Notarbartolo di Sciara, G,Kerem, D.,Smeenk, C.
Cetaceans of the Red Sea Technical Report
no. 185, 2017.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, cetaceans, Distribution, Egypt, occurrence, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
@techreport{,
title = {Cetaceans of the Red Sea},
author = {Notarbartolo di Sciara, G,Kerem, D.,Smeenk, C.},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {CMS Technical series 33},
volume = {33},
number = {185},
pages = {86},
publisher = {Convention on Migratory Species},
abstract = {Based on a review of the literature, complemented by original observations at sea made by the authors during the
past 34 years, the cetacean fauna in the Red Sea appears to be composed of a total of 16 species: three Mysticetes
(Bryde’s whale, Balaenoptera edeni; Omura’s whale, B. omurai; and humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae) and
13 Odontocetes (dwarf sperm whale, Kogia sima; killer whale, Orcinus orca; false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens;
short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus; Risso’s dolphin, Grampus griseus; Indian Ocean humpback
dolphin, Sousa plumbea; rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis; Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops
aduncus; common bottlenose dolphin, T. truncatus; pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata; spinner dolphin,
S. longirostris; striped dolphin, S. coeruleoalba; Indo-Pacific common dolphin, Delphinus delphis tropicalis).
This review presents the very first documented and confirmed sightings of B. omurai, K. sima and S. bredanensis
in the Red Sea. Of all the above species, however, only nine (Bryde’s whale, false killer whale, Risso’s dolphin, Indian
Ocean humpback dolphin, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin,
spinner dolphin, and Indo-Pacific common dolphin) appeared to occur regularly in the Red Sea, the remaining seven
only occurring sporadically as vagrants from the Indian Ocean. Even regular species appeared not to be uniformly
distributed throughout the Red Sea, e.g., with Indo-Pacific common dolphins mostly limited to the southern portion
of the region, and the Gulf of Suez only hosting the two bottlenose dolphin species and Indian Ocean humpback
dolphins. No convincing evidence was found of the Red Sea occurrence of two whale species mentioned in the
literature: the common minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, and the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus.
The absence from the region of deep diving species (e.g., Ziphiidae and the sperm whale) can be explained by the
geomorphology of the Straits of Bab al Mandab, with its extended shallow sill likely to discourage incursions by
such species into the Red Sea. The coordinated effort and the different expertise of the authors has contributed to
amending previous mistakes and inaccuracies, verifying and validating specimen identification, highlighting features
of relevance for species taxonomy and, most importantly, drawing a fundamental baseline to inform conservation of
cetaceans in the Red Sea},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetaceans, Distribution, Egypt, occurrence, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Based on a review of the literature, complemented by original observations at sea made by the authors during the
past 34 years, the cetacean fauna in the Red Sea appears to be composed of a total of 16 species: three Mysticetes
(Bryde’s whale, Balaenoptera edeni; Omura’s whale, B. omurai; and humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae) and
13 Odontocetes (dwarf sperm whale, Kogia sima; killer whale, Orcinus orca; false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens;
short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus; Risso’s dolphin, Grampus griseus; Indian Ocean humpback
dolphin, Sousa plumbea; rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis; Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops
aduncus; common bottlenose dolphin, T. truncatus; pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata; spinner dolphin,
S. longirostris; striped dolphin, S. coeruleoalba; Indo-Pacific common dolphin, Delphinus delphis tropicalis).
This review presents the very first documented and confirmed sightings of B. omurai, K. sima and S. bredanensis
in the Red Sea. Of all the above species, however, only nine (Bryde’s whale, false killer whale, Risso’s dolphin, Indian
Ocean humpback dolphin, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin,
spinner dolphin, and Indo-Pacific common dolphin) appeared to occur regularly in the Red Sea, the remaining seven
only occurring sporadically as vagrants from the Indian Ocean. Even regular species appeared not to be uniformly
distributed throughout the Red Sea, e.g., with Indo-Pacific common dolphins mostly limited to the southern portion
of the region, and the Gulf of Suez only hosting the two bottlenose dolphin species and Indian Ocean humpback
dolphins. No convincing evidence was found of the Red Sea occurrence of two whale species mentioned in the
literature: the common minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, and the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus.
The absence from the region of deep diving species (e.g., Ziphiidae and the sperm whale) can be explained by the
geomorphology of the Straits of Bab al Mandab, with its extended shallow sill likely to discourage incursions by
such species into the Red Sea. The coordinated effort and the different expertise of the authors has contributed to
amending previous mistakes and inaccuracies, verifying and validating specimen identification, highlighting features
of relevance for species taxonomy and, most importantly, drawing a fundamental baseline to inform conservation of
cetaceans in the Red Sea
past 34 years, the cetacean fauna in the Red Sea appears to be composed of a total of 16 species: three Mysticetes
(Bryde’s whale, Balaenoptera edeni; Omura’s whale, B. omurai; and humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae) and
13 Odontocetes (dwarf sperm whale, Kogia sima; killer whale, Orcinus orca; false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens;
short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus; Risso’s dolphin, Grampus griseus; Indian Ocean humpback
dolphin, Sousa plumbea; rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis; Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops
aduncus; common bottlenose dolphin, T. truncatus; pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata; spinner dolphin,
S. longirostris; striped dolphin, S. coeruleoalba; Indo-Pacific common dolphin, Delphinus delphis tropicalis).
This review presents the very first documented and confirmed sightings of B. omurai, K. sima and S. bredanensis
in the Red Sea. Of all the above species, however, only nine (Bryde’s whale, false killer whale, Risso’s dolphin, Indian
Ocean humpback dolphin, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin,
spinner dolphin, and Indo-Pacific common dolphin) appeared to occur regularly in the Red Sea, the remaining seven
only occurring sporadically as vagrants from the Indian Ocean. Even regular species appeared not to be uniformly
distributed throughout the Red Sea, e.g., with Indo-Pacific common dolphins mostly limited to the southern portion
of the region, and the Gulf of Suez only hosting the two bottlenose dolphin species and Indian Ocean humpback
dolphins. No convincing evidence was found of the Red Sea occurrence of two whale species mentioned in the
literature: the common minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, and the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus.
The absence from the region of deep diving species (e.g., Ziphiidae and the sperm whale) can be explained by the
geomorphology of the Straits of Bab al Mandab, with its extended shallow sill likely to discourage incursions by
such species into the Red Sea. The coordinated effort and the different expertise of the authors has contributed to
amending previous mistakes and inaccuracies, verifying and validating specimen identification, highlighting features
of relevance for species taxonomy and, most importantly, drawing a fundamental baseline to inform conservation of
cetaceans in the Red Sea
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
@article{,
title = {The Sultanate of Oman shark fishery: Species composition, seasonality and diversity},
author = {Hendersen,A.C.,McIlwain,J.,Al Oufi,H.S.,Al Sheili,S.},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Fisheries Research},
volume = {86},
number = {385},
pages = {159-168},
abstract = {The Sultanate of Oman has a long established traditional shark fishery, which has experienced increased demand in recent years due to the sharkfin trade. Despite the long history of the fishery in Oman and neighbouring countries, few studies have been undertaken to determine the biologicalcharacteristics of the fishery or its ability to withstand this increased exploitation. The present study was undertaken as a first step to remedyingthis situation. A total of 47 species was confirmed from Oman's coastal waters, of which 44 occurred in commercial landings. However, landingswere dominated by eight species-Rhizoprionodon acutus, Iago omanensis, Carcharhinus sorrah, Loxodon macrorhinus, C. macloti, C. limbatus,Sphyrna lewini and C. falciformis. The species composition of landings varied along the coast and also with season. Brillouin Index values indicatedthat species diversity was greatest in the Muscat area, followed closely by Musandam. The Al-Wusta region displayed the lowest diversity. Theoccurrence of two uncommon shark species, Chaenogaleus macrostoma and Echinorhinus brucus,was of interest, aswas the recording of a juvenileCarcharhinus galapagensis, extending its northern range in the Indian Ocean considerably.},
keywords = {Fisheries, history, Indian Ocean, occurrence, Oman},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Sultanate of Oman has a long established traditional shark fishery, which has experienced increased demand in recent years due to the sharkfin trade. Despite the long history of the fishery in Oman and neighbouring countries, few studies have been undertaken to determine the biologicalcharacteristics of the fishery or its ability to withstand this increased exploitation. The present study was undertaken as a first step to remedyingthis situation. A total of 47 species was confirmed from Oman's coastal waters, of which 44 occurred in commercial landings. However, landingswere dominated by eight species-Rhizoprionodon acutus, Iago omanensis, Carcharhinus sorrah, Loxodon macrorhinus, C. macloti, C. limbatus,Sphyrna lewini and C. falciformis. The species composition of landings varied along the coast and also with season. Brillouin Index values indicatedthat species diversity was greatest in the Muscat area, followed closely by Musandam. The Al-Wusta region displayed the lowest diversity. Theoccurrence of two uncommon shark species, Chaenogaleus macrostoma and Echinorhinus brucus,was of interest, aswas the recording of a juvenileCarcharhinus galapagensis, extending its northern range in the Indian Ocean considerably.
Ponnampalam,L.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R
Feeding ecology of small cetaceans in the Sultanate of Oman Journal Article
In: Poster presented at the 17th meeting of the Society for Marine Mammals in Cape Town, no. 433, 2007.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: bottlenose dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, cephalopod, cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, diet, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, ecology, feeding, feeding ecology, fish, habitat, humpback dolphins, occurrence, Oman, prey, Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, stomach contents, survey, tursiops
@article{,
title = {Feeding ecology of small cetaceans in the Sultanate of Oman},
author = {Ponnampalam,L.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Poster presented at the 17th meeting of the Society for Marine Mammals in Cape Town},
number = {433},
abstract = {Beach surveys were conducted along the coast of Oman between 2000 and 2006 to locate and examine cetacean remains. This study examines the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), 5 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and 2 spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found beach-cast along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing 36 species in 23 families. No crustacean remains were found. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number (%N), and percentage by frequency of occurrence (%FO) methods, and a modified index of relative importance (IRI). Percentage similarity was also calculated to examine interspecific and intraspecific dietary overlap. All three species of dolphins examined here ate mainly fish. The fish families Apogonidae and Carangidae were the most numerically important prey in the diet of bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for humpback dolphins. Mesopelagic fishes comprised the diet of spinner dolphins, with the myctophid Benthosema pterotum forming the bulk of the prey items. The cephalopod preys found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The frequency distribution of prey items indicate that the bottlenose dolphins fed in a wide variety of habitats, and may reflect the occurrence of at least two species or ecotypes of Tursiops in Oman. The humpback dolphin prey items indicate feeding in coastal, nearshore areas with soft substrate. Spinner dolphins appeared to feed in the upper 200m of the water column on nocturnal vertically migrating prey. Although most of the prey species do not appear to be of commercial importance, the findings of this study indicated that all three species of dolphins were feeding in areas where fishing occurs and this is likely to have conservation implications. },
keywords = {bottlenose dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, cephalopod, cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, diet, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, ecology, feeding, feeding ecology, fish, habitat, humpback dolphins, occurrence, Oman, prey, Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, stomach contents, survey, tursiops},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Beach surveys were conducted along the coast of Oman between 2000 and 2006 to locate and examine cetacean remains. This study examines the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), 5 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and 2 spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found beach-cast along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing 36 species in 23 families. No crustacean remains were found. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number (%N), and percentage by frequency of occurrence (%FO) methods, and a modified index of relative importance (IRI). Percentage similarity was also calculated to examine interspecific and intraspecific dietary overlap. All three species of dolphins examined here ate mainly fish. The fish families Apogonidae and Carangidae were the most numerically important prey in the diet of bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for humpback dolphins. Mesopelagic fishes comprised the diet of spinner dolphins, with the myctophid Benthosema pterotum forming the bulk of the prey items. The cephalopod preys found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The frequency distribution of prey items indicate that the bottlenose dolphins fed in a wide variety of habitats, and may reflect the occurrence of at least two species or ecotypes of Tursiops in Oman. The humpback dolphin prey items indicate feeding in coastal, nearshore areas with soft substrate. Spinner dolphins appeared to feed in the upper 200m of the water column on nocturnal vertically migrating prey. Although most of the prey species do not appear to be of commercial importance, the findings of this study indicated that all three species of dolphins were feeding in areas where fishing occurs and this is likely to have conservation implications.
Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R.,Rosenbaum,H.C.,Kennedy,F.D.,Cockcroft,V.
Preliminary investigations of humpback whale Technical Report
no. 414, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/H3.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, habitat use, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, occurrence, Oman, population, relative abundance, sex-ratio, song, survey, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Preliminary investigations of humpback whale },
author = {Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R.,Rosenbaum,H.C.,Kennedy,F.D.,Cockcroft,V.},
issn = {SC/54/H3},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/54/H3},
number = {414},
pages = {1-19},
abstract = {Previously published data on the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Arabian Sea suggest that the region hosts a non-migratory population that adheres to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. Six small boat surveys and one shore-based survey were conducted at three locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and February 2002. Encounter rates varied between surveys from 0.0 whales/hour to 0.545 whales per hour. Two of 36 photo-identified whales were re-sighted between surveys. Sex ratios in October were near parity while all whales sampled in February were male. Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February, but records of mother-calf pairs are sparse and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was infrequently observed in both October and February. Implications for relative abundance and habitat use are discussed. Additional questions are raised and recommendations for further research are made.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, habitat use, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, occurrence, Oman, population, relative abundance, sex-ratio, song, survey, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Previously published data on the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Arabian Sea suggest that the region hosts a non-migratory population that adheres to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. Six small boat surveys and one shore-based survey were conducted at three locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and February 2002. Encounter rates varied between surveys from 0.0 whales/hour to 0.545 whales per hour. Two of 36 photo-identified whales were re-sighted between surveys. Sex ratios in October were near parity while all whales sampled in February were male. Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February, but records of mother-calf pairs are sparse and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was infrequently observed in both October and February. Implications for relative abundance and habitat use are discussed. Additional questions are raised and recommendations for further research are made.
Heil,C.A.,Gilbert,P.M.,Al-Sarawl,M.A.,Faraj,M.,Behbehani,M.,Husain,M.
First record of a fish-killing Journal Article
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 214, no. 110, pp. 15-23, 2001.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, occurrence, pollution
@article{,
title = {First record of a fish-killing},
author = {Heil,C.A.,Gilbert,P.M.,Al-Sarawl,M.A.,Faraj,M.,Behbehani,M.,Husain,M.},
url = {http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v214/p15-23/},
year = {2001},
date = {2001-01-01},
journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},
volume = {214},
number = {110},
pages = {15-23},
abstract = {Significant natural and aquaculture fish deaths in Kuwait Bay occurred from September to October of 1999 and were attributed to a bloom of the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium sp. A chronology of the bloom event suggests that a period of low winds and stable water-column structure preceded the bloom. Maximum cell concentrations of Gymnodinium sp. (>6 x 10(6) cells 1(-1)) were also immediately preceded by more than 20-fold increase in mean inorganic nitrogen concentrations (up to 60 muM) and elevated inorganic phosphate concentrations. This, combined with elevated inorganic and organic nutrient concentrations within the bloom, suggests that coastal nutrient eutrophication was Likely to have contributed significantly to bloom development and support. Termination of the Gymnodinium sp. bloom coincided with abloom of the non-toxic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum, which appeared as large red patches in Kuwait Bay. While no adverse human health effects were associated with the bloom, closure of shellfish and selected finfish (largely mullet Liza macrolepis) markets resulted in significant economic losses to the region. The occurrence of this toxic algal bloom event, the first within the Arabian Sea, highlights the need for monitoring and research programs in the Arabian Sea and Kuwait Bay that focus on nutrients and eutrophication, in addition to oil related pollution issues.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, occurrence, pollution},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Significant natural and aquaculture fish deaths in Kuwait Bay occurred from September to October of 1999 and were attributed to a bloom of the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium sp. A chronology of the bloom event suggests that a period of low winds and stable water-column structure preceded the bloom. Maximum cell concentrations of Gymnodinium sp. (>6 x 10(6) cells 1(-1)) were also immediately preceded by more than 20-fold increase in mean inorganic nitrogen concentrations (up to 60 muM) and elevated inorganic phosphate concentrations. This, combined with elevated inorganic and organic nutrient concentrations within the bloom, suggests that coastal nutrient eutrophication was Likely to have contributed significantly to bloom development and support. Termination of the Gymnodinium sp. bloom coincided with abloom of the non-toxic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum, which appeared as large red patches in Kuwait Bay. While no adverse human health effects were associated with the bloom, closure of shellfish and selected finfish (largely mullet Liza macrolepis) markets resulted in significant economic losses to the region. The occurrence of this toxic algal bloom event, the first within the Arabian Sea, highlights the need for monitoring and research programs in the Arabian Sea and Kuwait Bay that focus on nutrients and eutrophication, in addition to oil related pollution issues.
Baldwin,R.M.
Oman's humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Journal Article
In: The Journal of Oman Studies, vol. 11 , no. 316, pp. 11-18, 2000.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, behaviour, conservation, Distribution, ecology, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, incidental capture, megaptera novaeangliae, mortality, occurrence, Oman, population, population identity, status, survey, whale, whales
@article{,
title = {Oman's humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) },
author = {Baldwin,R.M.},
year = {2000},
date = {2000-01-01},
journal = {The Journal of Oman Studies},
volume = {11 },
number = {316},
pages = {11-18},
abstract = {Data are presented on the general distribution and abundance of humpback whales off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, with particular reference to observations made during an offshore seismic survey in the Arabian Sea in November 1997. Additional information is presented on seasonal occurrence, ecology and behaviour, external appearance, conservation, mortality, incidental capture, population status and identity of Oman's humpback whales. The data generally support the notion of year-round residency of humpback whales off the coast of Oman, but indicate the need for further research to establish whether the low frequency of positive records during summer months is a true reflection of seasonal distribution. Other research on humpback whales in the region is recommended.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, behaviour, conservation, Distribution, ecology, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, incidental capture, megaptera novaeangliae, mortality, occurrence, Oman, population, population identity, status, survey, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Data are presented on the general distribution and abundance of humpback whales off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, with particular reference to observations made during an offshore seismic survey in the Arabian Sea in November 1997. Additional information is presented on seasonal occurrence, ecology and behaviour, external appearance, conservation, mortality, incidental capture, population status and identity of Oman's humpback whales. The data generally support the notion of year-round residency of humpback whales off the coast of Oman, but indicate the need for further research to establish whether the low frequency of positive records during summer months is a true reflection of seasonal distribution. Other research on humpback whales in the region is recommended.
Morrison,J.M.,Codispoti,L.A.,Smith,S.L.,Wishner,K.,Flagg,C.,Gardner,W.D.,Gaurin,S.,Naqvi,S.W.A.,Manghnani,V.,Prosperie,L.,Gundersen,J.S.
The oxygen minimum zone in the Arabian Sea during 1995 Journal Article
In: Deep-Sea Research Part II, vol. 46, no. 174, pp. 1903-1931, 1999.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: acoustic, Arabian Sea, density, depth, diel, Distribution, location, migrate, migration, occurrence, oxygen minimum, plankton, thermocline, zooplankton
@article{,
title = {The oxygen minimum zone in the Arabian Sea during 1995},
author = {Morrison,J.M.,Codispoti,L.A.,Smith,S.L.,Wishner,K.,Flagg,C.,Gardner,W.D.,Gaurin,S.,Naqvi,S.W.A.,Manghnani,V.,Prosperie,L.,Gundersen,J.S.},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},
volume = {46},
number = {174},
pages = {1903-1931},
abstract = {This paper focuses on the characteristics of the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) as observed in the Arabian Sea over the complete monsoon cycle of 1995. Dissolved oxygen, nitrite, nitrate and density values are used to delineate the OMZ, as well as identify regions where denitrification is observed. The suboxic conditions within the northern Arabian Sea are documented, as well as biological and chemical consequences of this phenomenon. Overall, the conditions found in the suboxic portion of the water column in the Arabian Sea were not greatly different from what has been reported in the literature with respect to oxygen, nitrate and nitrite distributions. Within the main thermocline, portions of the OMZ were found that were suboxic (oxygen less than ~4.5 æM) and contained secondary nitrite maxima with concentrations that sometimes exceeded 6.0 æM, suggesting active nitrate reduction and denitrification. Although there may have been a reduction in the degree of suboxia during the Southwest monsoon, a dramatic seasonality was not observed, as has been suggested by some previous work. In particular, there was not much evidence for the occurrence of secondary nitrite maxima in waters with oxygen concentrations greater than 4.5 æM. Waters in the northern Arabian Sea appear to accumulate larger nitrate deficits due to longer residence times even though the denitrification rate might be lower, as evident in the reduced nitrite concentrations in the northern part of the basin. Organism distributions showed string relationships to the oxygen profiles, especially in locations where the OMZ was pronounced, but the biological responses to the OMZ varied with type of organism. The regional extent of intermediate nepheloid layers in our data corresponds well with the region of the secondary nitrite maximum. This is a region of denitrification, and the presence and activities of bacteria are assumed to cause the increase in particles. ADCP acoustic backscatter measurements show diel vertical migration of plankton or nekton and movement into the OMZ. Daytime acoustic returns from depth were strong, and the dawn sinking and dusk rise of the fauna were obvious. However, at night the biomass remaining in the suboxic zone was so low that no ADCP signal was detectable at these depths. There are at least two groups of organisms, one that stays in the upper mixed layer and another that makes daily excursions. A subsurface zooplankton peak in the lower OMZ (near the lower 4.5 æM oxycline) was also typically present; these animals occurred day and night and did not vertically migrate.},
keywords = {acoustic, Arabian Sea, density, depth, diel, Distribution, location, migrate, migration, occurrence, oxygen minimum, plankton, thermocline, zooplankton},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper focuses on the characteristics of the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) as observed in the Arabian Sea over the complete monsoon cycle of 1995. Dissolved oxygen, nitrite, nitrate and density values are used to delineate the OMZ, as well as identify regions where denitrification is observed. The suboxic conditions within the northern Arabian Sea are documented, as well as biological and chemical consequences of this phenomenon. Overall, the conditions found in the suboxic portion of the water column in the Arabian Sea were not greatly different from what has been reported in the literature with respect to oxygen, nitrate and nitrite distributions. Within the main thermocline, portions of the OMZ were found that were suboxic (oxygen less than ~4.5 æM) and contained secondary nitrite maxima with concentrations that sometimes exceeded 6.0 æM, suggesting active nitrate reduction and denitrification. Although there may have been a reduction in the degree of suboxia during the Southwest monsoon, a dramatic seasonality was not observed, as has been suggested by some previous work. In particular, there was not much evidence for the occurrence of secondary nitrite maxima in waters with oxygen concentrations greater than 4.5 æM. Waters in the northern Arabian Sea appear to accumulate larger nitrate deficits due to longer residence times even though the denitrification rate might be lower, as evident in the reduced nitrite concentrations in the northern part of the basin. Organism distributions showed string relationships to the oxygen profiles, especially in locations where the OMZ was pronounced, but the biological responses to the OMZ varied with type of organism. The regional extent of intermediate nepheloid layers in our data corresponds well with the region of the secondary nitrite maximum. This is a region of denitrification, and the presence and activities of bacteria are assumed to cause the increase in particles. ADCP acoustic backscatter measurements show diel vertical migration of plankton or nekton and movement into the OMZ. Daytime acoustic returns from depth were strong, and the dawn sinking and dusk rise of the fauna were obvious. However, at night the biomass remaining in the suboxic zone was so low that no ADCP signal was detectable at these depths. There are at least two groups of organisms, one that stays in the upper mixed layer and another that makes daily excursions. A subsurface zooplankton peak in the lower OMZ (near the lower 4.5 æM oxycline) was also typically present; these animals occurred day and night and did not vertically migrate.
Baldwin,R.
Humpback whales Technical Report
no. 19, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, behaviour, conservation, Distribution, ecology, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, incidental capture, megaptera novaeangliae, mortality, occurrence, Oman, population, population identity, status, survey, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Humpback whales },
author = {Baldwin,R.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
volume = {SC/50/CAWS21},
number = {19},
pages = {1-6},
abstract = {Data are presented on the general distribution and abundance of humpback whales off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, with particular reference to observations made during an offshore seismic survey in the Arabian Sea in November 1997. Additional information is presented on seasonal occurrence, ecology and behaviour, external appearance, conservation, mortality, incidental capture and population status and identity of Oman's humpback whales. The data generally support the notion of year-round residency of humpback whales off the coast of Oman, but indicate the need for further research to establish whether the low frequency of positive records during summer months is a true reflection of seasonal distribution. Other research on humpback whales in the region is recommended.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, behaviour, conservation, Distribution, ecology, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, incidental capture, megaptera novaeangliae, mortality, occurrence, Oman, population, population identity, status, survey, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Data are presented on the general distribution and abundance of humpback whales off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, with particular reference to observations made during an offshore seismic survey in the Arabian Sea in November 1997. Additional information is presented on seasonal occurrence, ecology and behaviour, external appearance, conservation, mortality, incidental capture and population status and identity of Oman's humpback whales. The data generally support the notion of year-round residency of humpback whales off the coast of Oman, but indicate the need for further research to establish whether the low frequency of positive records during summer months is a true reflection of seasonal distribution. Other research on humpback whales in the region is recommended.
Baldwin,R.M.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) of the Sultanate of Oman Technical Report
no. 315, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, behaviour, conservation, Distribution, ecology, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, incidental capture, megaptera novaeangliae, mortality, occurrence, Oman, population, population identity, status, survey, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) of the Sultanate of Oman },
author = {Baldwin,R.M.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/50/CAWS21 },
number = {315},
pages = {1-6},
abstract = {Data are presented on the general distribution and abundance of humpback whales off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, with particular reference to observations made during an offshore seismic survey in the Arabian Sea in November 1997. Additional information is presented on seasonal occurrence, ecology and behaviour, external appearance, conservation, mortality, incidental capture and population status and identity of Oman's humpback whales. The data generally support the notion of year-round residency of humpback whales off the coast of Oman, but indicate the need for further research to establish whether the low frequency of positive records during summer months is a true reflection of seasonal distribution. Other research on humpback whales in the region is recommended.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, behaviour, conservation, Distribution, ecology, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, incidental capture, megaptera novaeangliae, mortality, occurrence, Oman, population, population identity, status, survey, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Data are presented on the general distribution and abundance of humpback whales off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, with particular reference to observations made during an offshore seismic survey in the Arabian Sea in November 1997. Additional information is presented on seasonal occurrence, ecology and behaviour, external appearance, conservation, mortality, incidental capture and population status and identity of Oman's humpback whales. The data generally support the notion of year-round residency of humpback whales off the coast of Oman, but indicate the need for further research to establish whether the low frequency of positive records during summer months is a true reflection of seasonal distribution. Other research on humpback whales in the region is recommended.
Small,J.A..,Small,G.J.
Cetacean observations from the Somali Democratic Republic, September 1985 through May 1987 Journal Article
In: CEtaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: UNEP - Marine Mammal Technical Report No.3, no. 476, pp. 179-210, 1991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, Blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, dolphin, false killer whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, killer whale, location, marine, megaptera novaeangliae, melon-headed whale, migration, occurrence, Oman, Pacific Ocean, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, stocks, Striped dolphin, survey, trend, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@article{,
title = {Cetacean observations from the Somali Democratic Republic, September 1985 through May 1987},
author = {Small,J.A..,Small,G.J.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {CEtaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: UNEP - Marine Mammal Technical Report No.3},
number = {476},
pages = {179-210},
abstract = {Two vessels operated along the Gulf of Aden and northern Indian Ocean coasts of Somalia from Aug. 1985 through May 1987. Their fishing activities carried them on a routine basis from Djibouti to the Horn of Africa and, on many cruises, into the Indian Ocean as far south as 8øN. The frequent and regular presence of these vessels afforded a unique opportunity for research since few previous surveys along the Somalian coast were transitory and/or of short duration. There were 398 sightings of cetaceans representing at least 14 species: blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, melon-headed whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin, striped dolphin and spinner dolphin (NO humpback whales!!). Sightings locations and related environmental data are discussed. Some trends between years were seen in the occurrence and location of blue, killer and short-finned pilot whales.},
keywords = {Antarctic, Blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, dolphin, false killer whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, killer whale, location, marine, megaptera novaeangliae, melon-headed whale, migration, occurrence, Oman, Pacific Ocean, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, stocks, Striped dolphin, survey, trend, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Two vessels operated along the Gulf of Aden and northern Indian Ocean coasts of Somalia from Aug. 1985 through May 1987. Their fishing activities carried them on a routine basis from Djibouti to the Horn of Africa and, on many cruises, into the Indian Ocean as far south as 8øN. The frequent and regular presence of these vessels afforded a unique opportunity for research since few previous surveys along the Somalian coast were transitory and/or of short duration. There were 398 sightings of cetaceans representing at least 14 species: blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, melon-headed whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin, striped dolphin and spinner dolphin (NO humpback whales!!). Sightings locations and related environmental data are discussed. Some trends between years were seen in the occurrence and location of blue, killer and short-finned pilot whales.