Searchable database of publications - Arabian Sea Whale Network

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

Cetacean bycatch in Indian Ocean tuna gillnet fisheries Journal Article

In: Endangered Species Research, vol. 41, no. 292, pp. 39-53, 2020, ISSN: 1863-5407.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bycatch, Estimates, Extrapolation, Gill net, gillnet, Indian Ocean, mortality, Observer programmes, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Trends, tuna fishery

@article{,

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

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

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

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

issn = {1863-5407},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Endangered Species Research},

volume = {41},

number = {292},

pages = {39-53},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Blount, D.,Minton, G.,Khan, Christin B.,Levenson, Jacob,Dulau, Violaine,Gero, S.,Parham, J.,Holmberg, Jason

Flukebook – Continuing growth and technical advancement for cetacean photo identification and data archiving, including automated fin, fluke, and body matching Technical Report

Document presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission no. 330, 2020.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Artificial intelligence, Flukebook, humpback dolphin, Humpback Whale, Indian Ocean, matching, megaptera novaeangliae, methodology, Oman, photo identification, Sousa chinensis

@techreport{,

title = {Flukebook – Continuing growth and technical advancement for cetacean photo identification and data archiving, including automated fin, fluke, and body matching},

author = {Blount, D.,Minton, G.,Khan, Christin B.,Levenson, Jacob,Dulau, Violaine,Gero, S.,Parham, J.,Holmberg, Jason},

url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sc_68b_ph_06_flukebook-developments-incl-aswn-and-indocet-1.pdf},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

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

number = {330},

pages = {13},

publisher = {IWC},

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

abstract = {Flukebook (flukebook.org) is a non-profit, open source cetacean data archiving and

photo-identification tool developed under the larger Wildbook platform (wildbook.org) that uses

computer vision and machine learning to facilitate automated identification of individual animals

in the wild. In 2016, the IWC approved funding for the development of a regional data platform

for the Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) to be implemented in collaboration with Wild Me

(wildme.org), the software and machine learning developers of Flukebook. This foundational

collaboration expanded the capabilities of Flukebook and served as the springboard for

subsequent years of growth in data and usage (e.g., by regional consortiums), as well as

significant technical improvements in 2019-2020 in the application of computer vision and

machine learning, specifically for North Atlantic and Southern right whales, humpback whales,

sperm whales, and multiple species of dolphins. Ongoing improvements in our community

support model and technical advances are bringing together industry, governmental, and NGO

collaborators in a global-scale platform for cetacean research.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Artificial intelligence, Flukebook, humpback dolphin, Humpback Whale, Indian Ocean, matching, megaptera novaeangliae, methodology, Oman, photo identification, Sousa chinensis},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

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

A Stranding Record of Dwarf Sperm Whale Kogia sima in Lakshadweep Archipelago, India and its Genetic Analogy by Molecular Phylogeny Journal Article

In: Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences, vol. 35, no. 13, pp. 239-245, 2019, ISBN: 2366-1674.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, India, Indian Ocean, kogia, kogia simus, stranding

IWC

Report of the IWC Workshop on Bycatch Mitigation Opportunities in the Western Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea Technical Report

International Whaling Commission no. 124, 2019, ISSN: BMI workshop report 05-19.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Bycatch, Entanglement, Indian Ocean, International Whaling Commission, IOTC, mitigation, Pinger

@techreport{,

title = {Report of the IWC Workshop on Bycatch Mitigation Opportunities in the Western Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea},

author = {IWC},

url = {https://archive.iwc.int/pages/view.php?ref=9612&k=},

issn = {BMI workshop report 05-19},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

number = {124},

pages = {56},

publisher = {International Whaling Commission},

institution = {International Whaling Commission},

abstract = {The International Whaling Commission (IWC) held a technical workshop on Bycatch Mitigation

Opportunities in the Western Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea from 8-9 May 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. The

workshop was attended by 50 participants working in 17 different countries, with half of the

participants coming from within the Indian Ocean region. Workshop participants included national

government officials working in marine conservation and fisheries management, cetacean and

fisheries researchers, fisheries technologists, socio-economists and representatives from Regional

Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), inter- and non-governmental organisations. The focal

region of the workshop extended from South Africa, north to the Arabian Sea and east to Sri Lanka,

including coastal areas, national waters and high seas. The primary objectives of the workshop were

to (i) develop a broad-scale picture of cetacean bycatch across the North and Western Indian Ocean

region in both artisanal and commercial fisheries; (ii) explore the challenges and opportunities related

to the monitoring and mitigation of cetacean bycatch in the western and northern Indian Ocean

(Arabian Sea); (iii) identify key gaps in knowledge and capacity within the region and tools needed

address these gaps; (iv) introduce the Bycatch Mitigation Initiative (BMI) to Indian Ocean stakeholders

and assess how the initiative can be of use; (v) identify potential locations which could serve as BMI

pilot projects; (vi) start building collaborations to tackle bycatch at national, regional and international

level.

Presentations included the status of bycatch knowledge at the Indian Ocean scale and current tools

available to assess, monitor and tackle cetacean bycatch. A panel discussion and breakout group

sessions allowed for more in-depth discussion of the knowledge, gaps and challenges to addressing

bycatch shared across the region. Priority areas where cetacean bycatch is known to be occurring –

or considered likely to be occurring - were identified across the region (see summary map below).

The workshop recognised that bycatch is one of the most significant threats to cetacean species and

populations in the Indian Ocean region and concluded that there was an urgent need to raise

awareness of cetacean bycatch at local, national, regional and international scales. The best available

information suggests that very high numbers of animals are caught in medium-scale tuna gillnet

fisheries in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea region. Furthermore, despite the general lack of data on

cetacean bycatch regionally, it is likely that high numbers of cetaceans, including vulnerable species

and populations, are caught in the extensive coastal artisanal and small-scale fisheries (net, trap and

line) across the region. The workshop concluded that within the Indian Ocean region there was a need

to focus on gillnets (set and drifting) as the fishing gear most likely to be causing the highest and most

significant bycatch of cetaceans, and for which few effective solutions currently exist.

It was recognised that cetacean bycatch is generally very poorly documented in the region and that

this presents a major barrier to understanding the scale of the issue and making progress towards

bycatch reduction. The workshop concluded that a more systematic assessment of bycatch

information is critical, particularly for small-scale and medium-scale fisheries. 



A number of common barriers to tackling bycatch were identified, including: under-reporting of

bycatch by fishers; lack of standardised monitoring programmes which are suitable and financially

viable for small-medium-scale vessels; lack of capacity to carry out bycatch monitoring and reduction

programmes; lack of reporting through RFMOs; lack of sustainable funding to carry out bycatch

reduction programmes; lack of awareness and political will to tackle the issue; lack of capacity and

clarity at national level on the steps, tools and approaches to tackle bycatch; lack of baseline

information on cetacean distribution and abundance; and lack of technical solutions proven to work

on the fisheries in the region.

Given the prevalence of small to medium-scale fisheries using passive fishing gears (gillnets, traps, etc)

across the Indian Ocean region, and the lack of financially viable and effective mitigation solutions for

these gears, the workshop concluded that further work to develop and trial low-cost and low-tech

solutions was urgently needed. The utility of existing tools and approaches for assessing and 

8

monitoring bycatch in the numerous small to medium-scale fleets was also recognised, including rapid

bycatch risk assessments, remote electronic monitoring and crew-based observer schemes. The

workshop concluded that bycatch reduction efforts should aim to apply multi-disciplinary and multitaxa approaches wherever possible.

The workshop recognised the need for strong collaboration with fishing communities and the

importance of integrating and collecting information on socio-economic aspects of bycatch into

bycatch reduction programmes. Direct engagement with the seafood supply chain, certification

schemes and the culinary community can be a part of rewarding fishers who are working to reduce

bycatch, thereby incentivising participation in bycatch mitigation programs. The workshop concluded

that bycatch reduction programmes should aim, as far as is possible, to support the livelihoods of

fishing communities, and that this should also be considered when exploring options for alternative

livelihoods. It was also recognised that within this region that cetaceans can be the target of directed

catch, or that incidentally caught cetaceans can be used as bait or food, meaning that the term

‘bycatch’ is less well defined.

The workshop participants acknowledged the vital role for Regional Fisheries Management

Organisations (RFMOs) in tackling bycatch and that raising the profile of cetacean bycatch, and the

need to address it, within the context of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), and the Southwest

Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and their contracting parties should be prioritised. It

recognised that underreporting of bycatch at IOTC remains a challenge. The workshop concluded that

there was an opportunity for the BMI to act as a catalyst to ensure more engagement on cetacean

bycatch and to communicate the relevant research priorities at future meetings.

The workshop noted that the regional focus of the meeting had helped collate existing information on

bycatch and that such an approach was potentially useful for other regions. It agreed that until now

there had not been an international body to champion cetacean bycatch mitigation, and that the IWC’s

Bycatch Mitigation Initiative could collaborate with and where appropriate assist other organisations,

RFMOs and national governments interested in tackling bycatch in a number of ways. The suggested

role and activities for the BMI includes the collaborative development of a regional road map for

tackling cetacean bycatch and a framework for more sustainable funding of bycatch work,

strengthened engagement with RFMOs in the region (e.g. IOTC and SWIOFC) and the provision of

training and technical assistance and development of toolboxes. These activities are envisaged as part

of a collaboration between the IWC and other relevant bodies and organisations that are already

working to tackle bycatch (e.g. the FAO, RFMOs, other IGOs and NGOs) and relevant national

governments and experts.

In light of these conclusions the workshop made the following recommendations as the next steps

across the region in order to progress cetacean bycatch reduction efforts. },

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bycatch, Entanglement, Indian Ocean, International Whaling Commission, IOTC, mitigation, Pinger},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) held a technical workshop on Bycatch Mitigation
Opportunities in the Western Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea from 8-9 May 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. The
workshop was attended by 50 participants working in 17 different countries, with half of the
participants coming from within the Indian Ocean region. Workshop participants included national
government officials working in marine conservation and fisheries management, cetacean and
fisheries researchers, fisheries technologists, socio-economists and representatives from Regional
Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), inter- and non-governmental organisations. The focal
region of the workshop extended from South Africa, north to the Arabian Sea and east to Sri Lanka,
including coastal areas, national waters and high seas. The primary objectives of the workshop were
to (i) develop a broad-scale picture of cetacean bycatch across the North and Western Indian Ocean
region in both artisanal and commercial fisheries; (ii) explore the challenges and opportunities related
to the monitoring and mitigation of cetacean bycatch in the western and northern Indian Ocean
(Arabian Sea); (iii) identify key gaps in knowledge and capacity within the region and tools needed
address these gaps; (iv) introduce the Bycatch Mitigation Initiative (BMI) to Indian Ocean stakeholders
and assess how the initiative can be of use; (v) identify potential locations which could serve as BMI
pilot projects; (vi) start building collaborations to tackle bycatch at national, regional and international
level.
Presentations included the status of bycatch knowledge at the Indian Ocean scale and current tools
available to assess, monitor and tackle cetacean bycatch. A panel discussion and breakout group
sessions allowed for more in-depth discussion of the knowledge, gaps and challenges to addressing
bycatch shared across the region. Priority areas where cetacean bycatch is known to be occurring –
or considered likely to be occurring - were identified across the region (see summary map below).
The workshop recognised that bycatch is one of the most significant threats to cetacean species and
populations in the Indian Ocean region and concluded that there was an urgent need to raise
awareness of cetacean bycatch at local, national, regional and international scales. The best available
information suggests that very high numbers of animals are caught in medium-scale tuna gillnet
fisheries in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea region. Furthermore, despite the general lack of data on
cetacean bycatch regionally, it is likely that high numbers of cetaceans, including vulnerable species
and populations, are caught in the extensive coastal artisanal and small-scale fisheries (net, trap and
line) across the region. The workshop concluded that within the Indian Ocean region there was a need
to focus on gillnets (set and drifting) as the fishing gear most likely to be causing the highest and most
significant bycatch of cetaceans, and for which few effective solutions currently exist.
It was recognised that cetacean bycatch is generally very poorly documented in the region and that
this presents a major barrier to understanding the scale of the issue and making progress towards
bycatch reduction. The workshop concluded that a more systematic assessment of bycatch
information is critical, particularly for small-scale and medium-scale fisheries.

A number of common barriers to tackling bycatch were identified, including: under-reporting of
bycatch by fishers; lack of standardised monitoring programmes which are suitable and financially
viable for small-medium-scale vessels; lack of capacity to carry out bycatch monitoring and reduction
programmes; lack of reporting through RFMOs; lack of sustainable funding to carry out bycatch
reduction programmes; lack of awareness and political will to tackle the issue; lack of capacity and
clarity at national level on the steps, tools and approaches to tackle bycatch; lack of baseline
information on cetacean distribution and abundance; and lack of technical solutions proven to work
on the fisheries in the region.
Given the prevalence of small to medium-scale fisheries using passive fishing gears (gillnets, traps, etc)
across the Indian Ocean region, and the lack of financially viable and effective mitigation solutions for
these gears, the workshop concluded that further work to develop and trial low-cost and low-tech
solutions was urgently needed. The utility of existing tools and approaches for assessing and
8
monitoring bycatch in the numerous small to medium-scale fleets was also recognised, including rapid
bycatch risk assessments, remote electronic monitoring and crew-based observer schemes. The
workshop concluded that bycatch reduction efforts should aim to apply multi-disciplinary and multitaxa approaches wherever possible.
The workshop recognised the need for strong collaboration with fishing communities and the
importance of integrating and collecting information on socio-economic aspects of bycatch into
bycatch reduction programmes. Direct engagement with the seafood supply chain, certification
schemes and the culinary community can be a part of rewarding fishers who are working to reduce
bycatch, thereby incentivising participation in bycatch mitigation programs. The workshop concluded
that bycatch reduction programmes should aim, as far as is possible, to support the livelihoods of
fishing communities, and that this should also be considered when exploring options for alternative
livelihoods. It was also recognised that within this region that cetaceans can be the target of directed
catch, or that incidentally caught cetaceans can be used as bait or food, meaning that the term
‘bycatch’ is less well defined.
The workshop participants acknowledged the vital role for Regional Fisheries Management
Organisations (RFMOs) in tackling bycatch and that raising the profile of cetacean bycatch, and the
need to address it, within the context of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), and the Southwest
Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and their contracting parties should be prioritised. It
recognised that underreporting of bycatch at IOTC remains a challenge. The workshop concluded that
there was an opportunity for the BMI to act as a catalyst to ensure more engagement on cetacean
bycatch and to communicate the relevant research priorities at future meetings.
The workshop noted that the regional focus of the meeting had helped collate existing information on
bycatch and that such an approach was potentially useful for other regions. It agreed that until now
there had not been an international body to champion cetacean bycatch mitigation, and that the IWC’s
Bycatch Mitigation Initiative could collaborate with and where appropriate assist other organisations,
RFMOs and national governments interested in tackling bycatch in a number of ways. The suggested
role and activities for the BMI includes the collaborative development of a regional road map for
tackling cetacean bycatch and a framework for more sustainable funding of bycatch work,
strengthened engagement with RFMOs in the region (e.g. IOTC and SWIOFC) and the provision of
training and technical assistance and development of toolboxes. These activities are envisaged as part
of a collaboration between the IWC and other relevant bodies and organisations that are already
working to tackle bycatch (e.g. the FAO, RFMOs, other IGOs and NGOs) and relevant national
governments and experts.
In light of these conclusions the workshop made the following recommendations as the next steps
across the region in order to progress cetacean bycatch reduction efforts.

Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,Baldwin, R.,Bonato, M,Collins, T.,Di Clemente, J.,Dulau, Violaine,Estrade, Vanessa,Latha, G,Minton, A. Gianna.,Sarrouf Willson, M.

Geographic variation in song indicates both isolation of Arabian Sea humpback whales and presence of Southern Hemisphere whales off Oman Technical Report

no. 342, 2018, ISSN: IWC/SC67B/CMP19.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Humpback Whale, India, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, population structure, Reunion, song

@techreport{,

title = {Geographic variation in song indicates both isolation of Arabian Sea humpback whales and presence of Southern Hemisphere whales off Oman},

author = {Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,Baldwin, R.,Bonato, M,Collins, T.,Di Clemente, J.,Dulau, Violaine,Estrade, Vanessa,Latha, G,Minton, A. Gianna.,Sarrouf Willson, M.},

url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sc_67b_cmp_19_oman-humpback-whale-song-analysis-and-comparison-1.pdf},

issn = {IWC/SC67B/CMP19},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

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

number = {342},

pages = {31},

publisher = {International Whaling Commission},

abstract = {Existing genetic, demographic and behavioral evidence indicates that Arabian Sea humpback whales

represent an isolated and unique population. The population exhibits a Northern Hemisphere breeding

cycle, is believed to feed year-round, and lacks the typical latitudinal migrations and seasonal separation

of breeding and feeding ecology exhibited by other populations of humpback whales globally. A key

feature of humpback whale breeding behavior is the male acoustic breeding display, song, studied

extensively around the world. Key characteristics of humpback whale song include: all males within a

population share the same song patterns (phrases); a population’s song changes progressively over time;

and populations that do not overlap or exchange individuals have distinctly different songs, whereas

populations in contact share some or all phrases. Here we use long-term acoustic monitoring off the coast

of Oman to further assess the isolation of the Arabian Sea population. A total of 76 samples (amounting

to 4,434 minutes of recording) of Arabian Sea song collected between 2011 and 2013 were examined, and

phrase content was characterized and compared to 23 samples (totaling 202 min of recording) collected

during the same years in the Southwest Indian Ocean from Reunion Island and the Comoros Islands. Song

from the Arabian Sea and the Southwest Indian Ocean was distinct across the entire study period, with no

evidence for shared phrases in any year. In addition, song fragments recorded off western India in 2011

were composed of two phrases present in the Oman song, suggesting continuity across the Arabian Sea.

Moreover, the Arabian Sea song exhibited a markedly atypical low level of temporal variation, with song

phrases remaining virtually unchanged during the three examined breeding seasons. Notably, Southwest

Indian Ocean song was recorded off the coast of Oman in August 2012 (Boreal summer, Austral winter).

This song was recorded on multiple days and included multiple simultaneous singers over a 25 day period

indicating the presence of more than a single accidental vagrant Southern Hemisphere animal. We suggest

that these Southern songs were produced by Southwest Indian Ocean animals moving into the Arabian

Sea, and that this may be more common than is currently thought. The low level of temporal variation

shown by the Arabian Sea males along with the lack of adoption of the Southwest Indian Ocean song

material, further indicate the uniqueness and distinct nature of this population. It seems possible that

isolation mechanisms exist that may inhibit the mixing of the Arabian Sea population with Southern

Hemisphere animals, and that this may be reflected in the observed atypical song behavior.},

keywords = {Humpback Whale, India, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, population structure, Reunion, song},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

Existing genetic, demographic and behavioral evidence indicates that Arabian Sea humpback whales
represent an isolated and unique population. The population exhibits a Northern Hemisphere breeding
cycle, is believed to feed year-round, and lacks the typical latitudinal migrations and seasonal separation
of breeding and feeding ecology exhibited by other populations of humpback whales globally. A key
feature of humpback whale breeding behavior is the male acoustic breeding display, song, studied
extensively around the world. Key characteristics of humpback whale song include: all males within a
population share the same song patterns (phrases); a population’s song changes progressively over time;
and populations that do not overlap or exchange individuals have distinctly different songs, whereas
populations in contact share some or all phrases. Here we use long-term acoustic monitoring off the coast
of Oman to further assess the isolation of the Arabian Sea population. A total of 76 samples (amounting
to 4,434 minutes of recording) of Arabian Sea song collected between 2011 and 2013 were examined, and
phrase content was characterized and compared to 23 samples (totaling 202 min of recording) collected
during the same years in the Southwest Indian Ocean from Reunion Island and the Comoros Islands. Song
from the Arabian Sea and the Southwest Indian Ocean was distinct across the entire study period, with no
evidence for shared phrases in any year. In addition, song fragments recorded off western India in 2011
were composed of two phrases present in the Oman song, suggesting continuity across the Arabian Sea.
Moreover, the Arabian Sea song exhibited a markedly atypical low level of temporal variation, with song
phrases remaining virtually unchanged during the three examined breeding seasons. Notably, Southwest
Indian Ocean song was recorded off the coast of Oman in August 2012 (Boreal summer, Austral winter).
This song was recorded on multiple days and included multiple simultaneous singers over a 25 day period
indicating the presence of more than a single accidental vagrant Southern Hemisphere animal. We suggest
that these Southern songs were produced by Southwest Indian Ocean animals moving into the Arabian
Sea, and that this may be more common than is currently thought. The low level of temporal variation
shown by the Arabian Sea males along with the lack of adoption of the Southwest Indian Ocean song
material, further indicate the uniqueness and distinct nature of this population. It seems possible that
isolation mechanisms exist that may inhibit the mixing of the Arabian Sea population with Southern
Hemisphere animals, and that this may be reflected in the observed atypical song behavior.

Rabearisoa, Njaratiana,Sabarros, Philippe S.,Romanov, Evgeny V.,Lucas, Vincent,Bach, Pascal

Toothed whale and shark depredation indicators: A case study from the Reunion Island and Seychelles pelagic longline fisheries Journal Article

In: PLOS ONE, vol. 13, no. 440, pp. e0202037, 2018.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bycatch, depredation, Indian Ocean, longline, Reunion, Seychelles

@article{,

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

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

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

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {PLOS ONE},

volume = {13},

number = {440},

pages = {e0202037},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

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

Braulik, G.,Findlay, K,Cerchio, S,Baldwin, R,Perrin, W.

Sousa plumbea Book

e.T82031633A82031644. Downloaded on 10 December 2017., 2017.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Bycatch, conservation status, humpback dolphin, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa plumbea, Threat assessment

@book{,

title = {Sousa plumbea},

author = {Braulik, G.,Findlay, K,Cerchio, S,Baldwin, R,Perrin, W.},

year = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species},

number = {49},

publisher = {e.T82031633A82031644. Downloaded on 10 December 2017.},

abstract = {Endangered: Justification:

In the places where studies have occurred, Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin subpopulations were found to be small: always fewer than 500 and generally fewer than 100 individuals in discrete, or semi-isolated areas. Humpback dolphins have one of the most specific habitat preferences and restricted distributions of any marine megafauna, and both of these characteristics are well known to reduce the resilience of species to environmental change and anthropogenic threats and to increase their extinction risk (Davidson et al. 2011, Dulvy et al. 2014, Purvis et al. 2000). Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins are concentrated in coastal waters within 2 km of shore and they are often sighted only a few hundred meters from land. This distribution places them in exactly the same location as the majority of small-scale fishing effort prevalent throughout their range in the same nearshore habitat. As a result, humpback dolphins encounter large numbers of coastal gillnets and are at high risk of entanglement. High and clearly unsustainable mortality rates have been reported from several areas and frequent encounters with fishing gear can be inferred from the high degree of scarring and injury—for example, 41% of individuals in Pemba, Tanzania bore gear-related scars (Braulik unpub. data). Although information on population size, threats and mortality is available only for portions of the species range, there are strong reasons to suspect and infer that the threats will be similar or possibly even more intense elsewhere.

The deaths of only 4.2 individuals per year from a population of 100 would result in a 50% decline (Moore 2015). The available evidence on the studied subpopulations in South Africa and all indications from elsewhere in the range suggest that mortality rates are consistently at or above the rate that would result in a 50% decline in 75 years (three generations). The species’ preferred habitat and small populations overlap in both space and time with several ubiquitous and pervasive threats that are increasing in severity, leaving no refuges for these dolphins. The threats are serious enough in a large enough proportion of the total species range that a range-wide decline of at least 50% over three generations spanning both the past and the future (about 75 years, from 1960 (the start of intensive mono-filament gillnetting in this region) to 2035) is suspected and inferred and the causes of the decline (bycatch and hunting [both considered here to constitute ‘exploitation’], decline in habitat quality and possibly pollution) have not ceased. Therefore, the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin qualifies for Endangered A4cd.

The factor primarily responsible for the decline is incidental mortality in small-scale coastal fisheries, but the loss, degradation and pollution of habitat in numerous coastal areas is a contributing and increasing factor. The threats have not been mitigated anywhere in the species’ range, even though threat levels are increasing virtually everywhere. All evidence suggests that threats and declines will continue and are likely to increase in the future and worldwide there are almost no examples where cetacean bycatch in small-scale artisanal fisheries has been successfully addressed. Alternative methods for small-scale fisheries to replace gillnets are not generally available. Therefore, the species also qualifies for Endangered 3cd as a decline of over 50% can be projected to occur over the next three generations (75 years from 2016 to 2091). It also qualifies for Endangered A2cd as a decline of over 50% is suspected over the last 75 years beginning with the expansion of the use of gillnets in global marine fisheries from around the end of the Second World War up to the present day.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bycatch, conservation status, humpback dolphin, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa plumbea, Threat assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {book}

}

Endangered: Justification:
In the places where studies have occurred, Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin subpopulations were found to be small: always fewer than 500 and generally fewer than 100 individuals in discrete, or semi-isolated areas. Humpback dolphins have one of the most specific habitat preferences and restricted distributions of any marine megafauna, and both of these characteristics are well known to reduce the resilience of species to environmental change and anthropogenic threats and to increase their extinction risk (Davidson et al. 2011, Dulvy et al. 2014, Purvis et al. 2000). Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins are concentrated in coastal waters within 2 km of shore and they are often sighted only a few hundred meters from land. This distribution places them in exactly the same location as the majority of small-scale fishing effort prevalent throughout their range in the same nearshore habitat. As a result, humpback dolphins encounter large numbers of coastal gillnets and are at high risk of entanglement. High and clearly unsustainable mortality rates have been reported from several areas and frequent encounters with fishing gear can be inferred from the high degree of scarring and injury—for example, 41% of individuals in Pemba, Tanzania bore gear-related scars (Braulik unpub. data). Although information on population size, threats and mortality is available only for portions of the species range, there are strong reasons to suspect and infer that the threats will be similar or possibly even more intense elsewhere.

The deaths of only 4.2 individuals per year from a population of 100 would result in a 50% decline (Moore 2015). The available evidence on the studied subpopulations in South Africa and all indications from elsewhere in the range suggest that mortality rates are consistently at or above the rate that would result in a 50% decline in 75 years (three generations). The species’ preferred habitat and small populations overlap in both space and time with several ubiquitous and pervasive threats that are increasing in severity, leaving no refuges for these dolphins. The threats are serious enough in a large enough proportion of the total species range that a range-wide decline of at least 50% over three generations spanning both the past and the future (about 75 years, from 1960 (the start of intensive mono-filament gillnetting in this region) to 2035) is suspected and inferred and the causes of the decline (bycatch and hunting [both considered here to constitute ‘exploitation’], decline in habitat quality and possibly pollution) have not ceased. Therefore, the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin qualifies for Endangered A4cd.

The factor primarily responsible for the decline is incidental mortality in small-scale coastal fisheries, but the loss, degradation and pollution of habitat in numerous coastal areas is a contributing and increasing factor. The threats have not been mitigated anywhere in the species’ range, even though threat levels are increasing virtually everywhere. All evidence suggests that threats and declines will continue and are likely to increase in the future and worldwide there are almost no examples where cetacean bycatch in small-scale artisanal fisheries has been successfully addressed. Alternative methods for small-scale fisheries to replace gillnets are not generally available. Therefore, the species also qualifies for Endangered 3cd as a decline of over 50% can be projected to occur over the next three generations (75 years from 2016 to 2091). It also qualifies for Endangered A2cd as a decline of over 50% is suspected over the last 75 years beginning with the expansion of the use of gillnets in global marine fisheries from around the end of the Second World War up to the present day.

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

In: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, no. 381, 2017, ISBN: 1055-7903.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: bottlenose dolphin, conservation, Indian Ocean, Phylogeography, Pleistocene, taxonomy, tursiops aduncus

Jefferson, T.,Smith, B.D.,Braulik, G.,Perrin, W.

Sousa chinensis Book

e.T82031633A82031644. Downloaded on 10 December 2017., 2017.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Bycatch, conservation status, humpback dolphin, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa plumbea, Threat assessment

@book{,

title = {Sousa chinensis},

author = {Jefferson, T.,Smith, B.D.,Braulik, G.,Perrin, W.},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species},

number = {126},

publisher = {e.T82031633A82031644. Downloaded on 10 December 2017.},

abstract = {Vulnerable: Justification:

The only available population trend estimate for S. chinensis is an estimated 2.46% annual decline in the size of the subpopulation in HK/PRE (Huang et al. 2012), where there are a number of marine parks and reserves in place for dolphin protection, and where the Hong Kong authorities have put more effort into impact assessment and management than in any other part of the species’ range (see Jefferson et al. 2009). The situation elsewhere appears to be more dire, with fisheries bycatch being a nearly-universal threat. Population reductions of at least 3.7% per annum (see below for information that human-caused mortality rates of 3.7% would lead to a 30% decline in abundance over three generations) can therefore be inferred over most of the species’ range, due to known incidental mortality from intensive fishing effort using entangling gears, and ongoing habitat loss and degradation due to coastal development. Vessel collisions and environmental contamination appear to be factors as well, in at least some parts of the range. The above inference is supported in several areas by direct and/or indirect evidence, including documentation of bycatch, the intensive use of gillnets and other fishing gears known to entangle small cetaceans, interviews with fishermen who use entangling gears, and the abandonment of areas of previous occupancy (see Xu et al. 2015). 



The Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin therefore qualifies for Vulnerable A3cd+4cd, based on an inferred population size reduction, where subcriterion c is interpreted as quality of habitat, and subcriterion d (actual or potential levels of exploitation) includes fisheries bycatch. We can infer a population reduction of greater than or equal to 30% over three generations (75 years), from approximately 1960 in the past to 2035 in the future. This takes into account that the main causes of the suspected/inferred decline in population size, bycatch and habitat destruction/degradation, have not ceased and are not well understood throughout most of the species’ range. Other than in Hong Kong (and to a lesser extent Taiwan), there have been virtually no conservation actions taken to address these threats, and available evidence suggests that they will continue and may even escalate in the future. The assessment of S. chinensis as Vulnerable based on criterion A3cd+4cd applies, regardless of whether or not the Bangladesh/eastern India animals are included, because it is based on population trends, rather than absolute numbers or a declining range.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bycatch, conservation status, humpback dolphin, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa plumbea, Threat assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {book}

}

Vulnerable: Justification:
The only available population trend estimate for S. chinensis is an estimated 2.46% annual decline in the size of the subpopulation in HK/PRE (Huang et al. 2012), where there are a number of marine parks and reserves in place for dolphin protection, and where the Hong Kong authorities have put more effort into impact assessment and management than in any other part of the species’ range (see Jefferson et al. 2009). The situation elsewhere appears to be more dire, with fisheries bycatch being a nearly-universal threat. Population reductions of at least 3.7% per annum (see below for information that human-caused mortality rates of 3.7% would lead to a 30% decline in abundance over three generations) can therefore be inferred over most of the species’ range, due to known incidental mortality from intensive fishing effort using entangling gears, and ongoing habitat loss and degradation due to coastal development. Vessel collisions and environmental contamination appear to be factors as well, in at least some parts of the range. The above inference is supported in several areas by direct and/or indirect evidence, including documentation of bycatch, the intensive use of gillnets and other fishing gears known to entangle small cetaceans, interviews with fishermen who use entangling gears, and the abandonment of areas of previous occupancy (see Xu et al. 2015).

The Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin therefore qualifies for Vulnerable A3cd+4cd, based on an inferred population size reduction, where subcriterion c is interpreted as quality of habitat, and subcriterion d (actual or potential levels of exploitation) includes fisheries bycatch. We can infer a population reduction of greater than or equal to 30% over three generations (75 years), from approximately 1960 in the past to 2035 in the future. This takes into account that the main causes of the suspected/inferred decline in population size, bycatch and habitat destruction/degradation, have not ceased and are not well understood throughout most of the species’ range. Other than in Hong Kong (and to a lesser extent Taiwan), there have been virtually no conservation actions taken to address these threats, and available evidence suggests that they will continue and may even escalate in the future. The assessment of S. chinensis as Vulnerable based on criterion A3cd+4cd applies, regardless of whether or not the Bangladesh/eastern India animals are included, because it is based on population trends, rather than absolute numbers or a declining range.

Escalle, L.,Capietto, A.,Chavance, P.,Dubroca, L.,Delgado De Molina, A.,Murua, H.,Gaertner, D.,Romanov, E.,Spitz, J.,Kiszka, J. J.,Floch, L.,Damiano, A.,Merigot, B.

Cetaceans and tuna purse seine fisheries in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans: interactions but few mortalities Journal Article

In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 522, no. 370, pp. 255-268, 2015.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Atlantic, Bycatch, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, purse-Seine, tuna fishery

@article{,

title = {Cetaceans and tuna purse seine fisheries in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans: interactions but few mortalities},

author = {Escalle, L.,Capietto, A.,Chavance, P.,Dubroca, L.,Delgado De Molina, A.,Murua, H.,Gaertner, D.,Romanov, E.,Spitz, J.,Kiszka, J. J.,Floch, L.,Damiano, A.,Merigot, B.},

url = {http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v522/p255-268/},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},

volume = {522},

number = {370},

pages = {255-268},

abstract = {ABSTRACT: Fisheries bycatch is considered to be one of the most significant causes of mortality for many marine species, including vulnerable megafauna. In the open ocean, tuna purse seiners are known to use several cetacean species to detect tuna schools. This exposes the cetaceans to encirclement which can lead to incidental injury or death. While interactions between fishers and cetaceans have been well documented in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, little is known about these interactions and potential mortalities in the tropical Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Here, we provide the first quantification of these interactions in both oceans by analyzing a large database of captain’s logbooks (1980 to 2011) and observations collected by onboard scientific observers (1995 to 2011). Distribution maps of sightings per unit effort highlighted main areas of relatively high co-occurrence: east of the Seychelles (December to March), the Mozambique Channel (April to May) and the offshore waters of Gabon (April to September). The percentage of cetacean-associated fishing sets was around 3% in both oceans and datasets whereas 0.6% of sets had cetaceans encircled. Of the 194 cetaceans encircled in a purse seine net (122 baleen whales, 72 delphinids), immediate apparent survival rates were high (Atlantic: 92%, Indian: 100%). Among recorded mortalities, 8 involved pantropical spotted dolphins \textit{Stenella attenuata} and 3 involved humpback whales \textit{Megaptera novaeangliae}. These high survival rates suggest that setting nets close to cetaceans has a low immediate apparent impact on the species involved. Our findings will contribute to the development of an ecosystem approach to managing fisheries and accurate cetacean conservation measures.},

keywords = {Atlantic, Bycatch, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, purse-Seine, tuna fishery},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Herath, H. M. J. C. B.,Mel, Ruvinda K. de,Kusuminda, T. G. Tharaka

Molecular Genetic Identification of Beached Whales in Sri Lanka from Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data Journal Article

In: Ceylon Journal of Science, vol. 43, no. 179, pp. 73, 2015.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, genetics, Indian Ocean, mtDNA, Sri Lanka

de Vos, A.,Pattiaratchi, C. B.,Wijeratne, E. M. S.

Surface circulation and upwelling patterns around Sri Lanka Journal Article

In: Biogeosciences, vol. 11, no. 85, pp. 5909-5930, 2014, ISBN: 1726-4189.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: currents, Indian Ocean, oceanography, productivity, remote sensing, Sri Lanka

@article{,

title = {Surface circulation and upwelling patterns around Sri Lanka},

author = {de Vos, A.,Pattiaratchi, C. B.,Wijeratne, E. M. S.},

url = {https://www.biogeosciences.net/11/5909/2014/},

issn = {1726-4189},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Biogeosciences},

volume = {11},

number = {85},

pages = {5909-5930},

publisher = {Copernicus Publications},

abstract = {Sri Lanka occupies a unique location within the equatorial belt in the northern Indian Ocean, with the Arabian Sea on its western side and the Bay of Bengal on its eastern side, and experiences bi-annually reversing monsoon winds. Aggregations of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) have been observed along the southern coast of Sri Lanka during the northeast (NE) monsoon, when satellite imagery indicates lower productivity in the surface waters. This study explored elements of the dynamics of the surface circulation and coastal upwelling in the waters around Sri Lanka using satellite imagery and numerical simulations using the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS). The model was run for 3 years to examine the seasonal and shorter-term (~10 days) variability. The results reproduced correctly the reversing current system, between the Equator and Sri Lanka, in response to the changing wind field: the eastward flowing Southwest Monsoon Current (SMC) during the southwest (SW) monsoon transporting 11.5 Sv (mean over 2010–2012) and the westward flowing Northeast Monsoon Current (NMC) transporting 9.6 Sv during the NE monsoon, respectively. A recirculation feature located to the east of Sri Lanka during the SW monsoon, the Sri Lanka Dome, is shown to result from the interaction between the SMC and the island of Sri Lanka. Along the eastern and western coasts, during both monsoon periods, flow is southward converging along the southern coast. During the SW monsoon, the island deflects the eastward flowing SMC southward, whilst along the eastern coast, the southward flow results from the Sri Lanka Dome recirculation. The major upwelling region, during both monsoon periods, is located along the southern coast, resulting from southward flow converging along the southern coast and subsequent divergence associated with the offshore transport of water. Higher surface chlorophyll concentrations were observed during the SW monsoon. The location of the flow convergence and hence the upwelling centre was dependent on the relative strengths of wind-driven flow along the eastern and western coasts: during the SW (NE) monsoon, the flow along the western (eastern) coast was stronger, migrating the upwelling centre to the east (west).},

keywords = {currents, Indian Ocean, oceanography, productivity, remote sensing, Sri Lanka},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Sri Lanka occupies a unique location within the equatorial belt in the northern Indian Ocean, with the Arabian Sea on its western side and the Bay of Bengal on its eastern side, and experiences bi-annually reversing monsoon winds. Aggregations of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) have been observed along the southern coast of Sri Lanka during the northeast (NE) monsoon, when satellite imagery indicates lower productivity in the surface waters. This study explored elements of the dynamics of the surface circulation and coastal upwelling in the waters around Sri Lanka using satellite imagery and numerical simulations using the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS). The model was run for 3 years to examine the seasonal and shorter-term (~10 days) variability. The results reproduced correctly the reversing current system, between the Equator and Sri Lanka, in response to the changing wind field: the eastward flowing Southwest Monsoon Current (SMC) during the southwest (SW) monsoon transporting 11.5 Sv (mean over 2010–2012) and the westward flowing Northeast Monsoon Current (NMC) transporting 9.6 Sv during the NE monsoon, respectively. A recirculation feature located to the east of Sri Lanka during the SW monsoon, the Sri Lanka Dome, is shown to result from the interaction between the SMC and the island of Sri Lanka. Along the eastern and western coasts, during both monsoon periods, flow is southward converging along the southern coast. During the SW monsoon, the island deflects the eastward flowing SMC southward, whilst along the eastern coast, the southward flow results from the Sri Lanka Dome recirculation. The major upwelling region, during both monsoon periods, is located along the southern coast, resulting from southward flow converging along the southern coast and subsequent divergence associated with the offshore transport of water. Higher surface chlorophyll concentrations were observed during the SW monsoon. The location of the flow convergence and hence the upwelling centre was dependent on the relative strengths of wind-driven flow along the eastern and western coasts: during the SW (NE) monsoon, the flow along the western (eastern) coast was stronger, migrating the upwelling centre to the east (west).

Nanayakkara, Ranil,de Mel, Ruvinda,Kusuminda, Tharaka,Cabral de Mel, Surendranie

Surface and dive times of the Blue Whale ( Journal Article

In: NeBIO I An international journal of environment and biodiversity, vol. Vol. 5, No. 4, no. 177, pp. 1-3, 2014.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, dive duration, dive time, feeding, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Surfacing behaviour

Nanayakkara, Ranil,Kusuminda, Tharaka,Jefferson, Thomas

Can the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin ( Journal Article

In: Aquatic Mammals, vol. 40, no. 178, pp. 398-406, 2014.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Distribution, humpback dolphin, Indian Ocean, Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, Individual identification, photo identification, population, Sousa plumbea, Sri Lanka

Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Herath, Jayampathi,de Mel, Ruvinda K.

Cetacean Presence in the Trincomalee Bay and Adjacent Waters, Sri Lanka Journal Article

In: Journal of Marine Biology, vol. 2014, no. 180, pp. 819263, 2014, ISBN: 2633-4666.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale, Distribution, diversity, Indian Ocean, Physeter macrocephalus, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, Sri Lanka, Stenella longirostris

@article{,

title = {Cetacean Presence in the Trincomalee Bay and Adjacent Waters, Sri Lanka},

author = {Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Herath, Jayampathi,de Mel, Ruvinda K.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/819263},

issn = {2633-4666},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Marine Biology},

volume = {2014},

number = {180},

pages = {819263},

publisher = {Hindawi Publishing Corporation},

abstract = {In Sri Lanka thirty species of cetaceans have been recorded to date. The canyon at Trincomalee bay is a multiple submarine canyon complex and anecdotal reports suggest that the Trincomalee bay and its adjacent waters are utilised by a number of cetacean species. Though Cetaceans are known to be abundant in the waters off Trincomalee there is a dearth of research and data pertaining to the abundance and species frequenting the Trincomalee bay and its adjacent waters. As such the current study was initiated, to get a consensus of the abundance and occurrences of species in Trincomalee Bay and its adjacent waters. Field surveys were carried out for 19 months and the research platform was a 35-foot commercial fishing vessel. 177 cetacean encounters were recorded on 67 of the 75 field days. Remarkably a total of 11 species of cetaceans which composed of two species of Baleen Whales and nine species of Toothed Whales were recorded. Delphinidae was the most common family recorded, followed by Balaenopteridae, Ziphiidae, Physeteridae, and Kogiidae. Spinner Dolphins were the most abundant cetacean owing to the large pods observed and the regularity of the sightings. They were the only species seen feeding/traveling with birds and fish (tuna). Sperm Whales, Blue Whales, and Bryde’s Whales were also relatively common. Two records of interspecific association between cetaceans were recorded. The increase in the human population in the study area has resulted in the overexploitation of marine resources which has dire repercussions on the marine mammal communities found in these waters.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale, Distribution, diversity, Indian Ocean, Physeter macrocephalus, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, Sri Lanka, Stenella longirostris},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Nanayakkara, Ranil P,Kusuminda, Tharaka,Jefferson, Thomas A

Can the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin ( Journal Article

In: Aquatic Mammals, vol. 40, no. 182, pp. 398, 2014, ISBN: 0167-5427.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, humpback dolphin, Indian Ocean, photo identification, population status, sousa, Sousa plumbea, Sri Lanka, Threat assessment

Anderson, R.C.,Branch, T.A.,Alagiyawadu, A.,Baldwin, A.L.,Marsac, F.

Seasonal distribution, movements and taxonomic status of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the northern Indian Ocean Journal Article

In: Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol. 12, no. 291, pp. 203–218, 2012.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Movements, Oman, taxonomy

@article{,

title = {Seasonal distribution, movements and taxonomic status of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the northern Indian Ocean},

author = {Anderson, R.C.,Branch, T.A.,Alagiyawadu, A.,Baldwin, A.L.,Marsac, F.},

url = {https://hal.ird.fr/ird-00777313/document},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},

volume = {12},

number = {291},

pages = {203–218},

abstract = {There is a distinct population of blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus, in the northern Indian Ocean. The taxonomic status of these animals has long

been uncertain, with debate over whether this population represents a distinct subspecies, and if so which name should apply. They have most

frequently been assigned to B. musculus brevicauda, but are currently considered to be B. m. indica. The movements of these blue whales within

the northern Indian Ocean are poorly understood. This paper reviews catches (n = 1,288), sightings (n = 448, with a minimum of 783 animals),

strandings (n = 64) and acoustic detections (n = 6 locations); uses ocean colour data to estimate seasonality of primary productivity in different

areas of the northern Indian Ocean; and develops a migration hypothesis. It is suggested that most of these whales feed in the Arabian Sea off the

coasts of Somalia and the Arabian peninsula during the period of intense upwelling associated with the southwest monsoon (from about May to

October). At the same time some blue whales also feed in the area of upwelling off the southwest coast of India and west coast of Sri Lanka. When

the southwest monsoon dies down in about October–November these upwellings cease. The blue whales then disperse more widely to eke out the

leaner months of the northeast monsoon (during about December to March) in other localised areas with seasonally high productivity. These include

the east coast of Sri Lanka, the waters west of the Maldives, the vicinity of the Indus Canyon (at least historically), and some parts of the southern

Indian Ocean. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that at least some of the blue whales that feed off the east coast of Sri Lanka in the

northeast monsoon also feed in the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon. These whales appear to migrate eastwards past the north of Maldives

and south of Sri Lanka in about December–January, returning westwards in about April–May.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Movements, Oman, taxonomy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Minton,G.,Cherchio, S.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Ersts, P.J.,Findlay,K.P.,Pomilla, C.,Bennett, D.,Meyer, M.,Razafindrakoto, Y.,Kotze, D.,Oosthuizen, H.,Leslie, M.,Andrianarivelo, N.,Baldwin,R.M.,Ponnampalam, L.,Rosenbaum, H.C.

A note on the comparison of humpback whale tail fluke catalogues from the Sultanate of Oman with Madagascar and the East African Mainland Journal Article

In: Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol. 11, no. 408, pp. 65-68, 2010.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, megaptera novaeangliae, Mozambique, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, photo-ID, population identity, South Africa

Amaral, A.R.,Beheregaray, L.B.,Sequeira, M.,Robertson, K.M.,Coelho, M.M., Möller, L.M.

Worldwide Phylogeography of the genus Delphinus revisited Technical Report

no. 7, 2009, ISBN: SC/61/SM11.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Common dolphin, delphinus capensis, Delphinus delphis, delphinus sp., genetics, Indian Ocean, taxonomy

@techreport{,

title = {Worldwide Phylogeography of the genus Delphinus revisited},

author = {Amaral, A.R.,Beheregaray, L.B.,Sequeira, M.,Robertson, K.M.,Coelho, M.M., Möller, L.M.},

issn = {SC/61/SM11},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-01-01},

journal = {Report to the Scientific Committee of the 61st meeting of the International Whaling Commisssion},

number = {7},

publisher = {International Whaling Commission},

abstract = {The genus Delphinus comprises two species and one subspecies: the short-beaked common

dolphin, Delphinus delphis (Linnaeus, 1758), distributed in continental shelf and pelagic waters of

the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the long-beaked common dolphin, D. capensis (Gray, 1828),

distributed in nearshore tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Southern Atlantic Oceans,

and the Arabian long-beaked common dolphin, D. capensis tropicalis van Bree, 1971, which

occurs in the Indian Ocean. Here we present a worldwide phylogeographic study based on

sequences of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene. A total of 279 individuals were

analysed: 211 D. delphis from the Northeast (82) and Northwest (27) Atlantic, and Northeast (28)

and Southwest (74) Pacific; 26 D. capensis from the Northeast Pacific, 18 D. capensis from the

Southeast Atlantic, and 24 D. capensis tropicalis from the Indian Ocean. Haplotype and nucleotide

diversities of most populations were high when compared with other cetacean species, which is

possibly a signature of large, long-term effective population size. Shared haplotypes between the

two common dolphin species and subspecies were found, as well as between all oceans sampled.

Fixation indices (öST and FST) show that the tropicalis and D. capensis samples from the NE

Pacific are differentiated from samples from all other regions. D. delphis from the Northeast and

Southwest Pacific also show some differentiation from samples from other regions, but with

relatively low values of fixation indices. In contrast, the median-joining network reveals clusters

of haplotypes without a clear geographical or taxonomic correspondence. Overall, these results

suggest that relatively high levels of gene flow occur between regions and possibly among

recognized species, questioning current taxonomy, confounding population history and making the

establishment of population boundaries very difficult. Several phylogeographical hypotheses for

the observed patterns are currently being tested with recently developed methods that use

coalescent models for estimating demographic parameters. Additionally, data on a powerful set of

microsatellite markers are being obtained in order to document the direction and magnitude of

events of recent gene flow between populations and oceanic regions.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Common dolphin, delphinus capensis, Delphinus delphis, delphinus sp., genetics, Indian Ocean, taxonomy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

The genus Delphinus comprises two species and one subspecies: the short-beaked common
dolphin, Delphinus delphis (Linnaeus, 1758), distributed in continental shelf and pelagic waters of
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the long-beaked common dolphin, D. capensis (Gray, 1828),
distributed in nearshore tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Southern Atlantic Oceans,
and the Arabian long-beaked common dolphin, D. capensis tropicalis van Bree, 1971, which
occurs in the Indian Ocean. Here we present a worldwide phylogeographic study based on
sequences of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene. A total of 279 individuals were
analysed: 211 D. delphis from the Northeast (82) and Northwest (27) Atlantic, and Northeast (28)
and Southwest (74) Pacific; 26 D. capensis from the Northeast Pacific, 18 D. capensis from the
Southeast Atlantic, and 24 D. capensis tropicalis from the Indian Ocean. Haplotype and nucleotide
diversities of most populations were high when compared with other cetacean species, which is
possibly a signature of large, long-term effective population size. Shared haplotypes between the
two common dolphin species and subspecies were found, as well as between all oceans sampled.
Fixation indices (öST and FST) show that the tropicalis and D. capensis samples from the NE
Pacific are differentiated from samples from all other regions. D. delphis from the Northeast and
Southwest Pacific also show some differentiation from samples from other regions, but with
relatively low values of fixation indices. In contrast, the median-joining network reveals clusters
of haplotypes without a clear geographical or taxonomic correspondence. Overall, these results
suggest that relatively high levels of gene flow occur between regions and possibly among
recognized species, questioning current taxonomy, confounding population history and making the
establishment of population boundaries very difficult. Several phylogeographical hypotheses for
the observed patterns are currently being tested with recently developed methods that use
coalescent models for estimating demographic parameters. Additionally, data on a powerful set of
microsatellite markers are being obtained in order to document the direction and magnitude of
events of recent gene flow between populations and oceanic regions.

Rosenbaum, H.C.,Pomilla, C.,Mendez, M.C.,Leslie, M.,Best, P.,Findlay, K.,Minton, G.,Ersts, P.J.,Collins, T.,Engel, M.H.,Bonatto, S.,Kotze, D.,Meyer, M.,Barendse, J.,Thornton, M.,Razafindrakoto, Y.,Ngouessono, S,Vely, M.,Kiszka, J.

Population Structure of Humpback Whales from Their Breeding Grounds in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans Journal Article

In: PLoS ONE, vol. 4, no. 460, pp. e7318. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007318, 2009.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, mtDNA, Oman, population identity, population structure, Population X, Southern Hemisphere

@article{,

title = {Population Structure of Humpback Whales from Their Breeding Grounds in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans},

author = {Rosenbaum, H.C.,Pomilla, C.,Mendez, M.C.,Leslie, M.,Best, P.,Findlay, K.,Minton, G.,Ersts, P.J.,Collins, T.,Engel, M.H.,Bonatto, S.,Kotze, D.,Meyer, M.,Barendse, J.,Thornton, M.,Razafindrakoto, Y.,Ngouessono, S,Vely, M.,Kiszka, J.},

url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0007318},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-01-01},

journal = {PLoS ONE},

volume = {4},

number = {460},

pages = {e7318. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007318},

abstract = {Although humpback whales are among the best-studied of the large whales, population boundaries in the Southern

Hemisphere (SH) have remained largely untested. We assess population structure of SH humpback whales using 1,527

samples collected from whales at fourteen sampling sites within the Southwestern and Southeastern Atlantic, the

Southwestern Indian Ocean, and Northern Indian Ocean (Breeding Stocks A, B, C and X, respectively). Evaluation of mtDNA

population structure and migration rates was carried out under different statistical frameworks. Using all genetic evidence,

the results suggest significant degrees of population structure between all ocean basins, with the Southwestern and

Northern Indian Ocean most differentiated from each other. Effective migration rates were highest between the

Southeastern Atlantic and the Southwestern Indian Ocean, followed by rates within the Southeastern Atlantic, and the

lowest between the Southwestern and Northern Indian Ocean. At finer scales, very low gene flow was detected between

the two neighbouring sub-regions in the Southeastern Atlantic, compared to high gene flow for whales within the

Southwestern Indian Ocean. Our genetic results support the current management designations proposed by the

International Whaling Commission of Breeding Stocks A, B, C, and X as four strongly structured populations. The population

structure patterns found in this study are likely to have been influenced by a combination of long-term maternally directed

fidelity of migratory destinations, along with other ecological and oceanographic features in the region.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, mtDNA, Oman, population identity, population structure, Population X, Southern Hemisphere},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Afsal, V.V.,Yousuf, K.M.M.,Anoop, B.,Anoop, A. K.,Kannan, P.,Rajagopalan, M.,Vivekanandan, E.

A note on cetacean distribution in the Indian EEZ and contiguous seas during 2003-07 Journal Article

In: Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 209-215, 2008.

BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Distribution, India, Indian Ocean

Branch, T.A.,Stafford, K.M.,Palacios, D. M.,Allison, C.,Bannister, J.L,Burton, C.L.K.,Cabrera, E.,Carlson, C.A.,Galletti Vernazzani, B.,Gill, P.C.,Hucke-Gaete, R.,Jenner, K.C.S.,Jenner, M-N.,Matsuoka, K.,Mikhalev, Y.A.,Miyashita, T.,Morrice, M.G.,Nishiwaki, S.,Sturrock, V.J.,Tormosov, D.D.,Anderson, R.C.,Baker, A. N.,Best, P.B.,Borsa, P.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Childerhouse, S.,Findlay, K.,Gerrodette, T.,Ilangakoon, A.,Joergensen, M.,Khan, B.,Ljungblad, D.K.,Maughan, B.,McCauley, R.D.,McKay, S.,Norris, T.F.,Oman Whale; Dolphin Research Group,Rankin, S.,Samaran, F.,Thiele, D.,Van Waerebeek, K.,Warneke, R.M.

Past and present distribution, densities and movements of blue whales Journal Article

In: Mammal Review, vol. 37, no. 332, pp. 116-175, 2007.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Distribution, feeding grounds, Indian Ocean, Oman, Southern Hemispher

@article{,

title = {Past and present distribution, densities and movements of blue whales },

author = {Branch, T.A.,Stafford, K.M.,Palacios, D. M.,Allison, C.,Bannister, J.L,Burton, C.L.K.,Cabrera, E.,Carlson, C.A.,Galletti Vernazzani, B.,Gill, P.C.,Hucke-Gaete, R.,Jenner, K.C.S.,Jenner, M-N.,Matsuoka, K.,Mikhalev, Y.A.,Miyashita, T.,Morrice, M.G.,Nishiwaki, S.,Sturrock, V.J.,Tormosov, D.D.,Anderson, R.C.,Baker, A. N.,Best, P.B.,Borsa, P.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Childerhouse, S.,Findlay, K.,Gerrodette, T.,Ilangakoon, A.,Joergensen, M.,Khan, B.,Ljungblad, D.K.,Maughan, B.,McCauley, R.D.,McKay, S.,Norris, T.F.,Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group,Rankin, S.,Samaran, F.,Thiele, D.,Van Waerebeek, K.,Warneke, R.M.},

year  = {2007},

date = {2007-01-01},

journal = {Mammal Review},

volume = {37},

number = {332},

pages = {116-175},

abstract = {1. Blue whale locations in the Southern Hemisphere and northern Indian Ocean were

obtained from catches (303 239), sightings (4383 records of  8058 whales), strandings (103),

Discovery marks (2191) and recoveries (95), and acoustic recordings.

2. Sighting surveys included 7 480 450 km of effort plus 14 676 days with unmeasured effort.

Groups usually consisted of solitary whales (65.2%) or pairs (24.6%); larger feeding aggregations

of unassociated individuals were only rarely observed. Sighting rates (groups per

1000 km from many platform types) varied by four orders of magnitude and were lowest in

the waters of Brazil, South Africa, the eastern tropical Pacific, Antarctica and South Georgia;

higher in the Subantarctic and Peru; and highest around Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Chile,

southern Australia and south of Madagascar.

3. Blue whales avoid the oligotrophic central gyres of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic

Oceans, but are more common where phytoplankton densities are high, and where there are

dynamic oceanographic processes like upwelling and frontal meandering.

4. Compared with historical catches, the Antarctic (‘true’) subspecies is exceedingly rare and

usually concentrated closer to the summer pack ice. In summer they are found throughout the

Antarctic; in winter they migrate to southern Africa (although recent sightings there are rare)

and to other northerly locations (based on acoustics), although some overwinter in the

Antarctic.

5. Pygmy blue whales are found around the Indian Ocean and from southern Australia to

New Zealand. At least four groupings are evident: northern Indian Ocean, from Madagascar

to the Subantarctic, Indonesia to western and southern Australia, and from New Zealand

northwards to the equator. Sighting rates are typically much higher than for Antarctic blue

whales.},

keywords = {balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Distribution, feeding grounds, Indian Ocean, Oman, Southern Hemispher},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Hendersen,A.C.,McIlwain,J.,Al Oufi,H.S.,Al Sheili,S.

The Sultanate of Oman shark fishery: Species composition, seasonality and diversity Journal Article

In: Fisheries Research, vol. 86, no. 385, pp. 159-168, 2007.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Fisheries, history, Indian Ocean, occurrence, Oman

Rowat, D.,Gore, M. A.,Baloch, B. B.,Islam, Z.,Ahmad, E.,Ali, Q. M.,Culloch, R. M.,Hameed, S.,Hasnain, S.,Hussain, B.,Kiani, S.,Siddiqui, J.,Ormond, R. F.,Henn, N.,Khan, M.

New records of neonatal and juvenile whale sharks ( Journal Article

In: Environ. Biol. Fish., no. 216, pp. 5, 2007.

BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, Pakistan, whale sharks

IWC

Report of the workshop on the comprehensive assessment of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales Technical Report

no. 392, 2006.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, Australia, Distribution, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Movements, Oman, population, populations, Southern Hemisphere, survey, whale, whales, whaling

Polacheck, Tom

Tuna longline catch rates in the Indian Ocean: Did industrial fishing result in a 90% rapid decline in the abundance of large predatory species? Journal Article

In: Marine Policy, vol. 30, no. 193, pp. 470-482, 2006, ISBN: 0308-597X.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Fisheries, High profile science journals, Indian Ocean, longline, Longlining, population trends, Press releases, Stock assessment, Tuna, Tuna abundance

@article{,

title = {Tuna longline catch rates in the Indian Ocean: Did industrial fishing result in a 90% rapid decline in the abundance of large predatory species?},

author = {Polacheck, Tom},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X05000539},

issn = {0308-597X},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {Marine Policy},

volume = {30},

number = {193},

pages = {470-482},

abstract = {Myers and Worm claim that their analyses of catch rates following the commencement of industrial longline fishing for tuna and billfishes show that these longline fisheries rapidly depleted the abundance of these large oceanic predators by 90% (Myers RA, Worm B. Rapid worldwide depletion of predatory fish communities. Nature 2003;423:280–3). Their analyses were published in a high profile science journal along with an accompanying press release, which then attracted substantial international media focus and public attention. This media focus in turn has been used as a base for advocating major marine policy changes for pelagic tuna fisheries (e.g. a minimum of a 50% reduction in catches and establishment of extensive marine reserves). However, among numerous scientific experts involved in tuna and pelagic fishery research substantial concerns exist that Myers and Worm's analyses provide a misleading picture of the status of large predatory pelagic fishes. These concerns are reviewed using data from the Indian Ocean for illustrative purposes and indicate that the initial longline catches were not responsible for a rapid depletion of the main tuna and billfish stocks nor were they threatening the overall sustainability of these stocks. However, the status of a number of theses stocks is of concern as a result of large increases in catches in more recent years. The debate sparked by Myers and Worm's paper should not distract from the critical problem of developing and implementing effective international management policies. In addition to implications for fishery management, the publication, peer-review, scientific response and publicity process associated with the publication of Myers and Worm's paper are discussed. Concerns are raised that if these become standard practices for articles in high profile science journals that this would undermine the trust placed in such journal to provide an accurate and well-balanced representation of the most important new scientific findings and in their role to inform policy decisions based on these findings.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Fisheries, High profile science journals, Indian Ocean, longline, Longlining, population trends, Press releases, Stock assessment, Tuna, Tuna abundance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Myers and Worm claim that their analyses of catch rates following the commencement of industrial longline fishing for tuna and billfishes show that these longline fisheries rapidly depleted the abundance of these large oceanic predators by 90% (Myers RA, Worm B. Rapid worldwide depletion of predatory fish communities. Nature 2003;423:280–3). Their analyses were published in a high profile science journal along with an accompanying press release, which then attracted substantial international media focus and public attention. This media focus in turn has been used as a base for advocating major marine policy changes for pelagic tuna fisheries (e.g. a minimum of a 50% reduction in catches and establishment of extensive marine reserves). However, among numerous scientific experts involved in tuna and pelagic fishery research substantial concerns exist that Myers and Worm's analyses provide a misleading picture of the status of large predatory pelagic fishes. These concerns are reviewed using data from the Indian Ocean for illustrative purposes and indicate that the initial longline catches were not responsible for a rapid depletion of the main tuna and billfish stocks nor were they threatening the overall sustainability of these stocks. However, the status of a number of theses stocks is of concern as a result of large increases in catches in more recent years. The debate sparked by Myers and Worm's paper should not distract from the critical problem of developing and implementing effective international management policies. In addition to implications for fishery management, the publication, peer-review, scientific response and publicity process associated with the publication of Myers and Worm's paper are discussed. Concerns are raised that if these become standard practices for articles in high profile science journals that this would undermine the trust placed in such journal to provide an accurate and well-balanced representation of the most important new scientific findings and in their role to inform policy decisions based on these findings.

Rosenbaum,H.C.,Pomilla,C.,Olavarria,C.,Baker,C.S.,Leslie,M.,Mendez,M.C.,Caballero,S.,Brasseur,M,Bannister,J.L,Best,P.B.,Bonatto,S.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Engel,M.H.,Ersts,P.J.,Findlay,K.P.,Florez-Gonzalez,L.,Garrigue,C.,Hauser,N.,Jenner,C.,Meyer,M.,Minton,G.,Poole,M.M.,Razafindrakoto,Y.

A first and preliminary analysis of mtDNA sequences from humpback whales for breeding stocks A-G and X Technical Report

no. 461, 2006, ISBN: SC/A06/HW59.

BibTeX | Tags: Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean, breeding grounds, DNA, dolphin, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, mitochondrial DNA, Oman, population, South Atlantic, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, whale, whales

Anon.

Natosquilla Journal Article

In: Iranian Fisheries Research Organisation Newsletter, vol. 37 (Autumn 2003), no. 16, pp. 3, 2003.

BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, Iran, Red Tide

Beal,L.M.,Chereskin,T.K.,Bryden,H.L.,Ffield,A.

Variability of water properties, heat and salt fluxes in the Arabian Sea, between the onset and wane of the 1995 southwest monsoon Journal Article

In: Deep-Sea Research Part II, vol. 50, no. 42, pp. 2049-2075, 2003.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, density, depth, Indian Ocean, Oceanic, Red Sea, Upwelling

@article{,

title = {Variability of water properties, heat and salt fluxes in the Arabian Sea, between the onset and wane of the 1995 southwest monsoon},

author = {Beal,L.M.,Chereskin,T.K.,Bryden,H.L.,Ffield,A.},

year  = {2003},

date = {2003-01-01},

journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},

volume = {50},

number = {42},

pages = {2049-2075},

abstract = {We investigate the variability of the circulation,water masses,heat and salt fluxes in the Arabian Sea over the course of the southwest monsoon. Two zonal sections taken along 8§30'N in 1995 as part of the Indian Ocean WOCE hydrographic program are used. The first was occupied in early June at the onset of the southwest monsoon winds,the second in late September,at the wane of the monsoon. The September section was found to be generally warmer (+0.32§C) and saltier (+0.04) than in June,despite a 50mm drop in mean sea level. Therefore,the common assumption that an increase in sea-surface height follows an increase in heat content (the hydrostatic response) does not hold. Instead,we conclude that the heat content increases due to the advection of Arabian Sea Surface Water and Red Sea Water onto the section from the north,and the drop in sea level is due to a loss of mass,rather than heat,from the water column. There are large uncertainties involved in diagnosing the heat-flux divergence across the Arabian Sea, because the seasonal variability of the water masses and circulation in the basin mean that our data are not representative of a steady state. We treat each section separately and find an oceanic heat export of -0.72PW in June and -0.19PW in September,implying a basin cooling rate of about -0.36PW in June and a slight heating of 0.12PW in September. In June the mass and heat balances are dominated by the Ekman transport and the Somali Current,with very flat density surfaces resulting in a small interior geostrophic transport. By September the Ekman transport has reduced,and it is primarily the interior transport that balances a strong Somali Current. There are two main overturning cells in June and September: A shallow one of approximate magnitude 15 Sv in June and 0 Sv in September, which reaches depths of no more than 500m and is driven by Ekman divergence at the surface; and a deep cell of magnitude 1 Sv representing a weak inflow and subsequent upwelling of Circumpolar Deep water. The deep cell implies a basin-averaged upwelling velocity of 3.2x10-5 cm s-1 through 2200 m.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, density, depth, Indian Ocean, Oceanic, Red Sea, Upwelling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

We investigate the variability of the circulation,water masses,heat and salt fluxes in the Arabian Sea over the course of the southwest monsoon. Two zonal sections taken along 8§30'N in 1995 as part of the Indian Ocean WOCE hydrographic program are used. The first was occupied in early June at the onset of the southwest monsoon winds,the second in late September,at the wane of the monsoon. The September section was found to be generally warmer (+0.32§C) and saltier (+0.04) than in June,despite a 50mm drop in mean sea level. Therefore,the common assumption that an increase in sea-surface height follows an increase in heat content (the hydrostatic response) does not hold. Instead,we conclude that the heat content increases due to the advection of Arabian Sea Surface Water and Red Sea Water onto the section from the north,and the drop in sea level is due to a loss of mass,rather than heat,from the water column. There are large uncertainties involved in diagnosing the heat-flux divergence across the Arabian Sea, because the seasonal variability of the water masses and circulation in the basin mean that our data are not representative of a steady state. We treat each section separately and find an oceanic heat export of -0.72PW in June and -0.19PW in September,implying a basin cooling rate of about -0.36PW in June and a slight heating of 0.12PW in September. In June the mass and heat balances are dominated by the Ekman transport and the Somali Current,with very flat density surfaces resulting in a small interior geostrophic transport. By September the Ekman transport has reduced,and it is primarily the interior transport that balances a strong Somali Current. There are two main overturning cells in June and September: A shallow one of approximate magnitude 15 Sv in June and 0 Sv in September, which reaches depths of no more than 500m and is driven by Ekman divergence at the surface; and a deep cell of magnitude 1 Sv representing a weak inflow and subsequent upwelling of Circumpolar Deep water. The deep cell implies a basin-averaged upwelling velocity of 3.2x10-5 cm s-1 through 2200 m.

Jensen,T.G.

Cross-equatorial pathways of salt and tracers from the northern Indian Ocean: Modelling results Journal Article

In: Deep-Sea Research Part II, vol. 50, no. 127, pp. 2111-2127, 2003.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean

IWC

Report of the 54th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Annex N Report of of the Working Group to Review Sanctuaries and Sanctuary Proposals Technical Report

no. 119, 2002.

BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, sanctuaries, Stock identity, whale, whaling

Romanov, Evgeny V

Bycatch in the tuna purse-seine fisheries of the western Indian Ocean Journal Article

In: Fishery Bulletin, vol. 100, no. 455, pp. 90-105, 2002, ISBN: 0090-0656.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: balaenoptera, Bryde’s whale, Bycatch, Indian Ocean, purse-Seine, tuna fishery

@article{,

title = {Bycatch in the tuna purse-seine fisheries of the western Indian Ocean},

author = {Romanov, Evgeny V},

issn = {0090-0656},

year  = {2002},

date = {2002-01-01},

journal = {Fishery Bulletin},

volume = {100},

number = {455},

pages = {90-105},

abstract = {Bycatch taken by the tuna purse-seine fishery from the Indian Ocean pelagic ecosystem was estimated from data collected by scientific observers aboard Soviet purse seiners in the western Indian Ocean (WIO) during 1986–92. A total of 494 sets on free-swimming schools, whale-shark-associated schools, whale-associated schools, and log-associated schools were analyzed. More than 40 fish species and other marine animals were recorded. Among them only two species, yellow-fin and skipjack tunas, were target species. Average levels of bycatch were 0.518 metric tons (t) per set, and 27.1 t per 1000 t of target species. The total annual purse-seine catch of yellowfin and skipjack tunas by principal fishing nations in the WIO during 1985–94 was 118,000–277,000 t. Nonrecorded annual bycatch for this period was estimated at 944–2270 t of pelagic oceanic sharks, 720–1877 t of rainbow runners, 705–1836 t of dolphinfishes, 507–1322 t of triggerfishes, 113–294 t of wahoo, 104–251 t of billfishes, 53–112 t of mobulas and mantas, 35–89 t of mackerel scad, 9–24 t of barracudas, and 67–174 t of other fishes. In addition, turtle bycatch and whale mortalities may have occurred. Because the bycatches were not recorded by some purse-seine vessels, it was not possible to assess the full impact of the fisheries on the pelagic ecosystem of the Indian Ocean. The first step to solving this problem is for the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission to establish a pro-gram in which scientific observers are placed on board tuna purse-seine and longline vessels fishing in the WIO.},

keywords = {balaenoptera, Bryde’s whale, Bycatch, Indian Ocean, purse-Seine, tuna fishery},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Rosenbaum,H.C.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R.,Glaberman,S.,Findlay,K.P.,Best,P.

Preliminary analysis of MtDNA variation among humpback whales off the coast of Oman and their relationships to whales from wintering grounds in the southwestern Indian Ocean Technical Report

no. 458, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/H4.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, genotyping, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Mayotte, migration, Oman, population characteristics, South Africa, whaling

Best,P.B.

Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa Journal Article

In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 220, no. 44, pp. 277-289, 2001.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: 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.

Kindle,J.C.,Arnone,R.A.

A review of the surface circulation of the Northern Arabian Sea Conference

no. 395, Sultan Qaboos University, 2001.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Fisheries, Indian Ocean, Oman, Red Sea

Wilson-Diaz,D.,Mariano,A.J.,Evans,R.H.,Luther,M.E.

A principal component analysis of sea-surface temperature in the Arabian Sea Journal Article

In: Deep-Sea Research Part II, vol. 48 , no. 263, pp. 1097-1114, 2001.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Indian monsoon, Indian Ocean, temperature, Upwelling

Lewis,B.L.,Luther III,G.W.

Processes controlling the distribution and cycling of manganese in the oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea Journal Article

In: Deep-Sea Research Part II, vol. 47, no. 400, pp. 1541-1561, 2000.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, depth, Distribution, Indian Ocean, Oman, oxygen minimum, Pakistan

@article{,

title = {Processes controlling the distribution and cycling of manganese in the oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea},

author = {Lewis,B.L.,Luther III,G.W.},

year  = {2000},

date = {2000-01-01},

journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},

volume = {47},

number = {400},

pages = {1541-1561},

abstract = {Vertical and horizontal distributions of dissolved and particulate manganese were investigated in the Arabian Sea (Northwestern Indian Ocean) during the 1995 Spring Intermonsoon period (March-April; US JGOFS Process Cruise 2; TN045). The region is characterized by an intense, basin-wide oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) that strongly influences the manganese distribution. In the OMZ, two distinct dissolved Mn (d-Mn) maxima were observed, at depths of 200-300 m and 600 m, respectively. The latter peak displayed concentration maxima of approximately 6 nanomolar and was largely confined to stations north of 19§N latitude (Stations N2-N7). This mid-depth maximum was associated with the low oxygen core of the OMZ ([O2] < ~ 2 æM), and appears to be maintained by a southward horizontal advective -diffusive flux of dissolved manganese from highly reducing Pakistan margin sediments, rather than input from the Oman Margin as previously suggested by Saager et al. (1989, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 53, 2259-2267). This signal was largely absent at stations along the southern transect, likely due to oxidative scavenging of d-Mn to the suspended particulate phase. Mid-depth particulate Mn maxima at some southern stations (Stations S4-S11) appear to be remnants of this feature. The upper d-Mn maximum (200-300 m depth) was more widely distributed than the 600 m peak, with d-Mn concentrations of ~ 3 to as high as 8 nm at most stations east of about 62§E longitude. The signal was everywhere correlated with the secondary nitrite maximum, at stations within the main denitrification zone delineated by Naqvi (1991). Nepheloid layers, presumably bacterial, also were associated with this depth interval. Particulate Mn profiles displayed corresponding concentration minima and low Mn/Al and reactive/refractory Mn ratios for this same depth interval, suggesting reductive dissolution of Mn-oxyhydroxides. These observations imply that in situ microbially mediated processes may be the predominant source of d-Mn in the upper OMZ, while horizontal advection is more important deeper in the water column.  },

keywords = {Arabian Sea, depth, Distribution, Indian Ocean, Oman, oxygen minimum, Pakistan},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

Vertical and horizontal distributions of dissolved and particulate manganese were investigated in the Arabian Sea (Northwestern Indian Ocean) during the 1995 Spring Intermonsoon period (March-April; US JGOFS Process Cruise 2; TN045). The region is characterized by an intense, basin-wide oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) that strongly influences the manganese distribution. In the OMZ, two distinct dissolved Mn (d-Mn) maxima were observed, at depths of 200-300 m and 600 m, respectively. The latter peak displayed concentration maxima of approximately 6 nanomolar and was largely confined to stations north of 19§N latitude (Stations N2-N7). This mid-depth maximum was associated with the low oxygen core of the OMZ ([O2] < ~ 2 æM), and appears to be maintained by a southward horizontal advective -diffusive flux of dissolved manganese from highly reducing Pakistan margin sediments, rather than input from the Oman Margin as previously suggested by Saager et al. (1989, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 53, 2259-2267). This signal was largely absent at stations along the southern transect, likely due to oxidative scavenging of d-Mn to the suspended particulate phase. Mid-depth particulate Mn maxima at some southern stations (Stations S4-S11) appear to be remnants of this feature. The upper d-Mn maximum (200-300 m depth) was more widely distributed than the 600 m peak, with d-Mn concentrations of ~ 3 to as high as 8 nm at most stations east of about 62§E longitude. The signal was everywhere correlated with the secondary nitrite maximum, at stations within the main denitrification zone delineated by Naqvi (1991). Nepheloid layers, presumably bacterial, also were associated with this depth interval. Particulate Mn profiles displayed corresponding concentration minima and low Mn/Al and reactive/refractory Mn ratios for this same depth interval, suggesting reductive dissolution of Mn-oxyhydroxides. These observations imply that in situ microbially mediated processes may be the predominant source of d-Mn in the upper OMZ, while horizontal advection is more important deeper in the water column.

Wilson,S.C.

Northwest Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman Book

Pergamon, Elsevier Science, 2000, ISBN: Gianna's files.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, conservation, coral, enforcement, Fisheries, Indian Ocean, oceanography, Oman

Wilson,S.C.,Klaus,R.

The Gulf of Aden Book

Pergamon, Elsevier Science, 2000.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, conservation, coral, dolphin, dolphins, East Africa, enforcement, Fisheries, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, management, marine, mortality, oceanography, Oman, pollution, productivity, Red Sea, turtles

@book{,

title = {The Gulf of Aden},

author = {Wilson,S.C.,Klaus,R.},

year = {2000},

date = {2000-01-01},

journal = {Seas at the Millennium: an Environmental Evaluation: Volume II Regional Chapters: The Indian Ocean to the Pacific},

number = {510},

pages = {47-61},

publisher = {Pergamon, Elsevier Science},

abstract = {The Gulf of Aden lies between southern Arabia and the Horn of Africa and connects with the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The Socotra Archipelago lies at its entrance, off the Horn of Africa. The largest influence comes from the reversing monsoon system with strong and persistent winds that blow from the southwest in summer, and from the northeast in winter. These also cause a reversal in the direction of surface currents. Associated with the summer monsoon are upwelling areas along the eastern coast of Yemen, and one centred on the Somali coast southwest of Socotra. Both have a profound effect on coastal habitats and stimulate high marine productivity which supports a rich fishery. Marine biodiversity is relatively high since the area is a transition zone between the Red Sea, Southern Arabia and East Africa. Terrestrial diversity, particularly in the flora of Socotra, is also elevated by high levels of endemism. Coasts are mainly exposed sandy beaches separated by rocky headlands. Coral communities and reefs have developed most notably in Djibouti and offshore islands of Somalia. Seagrasses are relatively uncommon, and mangrove stands are most abundant to the west and southwest. A striking feature of rocky shores is the abundant macroalgae that appears following the onset of the Southwest Monsoon in particular. Green turtles nest in tens of thousands, and thousands of dolphins have also recently been observed. Perhaps the most serious single threat to sustainable use of marine resources comes from overfishing, particularly by industrial fleets that operate with or without licenses. Some stocks have collapsed or are showing signs of strain, including cuttlefish, shark and lobster. Wildlife species are also harvested and incidental mortality appears high. Levels of pollution are low except around larger towns where sewage and solid wastes are starting to affect resources. Chronic oil pollution originating from tankers is also cause for concern, but levels appear to be low. Harsh environmental conditions and lack of infrastructure limits exploitation of coastal resources and traditional methods of limiting exploitation are still effective. Political instability and unrest, and lack of funding have hampered coastal management, though a strategic action plan for the conservation and protection of the marine environment has recently been prepared by PERSGA as a crucial first step. There are only two small marine parks in the region, both in Djibouti.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, conservation, coral, dolphin, dolphins, East Africa, enforcement, Fisheries, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, management, marine, mortality, oceanography, Oman, pollution, productivity, Red Sea, turtles},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {book}

}

The Gulf of Aden lies between southern Arabia and the Horn of Africa and connects with the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The Socotra Archipelago lies at its entrance, off the Horn of Africa. The largest influence comes from the reversing monsoon system with strong and persistent winds that blow from the southwest in summer, and from the northeast in winter. These also cause a reversal in the direction of surface currents. Associated with the summer monsoon are upwelling areas along the eastern coast of Yemen, and one centred on the Somali coast southwest of Socotra. Both have a profound effect on coastal habitats and stimulate high marine productivity which supports a rich fishery. Marine biodiversity is relatively high since the area is a transition zone between the Red Sea, Southern Arabia and East Africa. Terrestrial diversity, particularly in the flora of Socotra, is also elevated by high levels of endemism. Coasts are mainly exposed sandy beaches separated by rocky headlands. Coral communities and reefs have developed most notably in Djibouti and offshore islands of Somalia. Seagrasses are relatively uncommon, and mangrove stands are most abundant to the west and southwest. A striking feature of rocky shores is the abundant macroalgae that appears following the onset of the Southwest Monsoon in particular. Green turtles nest in tens of thousands, and thousands of dolphins have also recently been observed. Perhaps the most serious single threat to sustainable use of marine resources comes from overfishing, particularly by industrial fleets that operate with or without licenses. Some stocks have collapsed or are showing signs of strain, including cuttlefish, shark and lobster. Wildlife species are also harvested and incidental mortality appears high. Levels of pollution are low except around larger towns where sewage and solid wastes are starting to affect resources. Chronic oil pollution originating from tankers is also cause for concern, but levels appear to be low. Harsh environmental conditions and lack of infrastructure limits exploitation of coastal resources and traditional methods of limiting exploitation are still effective. Political instability and unrest, and lack of funding have hampered coastal management, though a strategic action plan for the conservation and protection of the marine environment has recently been prepared by PERSGA as a crucial first step. There are only two small marine parks in the region, both in Djibouti.

Anderson,R.C.,Shaan,A.,Waheed,Z.

Records of cetacean "strandings" from the Maldives Journal Article

In: Journal of South Asian Natural History, vol. 4, no. 12, pp. 187-202, 1999.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Central Indian Ocean, Indian Ocean, Maldives, sperm whales, Strandings

Siddeek,M.S.M.

Marine fisheries resources, fisheries and marine environmental management, coral reefs and marine parks in the Northwest Indian Ocean Technical Report

no. 473, 1999.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: coral, Fisheries, Indian Ocean, management, marine, Oman

Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher,M.,Baldwin,R.,Papastavrou,V.,Al-Lawati,S.M.

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 Journal Article

In: The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol. 1, no. 491, pp. 167-177, 1999.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, melon-headed whale, morphometrics, Oman, rough-toothed dolphin, Spinner dolphin, Stock identity, taxonomy

Ballance,L.T,Pitman,R.L.

Cetaceans of the Western Tropical Indian Ocean: Distribution, Relative Abundance, and comparisons with Cetacean Communities of Two other Tropical Ecosystems Journal Article

In: Marine Mammal Science, vol. 14, no. 321, pp. 429-459, 1998.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Mexico, habitat preference, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, relative abundance, seabirds, survey, whale

@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}

}

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.

Brock,J.C.,Sathyendranath,S.,Platt,T.

Biohydro-optical classification of the northwestern Indian Ocean Journal Article

In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 165, no. 338, pp. 1-15, 1998.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, ecosystem, Gulf of Masirah, Indian Ocean, Oman, plankton, Upwelling

@article{,

title = {Biohydro-optical classification of the northwestern Indian Ocean},

author = {Brock,J.C.,Sathyendranath,S.,Platt,T.},

year  = {1998},

date = {1998-01-01},

journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},

volume = {165},

number = {338},

pages = {1-15},

abstract = {An approach to a partial solution to the general problem of defining biogeochemical provinces for the accurate estimation of global-ocean primary production and realistic structuring of epipelagic plankton ecosystem models is presented for the northwestern Indian Ocean.  This is accomplished through use of a new technique, biohydro-optical classification, that applies a rudimentary submarine light budget incorporating climatologies of incident light, mixed layer thickness, and chlorophyll to recognize fundamental modes of tropical plankton ecosystems.  The three types of biohydro-optical classes found in the  Arabian Sea, Typical Tropical, Mixed-Layer Bloom, and Transitional, are shown to evolve thorough the spring intermonsoon (March through May) summer southwest monsoon (June thorough August), and fall intermonsoon (Sep through Nov)  under climatic forcing and in response to the resulting biological variability. Virtually all of the open Arabian Sea is within the Typical Tropical Class at the close of the spring intermonsoon.  This class type is intended to identify the maximum (DCM) maintained by active algal growth, and light-rich oligotrophic shallow zone containing phytoplankton association which depends largely on regenerated nutrients. At the close of the southwest monsoon in August, a mixed layer bloom province covers much of the northern Arabian Sea. This province class corresponds to the ecosystem mode represented by tropical regions undergoing marginal or mid-ocean upwelling and greatly simplifies regional extrapolation of the local primary production algorithm.  At the onset of the fall intermonsoon, the mixed layer algal bloom province in the northern and western Arabian Sea is superseded by a transitional province, which persists through the fall intermonsoon.  We interpret the upper layer of the fall intermonsoon transitional province in the Arabian Sea as a special case of the shallow regenerative plankton ecosystem of oligotrophic ocean areas, where rates of zooplankton-driven nutrient regeneration and recycled production, key processes in the upper layer of the classic 2-layer euphotic zone or oligotrophic low-latitude oceans, reach extreme values.Note on diagrams/maps in paper:Of all the regions of the nw Arabian Sea, the coastal areas off Oman and Yemen are most often in the Transitional or Mixed layer bloom classes.  The Gulf of Masirah maintains a mixed layer bloom class thorughout the year, even when other coastal areas of Oman switch to a Transitional class.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, ecosystem, Gulf of Masirah, Indian Ocean, Oman, plankton, Upwelling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

An approach to a partial solution to the general problem of defining biogeochemical provinces for the accurate estimation of global-ocean primary production and realistic structuring of epipelagic plankton ecosystem models is presented for the northwestern Indian Ocean. This is accomplished through use of a new technique, biohydro-optical classification, that applies a rudimentary submarine light budget incorporating climatologies of incident light, mixed layer thickness, and chlorophyll to recognize fundamental modes of tropical plankton ecosystems. The three types of biohydro-optical classes found in the Arabian Sea, Typical Tropical, Mixed-Layer Bloom, and Transitional, are shown to evolve thorough the spring intermonsoon (March through May) summer southwest monsoon (June thorough August), and fall intermonsoon (Sep through Nov) under climatic forcing and in response to the resulting biological variability. Virtually all of the open Arabian Sea is within the Typical Tropical Class at the close of the spring intermonsoon. This class type is intended to identify the maximum (DCM) maintained by active algal growth, and light-rich oligotrophic shallow zone containing phytoplankton association which depends largely on regenerated nutrients. At the close of the southwest monsoon in August, a mixed layer bloom province covers much of the northern Arabian Sea. This province class corresponds to the ecosystem mode represented by tropical regions undergoing marginal or mid-ocean upwelling and greatly simplifies regional extrapolation of the local primary production algorithm. At the onset of the fall intermonsoon, the mixed layer algal bloom province in the northern and western Arabian Sea is superseded by a transitional province, which persists through the fall intermonsoon. We interpret the upper layer of the fall intermonsoon transitional province in the Arabian Sea as a special case of the shallow regenerative plankton ecosystem of oligotrophic ocean areas, where rates of zooplankton-driven nutrient regeneration and recycled production, key processes in the upper layer of the classic 2-layer euphotic zone or oligotrophic low-latitude oceans, reach extreme values.Note on diagrams/maps in paper:Of all the regions of the nw Arabian Sea, the coastal areas off Oman and Yemen are most often in the Transitional or Mixed layer bloom classes. The Gulf of Masirah maintains a mixed layer bloom class thorughout the year, even when other coastal areas of Oman switch to a Transitional class.

IWC

Report of the 50th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Annex Report of the Sub-Committee on Other Great Whales Technical Report

no. 118, 1998.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Stock identity, whaling

Khani,A.M.Q.

Sea Dolphins of Pakistan Journal Article

In: Biopsphere Quarterly Magazine, vol. Oct-Dec, no. 132, pp. 4-9, 1998.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, bottlenose dolphin, Common dolphin, conservation, humpback dolphins, Indian Ocean, Pakistan

Mikhalev,Y.A.

Sperm whales of the Arabian Sea Technical Report

no. 155, 1998.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetacean, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, IWC, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Slava, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling

@techreport{,

title = {Sperm whales of the Arabian Sea},

author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},

year  = {1998},

date = {1998-01-01},

journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the Internaitonal Whaling Commission},

volume = {SC/50/CAWS40},

number = {155},

pages = {1-7},

publisher = {Internaitonal Whaling Commission},

abstract = {This article is part of the ongoing publication of materials about true whale catches by Soviet whaling fleets (Yablokov, 1994, Tormosov, 1995; Zemsky, et al, 1995, 1995a, 1996; Mikhalev 1995, 1997, 1997a). The goal of this article is to provide real quantitative characteristics, as well as size and sexual composition, of the sperm whales taken by the fleets Slava and Sovietskaya Ukraina in the Arabian Sea during the period 1963 to 1967. While the catching of baleen whales - pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales - in the northwestern Indian Ocean (Mikhalev, 1995, 1997) was absolutely prohibited and thus was a most serious violation of IWC rules, the sperm whale catches in the region had a more masked character. Harvesting of this species was not restricted to areas south of the 40øS, but rather by date and animal size. The first information about sperm whales met in this region by Soviet whalers became known through Yukhov (1969) His article reported that the stock was mixed, including both barren and lactating females as well as young males. Such detailed information about the sperm whales' stock structure should have indicated that the author's primary material was not based on visual observation, but on the results of catches. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, cetacean research laboratories were liquidated and a portion of their primary materials disappeared. Other portions ended up distributed among various former Soviet republics, now independent states, and in private archives. Nonetheless, it was possible to recover with a high level of confidence data on the biological composition, especially the quantitative and size characteristics, of whales taken in the Arabian Sea.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetacean, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, IWC, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Slava, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

Smith,S.L.,Codispoti,L.A.,Morrison,J.M.,Barber,R.

The 1994-1996 Arabian Sea Expedition: An integrated, interdisciplinary investigation of the resonse of the northwestern Indian Ocean to monsoonal forcing Journal Article

In: Deep-Sea Research Part II, vol. 45, no. 235, pp. 1905-1915, 1998.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, history, Indian Ocean, Upwelling, zooplankton

Mikhalev,Y.A.

Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea Journal Article

In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 149, no. 154, pp. 13-21, 1997.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: 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}

}

Mikhalev,Y.A.

Pygmy blue whales of the Northern-Western Indian Ocean Technical Report

no. 405, 1996.

Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Blue whale, blue whales, Distribution, embryo growth rate, Indian Ocean, length, maturity coming, Northern-Western Indian Ocean, population, pregnancy duration, productivity, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, whale, whales, whaling

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