Thomas, Peter O.,Reeves, Randall R.,Brownell, Robert L. Status of the world's baleen whales Journal Article Marine Mammal Science, (242), 2015, ISBN: 1748-7692. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: anthropogenic noise, baleen whales, blue whales, Bycatch, cetaceans, Climate change, Endangered species, Entanglement, IUCN, ocean acidification, Red List, ship strike, status, whaling @article{, title = {Status of the world's baleen whales}, author = {Thomas, Peter O.,Reeves, Randall R.,Brownell, Robert L.}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12281}, issn = {1748-7692}, year = {2015}, date = {2015-01-01}, journal = {Marine Mammal Science}, number = {242}, abstract = {No global synthesis of the status of baleen whales has been published since the 2008 IUCN Red List assessments. Many populations remain at low numbers from historical commercial whaling, which had ceased for all but a few by 1989. Fishing gear entanglement and ship strikes are the most severe current threats. The acute and long-term effects of anthropogenic noise and the cumulative effects of multiple stressors are of concern but poorly understood. The looming consequences of climate change and ocean acidification remain difficult to characterize. North Atlantic and North Pacific right whales are among the species listed as Endangered. Southern right, bowhead, and gray whales have been assessed as Least Concern but some subpopulations of these species - western North Pacific gray whales, Chile-Peru right whales, and Svalbard/Barents Sea and Sea of Okhotsk bowhead whales - remain at low levels and are either Endangered or Critically Endangered. Eastern North Pacific blue whales have reportedly recovered, but Antarctic blue whales remain at about 1% of pre-exploitation levels. Small isolated subspecies or subpopulations, such as northern Indian Ocean blue whales, Arabian Sea humpback whales, and Mediterranean Sea fin whales are threatened while most subpopulations of sei, Bryde's, and Omura's whales are inadequately monitored and difficult to assess.}, keywords = {anthropogenic noise, baleen whales, blue whales, Bycatch, cetaceans, Climate change, Endangered species, Entanglement, IUCN, ocean acidification, Red List, ship strike, status, whaling}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } No global synthesis of the status of baleen whales has been published since the 2008 IUCN Red List assessments. Many populations remain at low numbers from historical commercial whaling, which had ceased for all but a few by 1989. Fishing gear entanglement and ship strikes are the most severe current threats. The acute and long-term effects of anthropogenic noise and the cumulative effects of multiple stressors are of concern but poorly understood. The looming consequences of climate change and ocean acidification remain difficult to characterize. North Atlantic and North Pacific right whales are among the species listed as Endangered. Southern right, bowhead, and gray whales have been assessed as Least Concern but some subpopulations of these species - western North Pacific gray whales, Chile-Peru right whales, and Svalbard/Barents Sea and Sea of Okhotsk bowhead whales - remain at low levels and are either Endangered or Critically Endangered. Eastern North Pacific blue whales have reportedly recovered, but Antarctic blue whales remain at about 1% of pre-exploitation levels. Small isolated subspecies or subpopulations, such as northern Indian Ocean blue whales, Arabian Sea humpback whales, and Mediterranean Sea fin whales are threatened while most subpopulations of sei, Bryde's, and Omura's whales are inadequately monitored and difficult to assess. |
de Vos, Asha,Christiansen, Fredrik,Harcourt, Robert G.,Pattiaratchi, Charitha B. Surfacing characteristics and diving behaviour of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters Journal Article Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 449 (83), pp. 149-153, 2013, ISBN: 0022-0981. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, availability bias, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Markov chains, Monte Carlo, Northern Indian Ocean, ship strike, Surfacing behaviour, Whale watching @article{, title = {Surfacing characteristics and diving behaviour of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters}, author = {de Vos, Asha,Christiansen, Fredrik,Harcourt, Robert G.,Pattiaratchi, Charitha B.}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098113003298}, issn = {0022-0981}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology}, volume = {449}, number = {83}, pages = {149-153}, abstract = {Surfacing behaviour and dive characteristics were quantified from focal follows of individual blue whales between January–March 2012 and 2013. During this period individual whales were followed from small boats to observe their surfacing patterns and breathing behaviour. Data on time at first surface, length of surface interval, number of blows, final dive time and whether or not the whale ‘fluked up’ before a deep dive were recorded. A step-wise modelling approach was used to estimate a number of surfacing characteristics: mean Inter-Breath Interval (IBI), bout duration and the number of surfacings in a bout. First, dives were classified as either surface dives or deep dives based on the occurrence of arching or fluking behaviour at the surface prior to a deep dive. The mean IBI of surface dives was 17.6s (SD=26.14) and for deep dives, 640.3s (SD=214.38). To account for temporal dependence between dive types, a first-order Markov chain was used to estimate the transition probability between dive types. Time series of dive types were then simulated, using Monte Carlo methods, while accounting for heterogeneity in IBI of the different dive types. The mean IBI of blue whales in Sri Lanka, obtained from the Monte Carlo methods, was 84.7s (SD=11.17). The mean bout duration was 145s (SD=28.31), with the mean number of breaths per surface bout being 9.3 (SD=1.43). Whales also lifted their tail flukes out of the water on 55% of terminal dives, which is considerably more frequent than elsewhere in the world. These results significantly advance our understanding of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. More specifically, this information is essential for the calculation of precise abundance estimates as it informs the detection probability parameters for line transect surveys. In this way it will help formulate better management decisions related to the conservation of this population.}, keywords = {Arabian Sea, availability bias, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Markov chains, Monte Carlo, Northern Indian Ocean, ship strike, Surfacing behaviour, Whale watching}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Surfacing behaviour and dive characteristics were quantified from focal follows of individual blue whales between January–March 2012 and 2013. During this period individual whales were followed from small boats to observe their surfacing patterns and breathing behaviour. Data on time at first surface, length of surface interval, number of blows, final dive time and whether or not the whale ‘fluked up’ before a deep dive were recorded. A step-wise modelling approach was used to estimate a number of surfacing characteristics: mean Inter-Breath Interval (IBI), bout duration and the number of surfacings in a bout. First, dives were classified as either surface dives or deep dives based on the occurrence of arching or fluking behaviour at the surface prior to a deep dive. The mean IBI of surface dives was 17.6s (SD=26.14) and for deep dives, 640.3s (SD=214.38). To account for temporal dependence between dive types, a first-order Markov chain was used to estimate the transition probability between dive types. Time series of dive types were then simulated, using Monte Carlo methods, while accounting for heterogeneity in IBI of the different dive types. The mean IBI of blue whales in Sri Lanka, obtained from the Monte Carlo methods, was 84.7s (SD=11.17). The mean bout duration was 145s (SD=28.31), with the mean number of breaths per surface bout being 9.3 (SD=1.43). Whales also lifted their tail flukes out of the water on 55% of terminal dives, which is considerably more frequent than elsewhere in the world. These results significantly advance our understanding of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. More specifically, this information is essential for the calculation of precise abundance estimates as it informs the detection probability parameters for line transect surveys. In this way it will help formulate better management decisions related to the conservation of this population. |
Dakhteh, Seyed M. H.,Ranjbar, Sharif,Moazeni, Mostafa,Mohsenian, Nazanin,Delshab, Hossein,Moshiri, Hamed,Nabavi, Seyed M. B.,Van Waerebeek, Koen The Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea Humpback whale population Journal Article Journal of Marine Biology & Oceanography, 6 (77), pp. 1-6, 2017. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike @article{, title = {The Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea Humpback whale population}, author = {Dakhteh, Seyed M. H.,Ranjbar, Sharif,Moazeni, Mostafa,Mohsenian, Nazanin,Delshab, Hossein,Moshiri, Hamed,Nabavi, Seyed M. B.,Van Waerebeek, Koen}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Marine Biology & Oceanography}, volume = {6}, number = {77}, pages = {1-6}, abstract = {The humpback whale has long been considered a rare straggler into the Persian Gulf, however new evidence contradicts this concept. We here critically review published and new records for Megaptera novaeangliae occurrence in the Gulf for the period 1883-2017. Of eight authenticated records (6 specimens, 2 live-sightings), seven are contemporary cases while one is a mid-Holocene specimen from UAE. An additional four are possible but unsubstantiated reports. Four regional, current, range states are confirmed, i.e. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. Four of the five newly reported cases are from Iran's coastal waters. We conclude that the Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea humpback whale population, and has been since at least the mid-Holocene. It is unknown whether frequent passage occurs through the Strait of Hormuz or whether whales are (semi)resident. The low abundance of this endangered population and frequent deleterious anthropogenic events, particularly ship strikes and net entanglements, are cause for major concern. In view of its historical and taxonomic relevance, the formal description of Megaptera indica Gervais, 1883, from Iraq, now thought to be a subspecies M. novaeangliae indica, is here translated from French.%U http://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2017/09/06/185033.full.pdf}, keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The humpback whale has long been considered a rare straggler into the Persian Gulf, however new evidence contradicts this concept. We here critically review published and new records for Megaptera novaeangliae occurrence in the Gulf for the period 1883-2017. Of eight authenticated records (6 specimens, 2 live-sightings), seven are contemporary cases while one is a mid-Holocene specimen from UAE. An additional four are possible but unsubstantiated reports. Four regional, current, range states are confirmed, i.e. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. Four of the five newly reported cases are from Iran's coastal waters. We conclude that the Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea humpback whale population, and has been since at least the mid-Holocene. It is unknown whether frequent passage occurs through the Strait of Hormuz or whether whales are (semi)resident. The low abundance of this endangered population and frequent deleterious anthropogenic events, particularly ship strikes and net entanglements, are cause for major concern. In view of its historical and taxonomic relevance, the formal description of Megaptera indica Gervais, 1883, from Iraq, now thought to be a subspecies M. novaeangliae indica, is here translated from French.%U http://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2017/09/06/185033.full.pdf |
Ilangakoon, A. D. Impacts of Whale-Watching on Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Southern Sri Lanka Conference (115), 2013. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, impact, management, Northern Indian Ocean, risk assessment, ship strike, shipping, Sri Lanka, tourism, Whale watching @conference{, title = {Impacts of Whale-Watching on Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Southern Sri Lanka}, author = {Ilangakoon, A. D. }, url = {https://repository.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2433/176191/1/12thseastar_045.pdf}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, journal = {PROCEEDINGS of the Design Symposium on Conservation of Ecosystem (2013) (The 12th SEASTAR2000 workshop)}, number = {115}, pages = {45-50}, abstract = {Blue whales inhabit the coastal waters off southern Sri Lanka throughout the year, due to a narrow continental shelf and upwelling, related feeding opportunities. A busy, international shipping lane also lies off the south coast. While blue whales are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the subspecies status and genetic affinities of this northern Indian Ocean population is not well understood. Since 2009 a rapidly expanding, boat-based, commercial whale-watching industry has developed off the south coast, but remains unregulated due to the non-existence of national regulations or codes of conduct. As a result, unethical practices are leading to harassment of the targeted whales. Comparison of sightings data from before and after whale-watching began, shows a shift in the area of occurrence and concentration of whales. Simultaneously there is an increase in the number of stranding and vessel collision related mortality. These factors indicate that current whalewatching practices are displacing whales from their preferred feeding areas and inadvertently pushing them offshore into the shipping lane, causing an increase in fatal vessel collisions. It is recommended that a precautionary principal is followed and whale-watching activities are regulated as a priority, in order to mitigate any adverse impacts. }, keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, impact, management, Northern Indian Ocean, risk assessment, ship strike, shipping, Sri Lanka, tourism, Whale watching}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {conference} } Blue whales inhabit the coastal waters off southern Sri Lanka throughout the year, due to a narrow continental shelf and upwelling, related feeding opportunities. A busy, international shipping lane also lies off the south coast. While blue whales are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the subspecies status and genetic affinities of this northern Indian Ocean population is not well understood. Since 2009 a rapidly expanding, boat-based, commercial whale-watching industry has developed off the south coast, but remains unregulated due to the non-existence of national regulations or codes of conduct. As a result, unethical practices are leading to harassment of the targeted whales. Comparison of sightings data from before and after whale-watching began, shows a shift in the area of occurrence and concentration of whales. Simultaneously there is an increase in the number of stranding and vessel collision related mortality. These factors indicate that current whalewatching practices are displacing whales from their preferred feeding areas and inadvertently pushing them offshore into the shipping lane, causing an increase in fatal vessel collisions. It is recommended that a precautionary principal is followed and whale-watching activities are regulated as a priority, in order to mitigate any adverse impacts. |
Sutaria, D. A Report On Baleen Whale Records And Recent Developments In Marine Mammal Research And Conservation Policy - Update From India Technical Report (240), 2019, ISSN: SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding @techreport{, title = {A Report On Baleen Whale Records And Recent Developments In Marine Mammal Research And Conservation Policy - Update From India}, author = {Sutaria, D.}, url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sc_67a_cmp_03_rev1_baleen-whale-records-from-india-1.pdf}, issn = { SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission}, number = {240}, pages = {6}, abstract = {Twelve baleen whale reports were collected from June 2018 to May 2019. Of these seven were of live sightings reported by participatory fisher and diver networks along the coast, including two Bryde’s whale groups, and two separate humpback whale sightings of one individual each. The rest were unidentified baleen whale sightings. These reports are summarised here. Five ‘hotspot areas’ of the west coast, were identified, where information was gathered by interviewing fishers and inviting them to be part of a growing participatory reporting network. . We plan to continue this work in 2019-20 with passive acoustic monitoring using SoundTraps in two of the five hotspots. At the National level the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New Delhi has developed a National Arabian Sea Humpback whale Research and Recovery program. National and State-level programs are being developed, with support from the author and a wider research network in India. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local teams, to carry out long term research and conservation, including a net disentanglement workshop. }, keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } Twelve baleen whale reports were collected from June 2018 to May 2019. Of these seven were of live sightings reported by participatory fisher and diver networks along the coast, including two Bryde’s whale groups, and two separate humpback whale sightings of one individual each. The rest were unidentified baleen whale sightings. These reports are summarised here. Five ‘hotspot areas’ of the west coast, were identified, where information was gathered by interviewing fishers and inviting them to be part of a growing participatory reporting network. . We plan to continue this work in 2019-20 with passive acoustic monitoring using SoundTraps in two of the five hotspots. At the National level the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New Delhi has developed a National Arabian Sea Humpback whale Research and Recovery program. National and State-level programs are being developed, with support from the author and a wider research network in India. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local teams, to carry out long term research and conservation, including a net disentanglement workshop. |
Sutaria, D.,Sule, M.,Jog, K.,Bopardikar, I.,Jamalabad, A.,Panicker, D. Baleen Whale Records from India Technical Report (241), 2017, ISBN: SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding @techreport{, title = {Baleen Whale Records from India}, author = {Sutaria, D.,Sule, M.,Jog, K.,Bopardikar, I.,Jamalabad, A.,Panicker, D.}, issn = { SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission}, number = {241}, pages = {16}, abstract = {The current presence of three baleen whale species, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was assessed along the Indian coastline via sighting and stranding records. The available literature was reviewed to understand the frequency and distribution of stranding events along the coastline. Fisherfolk were interviewed to obtain information on baleen whale sightings and community perceptions towards whales. We found that blue and Bryde’s whales are recorded from both the east and west coasts and humpback whales from the west coast only. During 2015-2016, the majority of strandings were reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In March 2017, at least one humpback whale sighting was confirmed from recorded vocalisations off the Goa coast. An investigation of the ongoing fisheries has also revealed a steep decline in commercial fisheries and an 82% decline in the Sardines in 2015-16. With this scenario in mind, we recommend continuation of dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local regional authorities to carry out in-depth analyses of strandings and document the ecology of whales in Indian waters.}, keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } The current presence of three baleen whale species, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was assessed along the Indian coastline via sighting and stranding records. The available literature was reviewed to understand the frequency and distribution of stranding events along the coastline. Fisherfolk were interviewed to obtain information on baleen whale sightings and community perceptions towards whales. We found that blue and Bryde’s whales are recorded from both the east and west coasts and humpback whales from the west coast only. During 2015-2016, the majority of strandings were reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In March 2017, at least one humpback whale sighting was confirmed from recorded vocalisations off the Goa coast. An investigation of the ongoing fisheries has also revealed a steep decline in commercial fisheries and an 82% decline in the Sardines in 2015-16. With this scenario in mind, we recommend continuation of dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local regional authorities to carry out in-depth analyses of strandings and document the ecology of whales in Indian waters. |
Sutaria, D. Baleen whale reports from the eastern Arabian Sea based on interview surveys and stranding reports - update from India Technical Report (483), 2018, ISSN: SC/67B/CMP/15. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding @techreport{, title = {Baleen whale reports from the eastern Arabian Sea based on interview surveys and stranding reports - update from India}, author = {Sutaria, D.}, url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sc_67b_cmp_15_baleen-whale-records-from-india-1.pdf}, issn = { SC/67B/CMP/15}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission}, number = {483}, pages = {16}, abstract = {In 2017-18, seven unidentified baleen whales, two Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) and two humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been reported from the west coast of India (eastern Arabian Sea). The stranding and sighting reports are summarised here. Fishers were interviewed from south Gujarat to west Tamil Nadu, for baleen whale sighting events to identify hotspots, and to collect community perceptions towards baleen whales. Based on these interviews, along with data on strandings, opportunistic song recordings, and the recent presence of a satellite tagged whale from Oman, seven regions have been identified as hotspots and habitats used by humpback whales. Humpback whales in these areas seem to be common during the months of January to March. We continue our work in 2018-20 with systematic vessel based surveys using dipping hydrophones in four of the seven hotspots. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local and international teams, to carry out in-depth analyses of stranding events, and for a larger coverage in visual surveys with the future use of static passive acoustic monitoring systems.}, keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } In 2017-18, seven unidentified baleen whales, two Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) and two humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been reported from the west coast of India (eastern Arabian Sea). The stranding and sighting reports are summarised here. Fishers were interviewed from south Gujarat to west Tamil Nadu, for baleen whale sighting events to identify hotspots, and to collect community perceptions towards baleen whales. Based on these interviews, along with data on strandings, opportunistic song recordings, and the recent presence of a satellite tagged whale from Oman, seven regions have been identified as hotspots and habitats used by humpback whales. Humpback whales in these areas seem to be common during the months of January to March. We continue our work in 2018-20 with systematic vessel based surveys using dipping hydrophones in four of the seven hotspots. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local and international teams, to carry out in-depth analyses of stranding events, and for a larger coverage in visual surveys with the future use of static passive acoustic monitoring systems. |
Dakteh, S.M.H.,Ranjbar, S.,Moazeni, M.,Mohsenian, Nazanin,Delshab, H.,Moshiri, H.,Van Waerebeek, K On the presence of humpback whales in the Persian Gulf: rare or rarely documented? Technical Report (78), 2017, ISBN: SC/67A/CMP/14. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, stranding @techreport{, title = {On the presence of humpback whales in the Persian Gulf: rare or rarely documented?}, author = {Dakteh, S.M.H.,Ranjbar, S.,Moazeni, M.,Mohsenian, Nazanin,Delshab, H.,Moshiri, H.,Van Waerebeek, K}, issn = { SC/67A/CMP/14}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission}, number = {78}, pages = {7}, abstract = {We critically review the evidence for humpback whale presence in the Persian Gulf. Five specimen records, assumed to belong to the endangered Arabian Sea population, are confirmed in the period 1883- 2017: Bassore Bay, Iraq; Doha, Qatar; Kuwait Inner harbour, Kuwait; Qeshm Island, Iran; and Akhtar, Bushehr Province, Iran. The two Iranian cases, both juveniles, are newly recorded. With accumulating reports, an alternate hypothesis to 'rare stragglers' deserves consideration, one in which Arabian Sea humpback whales may enter the Persian Gulf with some regularity, perhaps as normal visitors, if not permanent residents. Deficiency of records may reflect a general sparsity of whale research effort in the Persian Gulf. The historical description of Megaptera indica Gervais, 1883 is translated from French.}, keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, stranding}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } We critically review the evidence for humpback whale presence in the Persian Gulf. Five specimen records, assumed to belong to the endangered Arabian Sea population, are confirmed in the period 1883- 2017: Bassore Bay, Iraq; Doha, Qatar; Kuwait Inner harbour, Kuwait; Qeshm Island, Iran; and Akhtar, Bushehr Province, Iran. The two Iranian cases, both juveniles, are newly recorded. With accumulating reports, an alternate hypothesis to 'rare stragglers' deserves consideration, one in which Arabian Sea humpback whales may enter the Persian Gulf with some regularity, perhaps as normal visitors, if not permanent residents. Deficiency of records may reflect a general sparsity of whale research effort in the Persian Gulf. The historical description of Megaptera indica Gervais, 1883 is translated from French. |
Willson, A.,Kowalik, J.,Godley, B.J.,Baldwin, R.,Struck, A.,Struck, L.,Nawaz, Rab,Witt, M.J. Priorities for addressing whale and ship co-occurrence off the coast of Oman and the wider North Indian Ocean. Technical Report (503), 2016. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: AIS, Blue whale, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mitigation, Oman, ship strike, vessel traffic, whales @techreport{, title = {Priorities for addressing whale and ship co-occurrence off the coast of Oman and the wider North Indian Ocean.}, author = {Willson, A.,Kowalik, J.,Godley, B.J.,Baldwin, R.,Struck, A.,Struck, L.,Nawaz, Rab,Witt, M.J.}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-01-01}, journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission}, number = {503}, pages = {13}, publisher = {IWC}, abstract = {Satellite telemetry studies and habitat density mapping of the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) has revealed overlap with shipping off the coast of Oman. To date the only other Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) study to determine the risk of mortality to whales (Baleanoptera musculus) from shipping was completed in Sri Lanka. A demonstration exercise reviewing vessel traffic (from AIS data) passing through coarsely defined habitat reveals that container vessels may provide the highest risk to whales based on speed of vessels, and given a three fold increase in container traffic in the NIO region between 2004 and 2014. Traffic density heat maps show shipping routes are predominantly distributed around the periphery of the NIO area in close proximity to the continental shelf showing overlap with historical records of takes of blue, humpback, sperm (Physester macrocephalus) and Bryde’s whales (Baleanoptridae edeni) during Soviet whaling between 1964 and 1966. The review presents a case for immediately commencing risk assessment work on humpback and ship co-occurrence in Oman whilst undertaking a wider spatial assessment of the region to at least determine priority areas for study. Given overlapping habitat use between species in certain areas, a multi-species approach to reviewing mitigation options is recommended.}, keywords = {AIS, Blue whale, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mitigation, Oman, ship strike, vessel traffic, whales}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } Satellite telemetry studies and habitat density mapping of the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) has revealed overlap with shipping off the coast of Oman. To date the only other Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) study to determine the risk of mortality to whales (Baleanoptera musculus) from shipping was completed in Sri Lanka. A demonstration exercise reviewing vessel traffic (from AIS data) passing through coarsely defined habitat reveals that container vessels may provide the highest risk to whales based on speed of vessels, and given a three fold increase in container traffic in the NIO region between 2004 and 2014. Traffic density heat maps show shipping routes are predominantly distributed around the periphery of the NIO area in close proximity to the continental shelf showing overlap with historical records of takes of blue, humpback, sperm (Physester macrocephalus) and Bryde’s whales (Baleanoptridae edeni) during Soviet whaling between 1964 and 1966. The review presents a case for immediately commencing risk assessment work on humpback and ship co-occurrence in Oman whilst undertaking a wider spatial assessment of the region to at least determine priority areas for study. Given overlapping habitat use between species in certain areas, a multi-species approach to reviewing mitigation options is recommended. |
Cates, K.,DeMaster, D.P.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Silber, G. K.,Gende, S.,Leaper, R.,Ritter, F.,Panigada, S. Strategic Plan to Mitigate the Impacts of Ship Strikes on Cetacean Populations: 2017-2020 Technical Report (64), 2017. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Keywords: IWC, mitigation, risk assessment, ship strike, Threats, vessel traffic @techreport{, title = {Strategic Plan to Mitigate the Impacts of Ship Strikes on Cetacean Populations: 2017-2020}, author = {Cates, K.,DeMaster, D.P.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Silber, G. K.,Gende, S.,Leaper, R.,Ritter, F.,Panigada, S.}, url = {https://iwc.int/private/downloads/dr1UJzeCuNpAWs9Xf9caBw/IWC_Strategic_Plan_on_Ship_Strikes_Working_Group_FINAL.pdf}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Document presented and endorsed by the meeting of the Conservation Committee of the International Whaling Commission}, volume = {IWC/66/CC20 - updated }, number = {64}, pages = {17}, publisher = {International Whaling Commission}, abstract = {The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has identified the need to produce a Strategic Plan describing its activities intended to reduce the threat of ship strikes with cetaceans in the near and distant future. This document provides the necessary background, information and recommendations to help the IWC develop approaches and solutions by 2020 to achieve a permanent reduction in ship strikes of cetaceans. A number of recommendations were accepted by the IWC at its October 2016 meeting (IWC-66), including: (1) Initiate efforts to get a more comprehensive and more accurate reporting of ship strike incidents into the Ship Strike Database, (2) Review records of ship strikes and add new records to the database in a reasonable time frame, (3) Improve on the reliability of species identification of ship struck whales, (4) Maintain an easily assessable compendium of relevant papers and reports of ship strike issues; produce an updated bibliography related to ship strike issues on a two year schedule, (5) Implement use of a standard protocol for reviewing and recording data into the Ship Strike database, and (6) Publish summary statistics from the Ship Strike database on a routine basis, and couple this effort with outreach efforts. The IWC has recognized that reducing the spatial overlap of both high numbers of cetaceans and high numbers of vessels is likely to remain the best means of reducing ship strikes. Reducing vessel speeds in areas of high interactions is also a key element in mitigating adverse impacts on cetacean populations. Finally, it was noted that human-induced mortality caused by ship strikes can be an impediment to cetacean population growth. Populations of whales in the low hundreds of individuals are at risk of continuing declines even if only a small number of ship strikes occur per year. Therefore, it is important to identify populations that are small, are in decline, or for which human activities result in whale deaths or injuries and to monitor these populations to evaluate the extent to which ship strikes are a threat: a. Western North Atlantic right whale b. Eastern North Pacific right whale c. Chile-Peru right whale d. Arabian Sea humpback whale e. Western gray whale f. Blue whale-Sri Lanka and Arabian Sea g. Blue whale-Chile h. Sperm whale-Mediterranean Sea i. Fin whale-Mediterranean Sea j. Bryde’s whale-Gulf of Mexico k. Omura’s whale-Northwestern Madagascar l. Sperm whale-Canary Islands region}, keywords = {IWC, mitigation, risk assessment, ship strike, Threats, vessel traffic}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has identified the need to produce a Strategic Plan describing its activities intended to reduce the threat of ship strikes with cetaceans in the near and distant future. This document provides the necessary background, information and recommendations to help the IWC develop approaches and solutions by 2020 to achieve a permanent reduction in ship strikes of cetaceans. A number of recommendations were accepted by the IWC at its October 2016 meeting (IWC-66), including: (1) Initiate efforts to get a more comprehensive and more accurate reporting of ship strike incidents into the Ship Strike Database, (2) Review records of ship strikes and add new records to the database in a reasonable time frame, (3) Improve on the reliability of species identification of ship struck whales, (4) Maintain an easily assessable compendium of relevant papers and reports of ship strike issues; produce an updated bibliography related to ship strike issues on a two year schedule, (5) Implement use of a standard protocol for reviewing and recording data into the Ship Strike database, and (6) Publish summary statistics from the Ship Strike database on a routine basis, and couple this effort with outreach efforts. The IWC has recognized that reducing the spatial overlap of both high numbers of cetaceans and high numbers of vessels is likely to remain the best means of reducing ship strikes. Reducing vessel speeds in areas of high interactions is also a key element in mitigating adverse impacts on cetacean populations. Finally, it was noted that human-induced mortality caused by ship strikes can be an impediment to cetacean population growth. Populations of whales in the low hundreds of individuals are at risk of continuing declines even if only a small number of ship strikes occur per year. Therefore, it is important to identify populations that are small, are in decline, or for which human activities result in whale deaths or injuries and to monitor these populations to evaluate the extent to which ship strikes are a threat: a. Western North Atlantic right whale b. Eastern North Pacific right whale c. Chile-Peru right whale d. Arabian Sea humpback whale e. Western gray whale f. Blue whale-Sri Lanka and Arabian Sea g. Blue whale-Chile h. Sperm whale-Mediterranean Sea i. Fin whale-Mediterranean Sea j. Bryde’s whale-Gulf of Mexico k. Omura’s whale-Northwestern Madagascar l. Sperm whale-Canary Islands region |
Baldwin, R.,Willson, Andrew,Collins, T.J.Q. Watching out for whales: industry responsibility to address threats to Arabian Sea humpback whales, Gulf of Masirah, Oman Technical Report (312), 2015. Abstract | BibTeX | Keywords: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mitigation, seismic, ship strike, vessel traffic @techreport{, title = {Watching out for whales: industry responsibility to address threats to Arabian Sea humpback whales, Gulf of Masirah, Oman}, author = {Baldwin, R.,Willson, Andrew,Collins, T.J.Q.}, year = {2015}, date = {2015-01-01}, journal = {Report presented to the 66th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission}, number = {312}, pages = {10}, abstract = {Research on Arabian Sea humpback whales in Oman over the past 15 years has revealed that the Gulf of Masirah is a hot spot for this Endangered population and the only part of its known range where males and females are found at near parity. This information has been used by a partnership of industry, consultancy and NGO in Oman to develop mitigation related to port operations and hydrocarbon exploration in the area. This has included the development of a Whale Management and Mitigation Programme to be implemented by the Port of Duqm Company, as well as mitigation procedures that were used by a seismic survey contractor in late 2014. Impacts to whales nevertheless remain, including a collision between seismic equipment and a whale in December 2014, suggesting that further development of protection measures for the Arabian Sea humpback whale is still required. }, keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mitigation, seismic, ship strike, vessel traffic}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } Research on Arabian Sea humpback whales in Oman over the past 15 years has revealed that the Gulf of Masirah is a hot spot for this Endangered population and the only part of its known range where males and females are found at near parity. This information has been used by a partnership of industry, consultancy and NGO in Oman to develop mitigation related to port operations and hydrocarbon exploration in the area. This has included the development of a Whale Management and Mitigation Programme to be implemented by the Port of Duqm Company, as well as mitigation procedures that were used by a seismic survey contractor in late 2014. Impacts to whales nevertheless remain, including a collision between seismic equipment and a whale in December 2014, suggesting that further development of protection measures for the Arabian Sea humpback whale is still required. |
Searchable database of publications
Status of the world's baleen whales Journal Article Marine Mammal Science, (242), 2015, ISBN: 1748-7692. |
Surfacing characteristics and diving behaviour of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters Journal Article Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 449 (83), pp. 149-153, 2013, ISBN: 0022-0981. |
The Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea Humpback whale population Journal Article Journal of Marine Biology & Oceanography, 6 (77), pp. 1-6, 2017. |
Impacts of Whale-Watching on Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Southern Sri Lanka Conference (115), 2013. |
A Report On Baleen Whale Records And Recent Developments In Marine Mammal Research And Conservation Policy - Update From India Technical Report (240), 2019, ISSN: SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev. |
Baleen Whale Records from India Technical Report (241), 2017, ISBN: SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev. |
Baleen whale reports from the eastern Arabian Sea based on interview surveys and stranding reports - update from India Technical Report (483), 2018, ISSN: SC/67B/CMP/15. |
On the presence of humpback whales in the Persian Gulf: rare or rarely documented? Technical Report (78), 2017, ISBN: SC/67A/CMP/14. |
Priorities for addressing whale and ship co-occurrence off the coast of Oman and the wider North Indian Ocean. Technical Report (503), 2016. |
Strategic Plan to Mitigate the Impacts of Ship Strikes on Cetacean Populations: 2017-2020 Technical Report (64), 2017. |
Watching out for whales: industry responsibility to address threats to Arabian Sea humpback whales, Gulf of Masirah, Oman Technical Report (312), 2015. |