149}, number = {154}, pages = {13-21}, abstract = {The population identity of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea has long been a matter of dispute. New information is presented from this region, based upon whaling and observations conducted by the Soviet Union, primarily in November 1966. In that month, a total of 238 humpbacks were killed off the coasts of Oman, Pakistan and northwestern India; 4 others were killed in 1965. Biological examination of these whales showed that they differed significantly from Antarctic humpbacks in terms of size, coloration, body scars and pathology. In addition, analysis of the length distribution of 38 foetuses indicates that the reproductive cycle of the Arabian Sea whales was unequivocally that of a northern hemisphere population. Mean lengths were 12.8 m for males (range: 9.5 to 14.9 m, n = 126) and 13.3 m for females (range: 9.5 to 15.2 m, n = 112). All whales 12.5 m or more in length were sexually mature. Among 97 females examined, 12 (12.4%) were immature. Of the 85 mature females, 39 (45.9%) were pregnant, 3 (3.5%) were lactating, and 43 (50.6%) were resting. A more plausible pregnancy rate, adjusted for underrepresentation of lactating females, was estimated at 39%. A majority of stomachs examined contained food, including euphausiids and fish. Overall, the data presented here argue strongly that Arabian Sea humpbacks constitute a discrete population which remains in tropical waters year-round, a situation which is unique for this species.}, keywords = {Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, length, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, Pakistan, pathology, population, Population Biology, population identity, reproduction, whale, whales, whaling}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The population identity of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea has long been a matter of dispute. New information is presented from this region, based upon whaling and observations conducted by the Soviet Union, primarily in November 1966. In that month, a total of 238 humpbacks were killed off the coasts of Oman, Pakistan and northwestern India; 4 others were killed in 1965. Biological examination of these whales showed that they differed significantly from Antarctic humpbacks in terms of size, coloration, body scars and pathology. In addition, analysis of the length distribution of 38 foetuses indicates that the reproductive cycle of the Arabian Sea whales was unequivocally that of a northern hemisphere population. Mean lengths were 12.8 m for males (range: 9.5 to 14.9 m, n = 126) and 13.3 m for females (range: 9.5 to 15.2 m, n = 112). All whales 12.5 m or more in length were sexually mature. Among 97 females examined, 12 (12.4%) were immature. Of the 85 mature females, 39 (45.9%) were pregnant, 3 (3.5%) were lactating, and 43 (50.6%) were resting. A more plausible pregnancy rate, adjusted for underrepresentation of lactating females, was estimated at 39%. A majority of stomachs examined contained food, including euphausiids and fish. Overall, the data presented here argue strongly that Arabian Sea humpbacks constitute a discrete population which remains in tropical waters year-round, a situation which is unique for this species. |
Pous, SP,Carton, Xavier,Lazure, Pascal Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 1. Strait of Hormuz Journal Article Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 109 (437), 2004, ISBN: 2156-2202. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Gulf, hydrology, Musandam, oceanography, Oman, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz @article{, title = {Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 1. Strait of Hormuz}, author = {Pous, SP,Carton, Xavier,Lazure, Pascal}, issn = {2156-2202}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans}, volume = {109}, number = {437}, abstract = {In October and early November 1999, the GOGP99 experiment collected hydrological, currentmeter, tide recorder, thermistor and drifting buoy data near the Strait of Hormuz. Data analysis provides the water mass structure in the Strait: Persian Gulf Water (PGW) core is banked against the Omani coast, while Indian Ocean Surface Water (IOSW) lies near the Iranian coast. These water masses are most often covered by a homogeneous surface layer. Thermohaline characteristics of the PGW core decrease substantially downstream, from the Persian/Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. PGWand IOSW thermohaline characteristics and distribution also exhibit notable changes at periods shorter than a month as shown by repeated hydrological sections. The tidal signal measured south of the Strait by moored ADCP and thermistor chains has predominant semi-diurnal M2 and S2 and diurnal K1 components and possesses a complex vertical structure. Tidal intensification near the surface pycnocline is associated with noticeable internal waves. At subtidal timescale, mooring recordings confirm the water mass variability observed in the repeated hydrological sections. The mixed layer also deepens substantially during the 1-month period. Finally, trajectories of surface buoys drogued at 15 m exhibit reversals over periods characteristic of changes in wind direction}, keywords = {Arabian Gulf, hydrology, Musandam, oceanography, Oman, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } In October and early November 1999, the GOGP99 experiment collected hydrological, currentmeter, tide recorder, thermistor and drifting buoy data near the Strait of Hormuz. Data analysis provides the water mass structure in the Strait: Persian Gulf Water (PGW) core is banked against the Omani coast, while Indian Ocean Surface Water (IOSW) lies near the Iranian coast. These water masses are most often covered by a homogeneous surface layer. Thermohaline characteristics of the PGW core decrease substantially downstream, from the Persian/Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. PGWand IOSW thermohaline characteristics and distribution also exhibit notable changes at periods shorter than a month as shown by repeated hydrological sections. The tidal signal measured south of the Strait by moored ADCP and thermistor chains has predominant semi-diurnal M2 and S2 and diurnal K1 components and possesses a complex vertical structure. Tidal intensification near the surface pycnocline is associated with noticeable internal waves. At subtidal timescale, mooring recordings confirm the water mass variability observed in the repeated hydrological sections. The mixed layer also deepens substantially during the 1-month period. Finally, trajectories of surface buoys drogued at 15 m exhibit reversals over periods characteristic of changes in wind direction |
Pous, SP,Carton, X,Lazure, Pascal Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 2. Gulf of Oman Journal Article Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 109 (199), 2004, ISBN: 2156-2202. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Gulf of Oman, Hydro-biology, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz @article{, title = {Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 2. Gulf of Oman}, author = {Pous, SP,Carton, X,Lazure, Pascal}, issn = {2156-2202}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans}, volume = {109}, number = {199}, abstract = {Hydrological, ADCP, and drifting buoy data obtained during the GOGP99 Experiment in October and early November 1999 are analyzed to describe the Persian Gulf Water (PGW) core and the regional circulation in the Gulf of Oman. The warm and salty PGW core flows out of the Strait of Hormuz heading southeastward unto (25 200N, 57 E), approximately. From there, it cascades down the continental slope, veers southwestward, and joins the Omani coast near (24 500N, 56 500E) to form a slope current. This PGW current has then thermohaline maxima on isopycnal s0 = 26.5, near 220 m depth. Its thermohaline characteristics decrease along its progression to Ra’s al Hadd (and then offshore into the Arabian Sea) but maintain a sharp contrast with surrounding waters. Outflow variability at the Strait of Hormuz can be related to downstream fluctuations of the thermohaline maxima in the PGW core at gulf scale and over a 2- to 3-week period. Moreover, several mechanisms (baroclinic instability, flow intermittency, cape effects) are examined to explain the widening of this PGW core upstream and downstream of Ra’s al Hamra. In the eastern part of the Gulf of Oman, the regional circulation is a cyclonic gyre. The circulation in the western part of the Gulf is more complex, with the outflow of PGW and southeastward currents in the upper 250 m near the Omani coast, and a recirculation of upwelled waters near Ra’s Jagin (on the Iranian coast). The large cyclonic gyre occupies at least the upper 300 m of the water column and undergoes little variation over a month. The PGW outflow in the northern Arabian Sea is southward and located 50–100 km from the coast. It borders a shallower northward current located offshore.}, keywords = {Gulf of Oman, Hydro-biology, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Hydrological, ADCP, and drifting buoy data obtained during the GOGP99 Experiment in October and early November 1999 are analyzed to describe the Persian Gulf Water (PGW) core and the regional circulation in the Gulf of Oman. The warm and salty PGW core flows out of the Strait of Hormuz heading southeastward unto (25 200N, 57 E), approximately. From there, it cascades down the continental slope, veers southwestward, and joins the Omani coast near (24 500N, 56 500E) to form a slope current. This PGW current has then thermohaline maxima on isopycnal s0 = 26.5, near 220 m depth. Its thermohaline characteristics decrease along its progression to Ra’s al Hadd (and then offshore into the Arabian Sea) but maintain a sharp contrast with surrounding waters. Outflow variability at the Strait of Hormuz can be related to downstream fluctuations of the thermohaline maxima in the PGW core at gulf scale and over a 2- to 3-week period. Moreover, several mechanisms (baroclinic instability, flow intermittency, cape effects) are examined to explain the widening of this PGW core upstream and downstream of Ra’s al Hamra. In the eastern part of the Gulf of Oman, the regional circulation is a cyclonic gyre. The circulation in the western part of the Gulf is more complex, with the outflow of PGW and southeastward currents in the upper 250 m near the Omani coast, and a recirculation of upwelled waters near Ra’s Jagin (on the Iranian coast). The large cyclonic gyre occupies at least the upper 300 m of the water column and undergoes little variation over a month. The PGW outflow in the northern Arabian Sea is southward and located 50–100 km from the coast. It borders a shallower northward current located offshore. |
Pilcher, Nicolas J.,Antonopoulou, Marina,Perry, Lisa,Abdel-Moati, Mohamed A.,Al Abdessalaam, Thabit Zahran,Albeldawi, Mohammad,Al Ansi, Mehsin,Al-Mohannadi, Salman Fahad,Al Zahlawi, Nessrine,Baldwin, Robert,Chikhi, Ahmed,Das, Himansu Sekhar,Hamza, Shafeeq,Kerr, Oliver J.,Al Kiyumi, Ali,Mobaraki, Asghar,Al Suwaidi, Hana Saif,Al Suweidi, Ali Saqar,Sawaf, Moaz,Tourenq, Christophe,Williams, James,Willson, Andrew Identification of Important Sea Turtle Areas (ITAs) for hawksbill turtles in the Arabian Region Journal Article Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 460 (428), pp. 89-99, 2014, ISBN: 0022-0981. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Gulf, Conservation and management, Eretmochelys imbricata, habitat use, Persian Gulf, Satellite tracking @article{, title = {Identification of Important Sea Turtle Areas (ITAs) for hawksbill turtles in the Arabian Region}, author = {Pilcher, Nicolas J.,Antonopoulou, Marina,Perry, Lisa,Abdel-Moati, Mohamed A.,Al Abdessalaam, Thabit Zahran,Albeldawi, Mohammad,Al Ansi, Mehsin,Al-Mohannadi, Salman Fahad,Al Zahlawi, Nessrine,Baldwin, Robert,Chikhi, Ahmed,Das, Himansu Sekhar,Hamza, Shafeeq,Kerr, Oliver J.,Al Kiyumi, Ali,Mobaraki, Asghar,Al Suwaidi, Hana Saif,Al Suweidi, Ali Saqar,Sawaf, Moaz,Tourenq, Christophe,Williams, James,Willson, Andrew}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098114001816}, issn = {0022-0981}, year = {2014}, date = {2014-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology}, volume = {460}, number = {428}, pages = {89-99}, abstract = {We present the first data on hawksbill turtle post-nesting migrations and behaviour in the Arabian region. Tracks from 90 post-nesting turtles (65 in the Gulf and 25 from Oman) revealed that hawksbills in the Arabian region may nest up to 6 times in a season with an average of 3 nests per turtle. Turtles from Qatar, Iran and the UAE generally migrated south and southwest to waters shared by the UAE and Qatar. A smaller number of turtles migrated northward towards Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and one reached Kuwait. Omani turtles migrated south towards Masirah island and to Quwayrah, staying close to the mainland and over the continental shelf. The widespread dispersal of hawksbill foraging grounds across the SW Gulf may limit habitat protection options available to managers, and we suggest these be linked to preservation of shallow water habitats and fishery management. In contrast, the two main foraging areas in Oman were small and could be candidates for protected area consideration. Critical migration bottlenecks were identified at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula as turtles from Daymaniyat Islands migrate southward, and between Qatar and Bahrain. Overall, Gulf turtles spent 68% of the time in foraging ground with home ranges of 40–60 km2 and small core areas of 6 km2. Adult female turtles from Oman were significantly larger than Gulf turtles by ~ 11 cm x ¯ = 81.4 CCL and spent 83% of their time foraging in smaller home ranges with even smaller core areas (~ 3 km2), likely due to better habitat quality and food availability. Gulf turtles were among the smallest in the world x ¯ = 70.3 CCL and spent an average of 20% of time undertaking summer migration loops, a thermoregulatory response to avoid elevated sea surface temperatures, as the Gulf regularly experiences sustained sea surface temperatures > 30 °C. Fishery bycatch was determined for two of the 90 turtles. These spatio-temporal findings on habitat use will enable risk assessments for turtles in the face of multiple threats including oil and gas industries, urban and industrial development, fishery pressure, and shipping. They also improve our overall understanding of hawksbill habitat use and behaviour in the Arabian region, and will support sea turtle conservation-related policy decision-making at national and regional levels.}, keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Conservation and management, Eretmochelys imbricata, habitat use, Persian Gulf, Satellite tracking}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } We present the first data on hawksbill turtle post-nesting migrations and behaviour in the Arabian region. Tracks from 90 post-nesting turtles (65 in the Gulf and 25 from Oman) revealed that hawksbills in the Arabian region may nest up to 6 times in a season with an average of 3 nests per turtle. Turtles from Qatar, Iran and the UAE generally migrated south and southwest to waters shared by the UAE and Qatar. A smaller number of turtles migrated northward towards Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and one reached Kuwait. Omani turtles migrated south towards Masirah island and to Quwayrah, staying close to the mainland and over the continental shelf. The widespread dispersal of hawksbill foraging grounds across the SW Gulf may limit habitat protection options available to managers, and we suggest these be linked to preservation of shallow water habitats and fishery management. In contrast, the two main foraging areas in Oman were small and could be candidates for protected area consideration. Critical migration bottlenecks were identified at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula as turtles from Daymaniyat Islands migrate southward, and between Qatar and Bahrain. Overall, Gulf turtles spent 68% of the time in foraging ground with home ranges of 40–60 km2 and small core areas of 6 km2. Adult female turtles from Oman were significantly larger than Gulf turtles by ~ 11 cm x ¯ = 81.4 CCL and spent 83% of their time foraging in smaller home ranges with even smaller core areas (~ 3 km2), likely due to better habitat quality and food availability. Gulf turtles were among the smallest in the world x ¯ = 70.3 CCL and spent an average of 20% of time undertaking summer migration loops, a thermoregulatory response to avoid elevated sea surface temperatures, as the Gulf regularly experiences sustained sea surface temperatures > 30 °C. Fishery bycatch was determined for two of the 90 turtles. These spatio-temporal findings on habitat use will enable risk assessments for turtles in the face of multiple threats including oil and gas industries, urban and industrial development, fishery pressure, and shipping. They also improve our overall understanding of hawksbill habitat use and behaviour in the Arabian region, and will support sea turtle conservation-related policy decision-making at national and regional levels. |
Best,P.B. Increase rates in severely depleted stocks of baleen whales Journal Article ICES Journal of Marine Science, 50 (43), pp. 169-186, 1993. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: abundance, Arabian Sea, baleen whales, historical whaling, population estimates, Stock identity, whaling @article{, title = {Increase rates in severely depleted stocks of baleen whales}, author = {Best,P.B.}, year = {1993}, date = {1993-01-01}, journal = {ICES Journal of Marine Science}, volume = {50}, number = {43}, pages = {169-186}, abstract = {The paper tries to examine the status of all known stocks of baleen whales that were depleted to an estimated 10% of their original abundance. Of 44 such stocks, 18 are classified as not feasible to monitor (including Arabian Sea humpbacks), 12 have been or are being monitored (at the time of writing), and increase rates have been demonstrated for 10 of those. The author concludes that more depleted stocks show higher rates of increase than less depleted stocks, and that most populations are reaching a size which would allow harvesting (a minimum of 60% of their pre-exploitation numbers according to the IWC). The paper points out some interesting problems with the use of historical whaling data and mark-recapture in estimating fecundity rates. It also suggests that population increases were not detected in the years immediately following protection for two reasons: 1) commercial catches were underreported and initial post-whaling population estimates were too high, 2) following population decreases, whales may condense their ranges, leaving some historical feeding or breeding sites to form concentration areas, some of which were only recently discovered.}, keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, baleen whales, historical whaling, population estimates, Stock identity, whaling}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The paper tries to examine the status of all known stocks of baleen whales that were depleted to an estimated 10% of their original abundance. Of 44 such stocks, 18 are classified as not feasible to monitor (including Arabian Sea humpbacks), 12 have been or are being monitored (at the time of writing), and increase rates have been demonstrated for 10 of those. The author concludes that more depleted stocks show higher rates of increase than less depleted stocks, and that most populations are reaching a size which would allow harvesting (a minimum of 60% of their pre-exploitation numbers according to the IWC). The paper points out some interesting problems with the use of historical whaling data and mark-recapture in estimating fecundity rates. It also suggests that population increases were not detected in the years immediately following protection for two reasons: 1) commercial catches were underreported and initial post-whaling population estimates were too high, 2) following population decreases, whales may condense their ranges, leaving some historical feeding or breeding sites to form concentration areas, some of which were only recently discovered. |
Searchable database of publications
Cetologische Expedition zum Indus und Persischen Golf und Forschungsreise nach Goa und Thailand im Jahre 1973 Journal Article Investigations on Cetacea, 5 (188), pp. 36-38, 1973. |
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Cross-equatorial pathways of salt and tracers from the northern Indian Ocean: Modelling results Journal Article Deep-Sea Research Part II, 50 (127), pp. 2111-2127, 2003. |
Cryptic Lineage Differentiation Among Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Northwest Indian Ocean Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, (381), 2017, ISBN: 1055-7903. |
Cyclone Gonu Storm Surge in Oman Journal Article Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2009.10.019 (95), 2009. |
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Demersal fisheries of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf Journal Article Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 49 (474), pp. 87-97, 1999. |
Description and classification of Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) whistles recorded off the Sindhudurg coast of Maharashtra, India Journal Article Marine Mammal Science, 34 (3), pp. 755-776, 2018, ISSN: 1748-7692. |
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Dolphin Spectacular Journal Article Arabian Wildlife, 1 (302), 2001. |
Dolphin Watching in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman: Tourist Perceptions and Actual Current Practice Journal Article Tourism in Marine Environments, 7 (435), pp. 81-93, 2011. |
Dynamics of potentially harmful phytoplankton in a semi-enclosed bay in the Sea of Oman Journal Article Bulletin of Marine Science, 91 (276), pp. 141-166, 2015, ISBN: 0007-4977. |
Ecosystem state change in the Arabian Sea fuelled by the recent loss of snow over the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau region Journal Article Scientific Reports, 10 (102), pp. 7422, 2020, ISSN: 2045-2322. |
Effects of Tour Boats on Dolphin Activity Examined with Sensitivity Analysis of Markov Chains Journal Article Conservation Biology, 26 (356), pp. 708-716, 2012, ISBN: 1523-1739. |
Elasmobranchs of the Persian (Arabian) Gulf: ecology, human aspects and research priorities for their improved management Journal Article Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 22 (172), pp. 35-61, 2012, ISBN: 0960-3166. |
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Euphausiids from central part of north Arabian Sea collected in S.W. monsoon season Journal Article Marine Research, Karachi, 1 (92), pp. 79-85, 1992. |
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Evidence for eddy formation in the eastern Arabian Sea during the northeast monsoon Journal Article Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 99 (59), pp. 7651-7664, 1994, ISBN: 2156-2202. |
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