@article{,

title = {The oxygen minimum zone in the Arabian Sea during 1995},

author = {Morrison,J.M.,Codispoti,L.A.,Smith,S.L.,Wishner,K.,Flagg,C.,Gardner,W.D.,Gaurin,S.,Naqvi,S.W.A.,Manghnani,V.,Prosperie,L.,Gundersen,J.S.},

year  = {1999},

date = {1999-01-01},

journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},

volume = {46},

number = {174},

pages = {1903-1931},

abstract = {This paper focuses on the characteristics of the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) as observed in the Arabian Sea over the complete monsoon cycle of 1995. Dissolved oxygen, nitrite, nitrate and density values are used to delineate the OMZ, as well as identify regions where denitrification is observed. The suboxic conditions within the northern Arabian Sea are documented, as well as biological and chemical consequences of this phenomenon. Overall, the conditions found in the suboxic portion of the water column in the Arabian Sea were not greatly different from what has been reported in the literature with respect to oxygen, nitrate and nitrite distributions. Within the main thermocline, portions of the OMZ were found that were suboxic (oxygen less than ~4.5 æM) and contained secondary nitrite maxima with concentrations that sometimes exceeded 6.0 æM, suggesting active nitrate reduction and denitrification. Although there may have been a reduction in the degree of suboxia during the Southwest monsoon, a dramatic seasonality was not observed, as has been suggested by some previous work. In particular, there was not much evidence for the occurrence of secondary nitrite maxima in waters with oxygen concentrations greater than 4.5 æM. Waters in the northern Arabian Sea appear to accumulate larger nitrate deficits due to longer residence times even though the denitrification rate might be lower, as evident in the reduced nitrite concentrations in the northern part of the basin. Organism distributions showed string relationships to the oxygen profiles, especially in locations where the OMZ was pronounced, but the biological responses to the OMZ varied with type of organism. The regional extent of intermediate nepheloid layers in our data corresponds well with the region of the secondary nitrite maximum. This is a region of denitrification, and the presence and activities of bacteria are assumed to cause the increase in particles. ADCP acoustic backscatter measurements show diel vertical migration of plankton or nekton and movement into the OMZ. Daytime acoustic returns from depth were strong, and the dawn sinking and dusk rise of the fauna were obvious. However, at night the biomass remaining in the suboxic zone was so low that no ADCP signal was detectable at these depths. There are at least two groups of organisms, one that stays in the upper mixed layer and another that makes daily excursions. A subsurface zooplankton peak in the lower OMZ (near the lower 4.5 æM oxycline) was also typically present; these animals occurred day and night and did not vertically migrate.},

keywords = {acoustic, Arabian Sea, density, depth, diel, Distribution, location, migrate, migration, occurrence, oxygen minimum, plankton, thermocline, zooplankton},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Morphology and distribution of the spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, rough-toothed dolphin, Steno brednanensis and melon-headed whale, Peponocephala electra, from waters off the Sultanate of Oman},

author = {Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher,M.,Baldwin,R.,Papastavrou,V.,Al-Lawati,S.M.},

year  = {1999},

date = {1999-01-01},

journal = {The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},

volume = {1},

number = {491},

pages = {167-177},

abstract = {Two previously mis-identified specimens at the Oman Natural History Museum are re-identified as a melon-headed whale and a rough-toothed dolphin.  Body lengths of adult male spinner dolphins were smaller than any known stock of spinner dolphins except the dwarf forms in Thailand and Australia and skulls were indistinguishable from those of the eastern spinner dolphins (S.l. orientalis).  Two colour morphs of spinner dolphins were observed.  The paper concludes that Oman spinner dolphins should be treated as a discrete population, morphologically distinct from all known spinner dolphin sub-species.},

keywords = {Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, melon-headed whale, morphometrics, Oman, rough-toothed dolphin, Spinner dolphin, Stock identity, taxonomy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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}

}

@article{,

title = {Cetaceans of the Western Tropical Indian Ocean: Distribution, Relative Abundance, and comparisons with Cetacean Communities of Two other Tropical Ecosystems},

author = {Ballance,L.T,Pitman,R.L.},

year  = {1998},

date = {1998-01-01},

journal = {Marine Mammal Science},

volume = {14},

number = {321},

pages = {429-459},

abstract = {We conducted a cetacean survey in the pelagic western tropical Indian Ocean (WTIO) aboard an 85-m research vessel from March to July 1995, covering 9,784 linear km. Using 25x binoculars and line-transect methods, we recorded 589 sightings of 21 species. Stenella longirostris was the most abundant cetacean, in terms of number of individuals sighted, by an order of magnitude above any other species, while Physeter macrocephalus was the most frequently sighted, in terms of number of schools. Twelve species were widespread, seven were rare, and two were localized; our sightings include new distributional records for 12 species. Significant observations included the following: (1) Delphinus cf. tropicalis was abundant off the coast of Oman (16 sightings) and readily distinguishable in the field from D. delphis and D. capensis, (2) Balaenoptera musculus was fairly common and localized in the area of the Maldives (17 sightings), and (3) three sightings were made of an unidentified bottlenose whale tentatively referred to as Indopacetus (i.e., Mesoplodon) pacificus. We recorded 26 mixed-species cetacean schools, 43 schools with which seabirds associated, and 17 schools associated with tuna. Notable among these were mixed aggregations of Stenella attenuata, S. longirostris, yellowfin tuna, and seabirds. The cetacean community of the WTIO was similar to that of the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and the Gulf of Mexico (GM) in several respects. First, differences in abundance rank of individual species were small, with the result that common species were common and rare species were rare, regardless of ocean. Second, these differences in abundance were due primarily to differences in encounter rate, which varied with ocean by as much as 3,000%, and less so to school size, which generally varied less than 100%. Third, regardless of ocean, three species comprised the majority of cetaceans in the community, Stenella attenuata, S. longirostris, and S. coeruleoalba, representing 62%-82% of all individuals for all species. However, the rank order of abundance for these three species differed with ocean. Most notably, S. attenuata was abundant in the ETP and GM (abundance rank = 2 and 1, respectively) but much less common in the WTIO (abundance rank = 6). Although habitat preferences for S. attenuata appear to overlap considerably with those of S. longirostris in the ETP, our results suggest there may actually be significant differences between these two species. Detailed analysis of oceanographic correlates of distribution will be necessary in order to understand fully the habitat requirements of these pelagic dolphins, often the most conspicuous elements of tropical cetacean communities around the world.},

keywords = {abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Mexico, habitat preference, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, relative abundance, seabirds, survey, whale},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Seasonal response of zooplankton to monsoonal reversals in the Arabian Sea},

author = {Smith,S.,Roman,M.,Prusova,I.,Wishner,K.,Gowing,M.,Codispoti,L.A.,Barber,R.,Marra,J.,Flagg,C.},

year  = {1998},

date = {1998-01-01},

journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},

volume = {45},

number = {478},

pages = {2369-2403},

abstract = {The US JGOFS Arabian Sea Process Study was designed to provide a seasonally and spatially resolved carbon budget for a basin exhibiting some of the highest and lowest concentrations of plant biomass in the world's ocean. During the US JGOFS Process Study in the Arabian Sea (September 1994-January 1996), the absolute maximum in biomass of epipelagic zooplankton in the entire study was observed during the Southwest Monsoon season inshore of the Findlater Jet in the area of upwelling. The greatest contrast between high and low biomass in the study area also was observed during the Southwest Monsoon, as was the strongest onshore-offshore gradient in biomass. Lowest biomass throughout the study was observed at the most offshore station (SI5), outside the direct influence of the monsoon forcing. The greatest day/night contrastsing biomass were observed nearshore in all seasons, with nighttime biornass-exceeding daytime in the Northeast Monsoon season, but daytime exceeding nighttime in the Southwest Monsoon season. The diel vertical migration patterns in general reversed between the monsoons at all stations in the southern part of the study area. Virtually, no diel vertical migration of zooplankton took place in any season at the station with strong, persistent subsurface suboxic conditions (N7), suggesting that these conditions suppress migration. Based on the distribution of biomass, we hypothesize that inshore of the Findlater Jet, zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton is the dominant pathway of carbon transformation during both monsoon seasons, whereas offshore the zooplankton feed primarily on microplankton or are carnivorous, conditions that result in reduction of the carbon flux mediated by the zooplankton. Predation by mesopelagic fish., primarily myctophids, may equal daily growth of zooplankton inshore of the Findlater Jet during all seasons. This suggests that the food web inshore of the Findlater Jet is well integrated, may have evolved during past periods of intensified upwelling, and has a distinctly annual cycle. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Distribution, migration, predation, Upwelling, zooplankton},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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}

}

@article{,

title = {Sightings of },

author = {Smeenk,C.,Addink,M.J.,Van den Berg,A.B.,Bosman C.A.W.,Cad‚e,G.C.},

year  = {1996},

date = {1996-01-01},

journal = {Bonn.Zool.Beitr.},

number = {232},

pages = {389 -398},

abstract = {Delphinus tropicalis Van Bree, 1971 is an extremely long-beaked form occurring in neritic habitats in the northern Indian Ocean and neighbouring seas.  In June 1984 and March 1993 we observed dolphins in the southern Red Sea which agreed with the external characters described for this form.  The animals were identified with tropicalis by their most prominent feature: a very long beak as compared to D. delphis L., the taxonomic history and distribution of D. tropicalis is reviewed.  A limited study of six Delphinus skulls from the Arabian peninsula suggests that D. tropicalis and D. capensis cannot be readily separated.  It is suggested that D. tropicalis may constitute a very long-beaked form or population of D. capensis.},

keywords = {Arabia, D.capensis, Delphinus tropicalis, Distribution, Indian Ocean, population, Red Sea, skulls, taxonomy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Spatial distribution of Euphausiacea (Crustacea) in the southeastern Arabian Sea},

author = {Silas,E.G.,Matthew,K.J.},

year  = {1986},

date = {1986-01-01},

journal = {Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India},

volume = {28},

number = {230},

pages = {1-21},

abstract = {Spatial distribution of euphausiids of the southeastern Arabian Sea (west coast of India including the Lakshadweep Sea) was studied. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, closed at their northern parts, present special hydrographical features which influence the distribution and abundance of zooplankton in these areas. Here the l0 degree N latitude is thought to be an effective barrier against he penetration of several oceanic species of euphausiids northwards.  This is because of the significant changes in the water quality of N of 10 degree N being influenced by the discharge from major river systems of the Indian sub-continent.  The species Thysanopoda monacantha, T. tricuspidata and Stylocheiron maximum, which were believed to be restricted to areas south of 10 degrees N are distributed even further northwards.},

keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Euphausiid, India, Oceanic, zooplankton},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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}

}

@article{,

title = {On the ecology and feeding habits of the euphausiids (Crustacea) in the Arabian Sea (Zur Okologie und Eranhrungsbiologie der Euphausiaceen (Crustacea) im Arabischen Meer)},

author = {Weigmann,R.},

year  = {1970},

date = {1970-01-01},

journal = {Meteor Forschungsergeb.},

volume = {5},

number = {498},

pages = {11-52},

abstract = {In the present paper, the ecology and feeding habits of euphausiids are described. The samples were taken at the time of the NE-monsoon (1964/65) by R. V. 'Meteor' in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters. 24 spp were determined. According to distribution of the spp, the following marine areas can be distinguished: Arabian Sea: 24 spp, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. tenera, E. distinguenda,  Stylocheiron carinatum. Gulf of Aden: 1 0 spp, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda.  Red Sea: 6 spp, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguena. Gulf of Oman: 5 spp, dominant are Euphausia distinguenda, Pseudeuphausia latifrons. Persian Gulf: 1 sp- Pseudeuphausia latifrons. The total number of euphausiids indicate the biomass of this group. High densities of euphausiids (200-299 and > 300 individuals/l00 m super(3)) occur in the innermost part of  the Gulf of Aden, in the area south of the Euqator near the African east coast, near Karachi (Indian west coast) and in the Persian Gulf.   Comparison with data relating to production biology confirms that these are eutrophic zones which coincide with areas in which upwelling occurs at the time of the NE-monsoon. The central part of the Arabian Sea differs from adjacent waters by virtue of less dense euphasiid populations (>199 individuals/lOO m super(3)). Measurements relating to production biology demonstrate a relatively low concentration of primary food sources. Food material was ascertained by analysis of stomach content. The following omnivorous species were examined: Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda, E. tenera, Pseudeuphausia latifronts and Thysanopoda tricuspidata. Apart from crustacean remains large numbers  of Foraminifera, Radiolaria, tintinnids, dinoflagellates were found in the stomachs. Quantitatively crustaceans form the most important item in the diet. Food selection on the basis of size an form appears to be restricted to certain genera of tintinnids. The genera Stylocheiron and Nematoscelis are predators. Only crustacean remains were found in the stomachs of Stylocheiron abbreviatum, whereas Radiolaria, Foraminifera and tintinnids occurred to some extent in Nematoscelis sp. Different euphauisiids occupy different positions in the food chain in the Arabian Sea. In omnivorous species the position is variable, since they not only feed by filtering autotrophic and heterotrophic Protista, but also by predation on zooplankton. Carnivorous spp without filtering apparatus feed exclusively on zooolankton of the size of copepods. Only these spp are well established as occupying a higher position in food chain. The parasrtlc protozoan Thalassomyces fagei was found on Euphausia diomedeae, E. tenera, E. distinguenda and E. sanzoi.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, biology, density, diet, Distribution, ecology, Euphausiid, feeding, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, marine, Oman, population, populations, predation, Red Sea, Upwelling, zooplankton},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Remarks on the distribution and migration of whales},

author = {Slijper,E.J.,Van Utrecht,W.L.,Naaktgeboren,C.},

year  = {1964},

date = {1964-01-01},

journal = {Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde},

volume = {34},

number = {475},

pages = {4-86},

abstract = {The authors gained the cooperation of the Netherlands Association of Ship Owners and the Royal Netherlands Navy in a project to collect all whale sightings from vessels sailing around the globe between 1954 and 1957. A total of 4500 reports of 11,000 animals were received, with the majority of observations coming from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Vessels were given identification guides and all reported observations were scored on the perceived reliability of the identification.  All Rorqual whales were grouped together, and a further distinction was made between humpback, sperm, right whales and "little piked whales" (minke whales).  Sightings were plotted in 10 degree squares according to number of whales observed per 1000 hours steamed in daylight.  Special attention is given to the observations of Captain W.F.J. Morzer Bruins, who the authors describe as a keen naturalist whose observations hold more credibility than those of others.  His observations in the Indian Ocean include a high number of sperm whales off the southern coast of Oman and the Gulf of Aden in January-March and April-June, a scattering of stranded blue and fin whales along the W coast of India, and only 2 stranded and 2 live humpback whales (strandings both in India, and live sightings near Yemen/Oman border? and off S tip of India (near Maldives?).  The larger number of compiled sightings from vessels are presented by species.  Rorqual sightings were plentiful in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and Pakistan, and in the Arabian Gulf (but not as plentiful as they were in the area between 30 and 40 degrees S.  The author concludes that the majority of the whales observed in the NIO do not belong to the Southern Hemisphere stock, but suggests that they migrate from the North Pacific through the Indonesian Archipelago and the Strait Malaya (despite very few observations here).  He briefly considers, but discards as unlikely, the hypothesis of a resident NIO stock.The total number of humpback whale sightings in the IO amounted to 500 (compared to 1618 rorqual sightings and 799 "whale" sightings).  The majority of animals were observed in coastal waters, and NIO sightings were generally concentrated in the months of Aug-Nov and Jan-April.  some of the highest recorded densities in the NIO are off of Pakistan  in the months of March, Aug, Oct, and December, but it is not clear how closely related this is to observer effort.  Observations are very few in May, June, July and September, and the authors do not link this to the monsoon -but rather conclude that the whales are not present at that time. Although few calves were observed in the NIO, those that were observed, were all observed in November, January or September (but no indication is given of calf size). The authors conclude that this is evidence that the observed whales do not belong to the S. Hem stock, but are more likely from the N.Pacific, despite the fact that there are "no sightings of humpbacks in the south China Sea or the Indonesian Archipelago that could support this assumption".  Sperm whales were observed with regularity throughout the year in the NIO, but in lower densities than Rorquals.  A low number of sightings in the NIO during summer months again leads the author to conclude that the animals either migrate South or to the N. Pacific.  This species, according to the authors is always associated with areas of high productivity.Minke whales were recorded in low densities in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Pakistan, but not in the central or Northern coasts of Oman.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Atlantic, density, Distribution, fin whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Maldives, migration, minke whale, minke whales, North Pacific, Oman, Pakistan, productivity, right whale, right whales, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, Strandings, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Whales observed in the Indian Ocean: notes on their distribution},

author = {Brown,S.G.},

year  = {1957},

date = {1957-01-01},

journal = {The Marine Observer},

volume = {27},

number = {339},

pages = {157-165},

abstract = {The paper provides a summary of the results of a questionnaire put to merchant ships and other vessels, 80 of which provided their track data.  These vessels apparently had someone on watch during all daylight hours and reported all their cetacean sightings.  The authors feel confident that while some sightings could not be identified to species level, a distinction could be drawn between sperm, humpback and "rorqual" whales.  The "search effort" and sightings of the ships are plotted in the paper, with the majority of search effort and a high concentration of sightings occurring in the Gulf of Aden and S coast of Oman.  Only two humpback whale sightings are recorded for the Northern Arabian sea - one near the horn of Africa/Somalia, and one near Sharbitat/Likbe.  An additional string 4 of humpback whale sightings are recorded off the SW coast of India in the region of the Laccadive Islands.The author himself concludes: "There is apparently no great difference in the overall density of the large whale populations per unit area north and south of the equator. The highest concentrations of whales in the Indian Ocean occur in the Gulf of Aden and its approaches, the Arabian Sea and in the zone between South Africa and Australia. The least concentration is found in the Central Indian Ocean.  In summer the concentration of baleen whales in the Antarctic is very many times greater than in the Indian Ocean but there is much less difference in winter . The number of sperm whales in the ocean as a whole seems not to outnumber that of the different species of baleen whales combined. Humpback whales and rorquals are found unexpectedly far north, on the supposition that they all belong to the southern hemisphere populations. Rorquals have been observed right across the 30ø to 40ø S. zone between South Africa and Australia where ships might be expected to intercept them occasionally during their migrations."},

keywords = {Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Australia, baleen whales, Central Indian Ocean, cetacean, density, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Oman, population, South Africa, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}