@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}

}

@article{,

title = {Update on satellite telemetry studies and first unoccupied aerial vehicle assisted health assessment studies of Arabian Sea humpback whales off the coast of Oman.},

author = {Willson, A.,Leslie, M.,Baldwin, R.,Cerchio, S.,Childerhouse, S.,Collins, T.,Findlay, K.,Genov, T.,Godley, B. J.,Al Harthi, S.,Macdonald, D. W.,Minton, G.,Zerbini, A.,Witt, M.J.},

url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sc_67b_cmp_13_rev1_oman-humbpack-whale-research-update-1.pdf},

issn = {IWC/SC67B/CMP13Rev1},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

urldate = {2018-01-01},

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

number = {504},

pages = {15},

publisher = {International Whaling Commission},

abstract = {Four previously documented surveys focusing on satellite tagging Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHW) have

taken place off the coast of Oman since 2014. We present information of the most recent multidisciplinary survey

from November 2017 including results of telemetry studies to investigate spatial ecology, photo-identification

work to support population estimates and the trial of new methods using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) in

conducting non-invasive health assessments. The findings document the first record of the transoceanic passage

of an ASHW within the Arabian Sea and preliminary evidence of regional scale connectivity. Small vessel surveys

resulted in 45 hours of effort resulting in a total of 35 sightings and encounters with over 18 identified individual

ASHWs. Five tags were successfully deployed, three being attached to whales already identified in the ASHW

catalogue (one female and two males) and two whales new to the catalogue (of as yet unknown sex). The recent

telemetry work brings the project total to 14 deployed tags. Four whales from the recent tagged group occupied

regions previously described as important habitat in the South of Oman including the Gulf of Masirah and

Hallaniyats Bay. The tag with the longest tracking duration (n=120 days) documented the passage of an adult

female from the Gulf of Masirah across to the west coast of India, south towards to the Gulf of Manar off the

southern tip of India and the subsequent return of the whale to the tagging site. Additionally, a hexacopter UAV

(drone) was used to acquire digital images of 7 whales to inform investigations into body condition (length-width

relationship), tissue scaring and skin disease. UAVs that were flown through respired condensate (blow) resulted

in collection of three viable samples collected for micro-biome assessment of the respiratory tract. On a broad

geographic scale the tracking data continues to confirm the importance of waters over the continental shelf in

southern Oman for ASHW and together with passive acoustic monitoring studies provides new evidence to

support previous understanding on the connectivity between humpback whales of the Arabian Sea. The frequency

of sightings in the study area, and documented breeding related behaviour during the survey supports existing

evidence demonstrating that the Gulf of Masirah is a critical habitat for the ASHW. Effective conservation of this

population requires concerted application of threat mitigation, whilst studies continue to support the on-going

conservation management requirement to understand the broader spatial ecology of the population.},

keywords = {health, Humpback Whale, lesions, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, photo-identification, Satellite telemetry, song, tattoo, UAV},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Statistical Year Book},

author = {Oman National Centre for Statistics and Information},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

volume = {Issue 45},

number = {390},

pages = {447},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, artisanal fisheries, commercial catch, dhow, Fisheries, Gill net, Oman, Sea of Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals and Dolphin-Safe Tuna Products },

author = {NOAA},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Federal Register},

volume = {81},

number = {421},

pages = {3},

abstract = { The Assistant Administrator

for Fisheries, NMFS, (Assistant

Administrator) has issued a

determination, under the Dolphin

Protection Consumer Information Act

(DPCIA), of regular and significant

mortality and serious injury of dolphins

in gillnet fisheries harvesting tuna by

vessels flagged under the Governments

of India, Iran, Mozambique, Pakistan,

Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka,

Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates,

and Yemen. This determination triggers

additional documentation requirements

for tuna product from those fisheries

that is exported from or offered for sale

in the United States, including that such

tuna must be accompanied by a written

statement executed by an observer

participating in a national or

international program acceptable to the

Assistant Administrator, in addition to

such statement by the captain of the

vessel, that certifies that no dolphins

were killed or seriously injured in the

sets or other gear deployments in which

the tuna were caught and certain other

required information regarding dolphin

interactions and segregation of tuna.

These determinations were based on

review of scientific information and,

when available, documentary evidence

submitted by the relevant government. },

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bycatch, Fisheries, India, Marine mammals, NIO, Observer programmes, Oman, Pakistan, reporting scheme, Tanzania, tuna fishery},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {No Danger in Sight? An Observation of Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Marguerite Formation off Muscat, Sultanate of Oman},

author = {Ponnampalam, L.},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Aquatic Mammals},

volume = {42},

number = {432},

pages = { 162-167},

abstract = {The note documents a sperm whale encounter off Muscat where roughly 35 individuals formed a marguerite but not in response to any obvious threat or danger. Bottlenose dolphins and rissos dolphins were present.},

keywords = {bottlenose dolphin, Grampus griseus, Interspecies interactions, Oman, Physeter macrocephalus, predation, Risso's dolphin, Social behaviour, sperm whale, tursiops sp},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Dynamics of potentially harmful phytoplankton in a semi-enclosed bay in the Sea of Oman},

author = {Al-Hashmi, Khalid A,Smith, Sharon L,Claereboudt, Michel,Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Azri, Adnan},

issn = {0007-4977},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Bulletin of Marine Science},

volume = {91},

number = {276},

pages = {141-166},

abstract = {The dynamics of potentially harmful

phytoplankton in relation to environmental parameters was

investigated in the semi-enclosed Bay of Bandar Khayran (Sea

of Oman) from April 2006 through April 2011. In total, 24

potentially harmful algal species were identified, including

11 species of dinoflagellates and eight species of diatoms. The

dinoflagellates Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) Schiller,

1933, Scrippsiella trochoidea Balech ex Loeblich III, 1965,

and Noctiluca scintillans (Macartney) Kofoid and Swezy,

1921 were most abundant during the Southwest Monsoon

(SWM, July–September) and Northeast Monsoon (NEM,

January–March) seasons, while other species occurred in

low abundance and with no clear seasonal patterns. A dense

bloom of Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef, 1961 that

affected the distribution and abundance of other harmful

algal species (HAB) was observed for the first time in the Sea of

Oman during 2008–2009. Prorocentrum minimum increased

in abundance during and after the decay of the Cochlodinium

bloom while S. trochoidea was suppressed during this bloom,

increasing thereafter once again. Noctiluca scintillans

disappeared in the late SWM and NEM of 2008 and SWM of

2009, when blooms typically occur annually. Prorocentrum

minimum and S. trochoidea persisted throughout the annual

cycle of all years, enhancing their capability to bloom in the

region under favorable conditions of high light intensities

and relatively warm waters of low turbulence.},

keywords = {Harmful Algal Bloom, mortality, Oman, Sea of Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Tattoo-like skin disease in the endangered subpopulation of the Humpback Whale, },

author = {Van Bressem, Marie-Françoise,Minton, Gianna,Collins, Tim,Willson, Andrew,Baldwin, Robert,Van Waerebeek, Koen},

url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09397140.2014.994316},

issn = {0939-7140},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Zoology in the Middle East},

number = {489},

pages = {1-8},

publisher = {Taylor & Francis},

abstract = {The presence of tattoo-like skin disease is reported in an endangered, non-migratory subpopulation of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Oman. We examined 522 images taken during small-boat surveys in the Gulf of Masirah and in Dhofar in 2000-2006 and in 2010-2011. Tattoo-like lesions were detected in regular, good and outstanding images. They appeared as irregular or rounded, light grey marks often showing a whitish outline, and were located on the flanks, dorsum, dorsal fin and caudal peduncle. They could be relatively small to very large and cover up to an estimated 40% of the visible body surface. Over the whole study period disease prevalence reached 21.7% in 60 whales and 16.7% in 36 adults. In this category, prevalence was higher in males (26.7%, N=15) than in females (9.1%, N=11), but the difference was not significant. Lesions appeared larger in males than in the positive female and progressed in two males. Disease prevalence increased significantly from 2000 through 2011 (r2 =0.998). Advanced tattoo skin disease, with lesions extending over more than 10% of the visible body surface seemed to occur more frequently in 2010-2011 than in 2000-2006, but samples were small. This is the first confirmed report of tattoo-like disease in the Balaenopteridae family and the first time it is documented in the Arabian Sea. The disease high prevalence, its increase over time and its progression in some individuals are of concern.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, health, Humpback Whale, lesions, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, photo-ID, skin, tattoo, Threats},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Population differentiation of 2 forms of Bryde’s Whales in the Indian and Pacific Oceans},

author = {Kershaw, Francine,Leslie, Matthew S,Collins, Tim,Mansur, Rubaiyat M,Smith, Brian D,Minton, Gianna,Baldwin, Robert,LeDuc, Richard G,Anderson, R Charles,Brownell, Robert L},

issn = {0022-1503},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Heredity},

volume = {104},

number = {394},

pages = {755-764},

abstract = {Accurate identification of units for conservation is particularly challenging for marine species as obvious barriers to gene flow are

generally lacking. Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera spp.) are subject to multiple human-mediated stressors, including fisheries bycatch,

ship strikes, and scientific whaling by Japan. For effective management, a clear understanding of how populations of each Bryde’s

whale species/subspecies are genetically structured across their range is required. We conducted a population-level analysis of

mtDNA control region sequences with 56 new samples from Oman, Maldives, and Bangladesh, plus published sequences from

off Java and the Northwest Pacific. Nine diagnostic characters in the mitochondrial control region and a maximum parsimony

phylogenetic analysis identified 2 genetically recognized subspecies of Bryde’s whale: the larger, offshore form, Balaenoptera edeni

brydei, and the smaller, coastal form, Balaenoptera edeni edeni. Genetic diversity and differentiation indices, combined with a reconstructed

maximum parsimony haplotype network, indicate strong differences in the genetic diversity and population structure

within each subspecies. Discrete population units are identified for B. e. brydei in the Maldives, Java, and the Northwest Pacific and

for B. e. edeni between the Northern Indian Ocean (Oman and Bangladesh) and the coastal waters of Japan.},

keywords = {balaenoptera, balaenoptera edeni, bangladesh, Bryde's whale, Maldives, Oman, Speciation, taxonomy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Coastal upwellings and Mesoscale Eddies of the Western Arabian Sea: Some Biological Implications},

author = {Piontkovski, S. A.,Al Jufaili, S.},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography},

volume = {7},

number = {430},

pages = {93-115},

abstract = {Satellite derived (SeaWIFS, MODIS, TOPEX/Poseidon, and Jason)

chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface heights, sea surface temperature, data

on vertical profiles of temperature and salinity from the ARGO drifting floats,

wind speed, the Dipole Mode Index, and historical data on sardine landings

were employed, to analyze physical-biological coupling in the western

Arabian Sea which is known for its vigorous eddy field affecting

characteristics of biological productivity. Summer and winter monsoons

impose different modes of mesoscale variability. In summer, the East Arabian

Current along with the currents of the Arabian Sea interior generates a dense

field of eddies, where as in winter, eddies become less developed and less

numerous. Therefore, the chlorophyll distribution is more heterogeneous

spatially and more variable temporally during summer monsoon. Interannual

changes of eddy field bear footprints of the impact of basin-scale atmospheric

anomaly (the Indian Ocean Dipole). Spatial-temporal characteristics of the

eddy field are valuable tools in understanding seasonal and interannual

fluctuations of sardine landings contributing ~ 50% to the fishery in the

region},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Fisheries, Mesopelagic boundary community, oceanography, Oman, prey},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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}

}

@article{,

title = {Stomach contents of small cetaceans stranded along the Sea of Oman and Arabian Sea coasts of the Sultanate of Oman},

author = {Ponnampalam,Louisa S.,Collins,Tim J.Q.,Minton,Gianna,Schulz,Isabelle,Gray,Howard,Ormond,Rupert F. G.,Baldwin,Robert M.},

url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315411002104},

issn = {0025-3154},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom},

volume = {92},

number = {436},

pages = {1699-1710},

abstract = {This study examined the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), five Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and two spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found stranded along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing at least 33 species in 22 families. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number and percentage by frequency of occurrence methods, and a modified index of relative importance. The fish families Apogonidae, Carangidae and Scombridae were the most numerically important prey of the bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. The myctophid Benthosema pterotum formed the majority of the prey items of spinner dolphins. Cephalopod remains found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The known depth distribution of prey items of bottlenose dolphins indicated that the animals fed in a wide variety of habitats. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin prey items indicated feeding in shallow coastal areas. Spinner dolphins appear to have exploited the upper 200 m of the water column for food, where their vertically migrating mesopelagic prey are found at night. Most prey species found in the stomach contents do not appear to be of current commercial importance in Oman. However, the findings here indicated that all three species of dolphins were feeding in areas where artisanal and/or commercial fishing occurs and has conservation implications.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, diet, Fisheries, Gulf of Oman, habitat partitioning, Oman, prey, stomach contents},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Spatial models of sparse data to inform cetacean conservation planning: an example from Oman},

author = {Corkeron, Peter J,Collins, Gianna Minton Tim,Findlay, Ken,Willson, Andrew,Baldwin, Robert},

url = {https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr_oa/n015p039.pdf},

issn = {1863-5407},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Endangered Species Research},

volume = {15},

number = {353},

pages = {39-52},

abstract = {Habitat models are tools for understanding the relationship between cetaceans and their

environment, from which patterns of the animals’ space use can be inferred and management strategies

developed. Can working with space use alone be sufficient for management, when habitat cannot

be modeled? Here, we analyzed cetacean sightings data collected from small boat surveys off the

coast of Oman between 2000 and 2003. The waters off Oman are used by the Endangered Arabian

Sea population of humpback whales. Our data were collected primarily for photo-identification, using

a haphazard sampling regime, either in areas where humpback whales were thought to be relatively

abundant, or in areas that were logistically easy to survey. This leads to spatially autocorrelated data

that are not amenable to analysis using standard approaches. We used quasi-Poisson generalized linear

models and semi-parametric spatial filtering to assess the distribution of humpback and Bryde’s

whales in 3 areas off Oman relative to 3 simple physiographic variables in a survey grid. Our analysis

focused on the spatial eigenvector filtering of models, coupled with the spatial distribution of model

residuals, rather than just on model predictions. Spatial eigenvector filtering accounts for spatial

autocorrelation in models, allowing inference to be made regarding the relative importance of particular

areas. As an exemplar of this approach, we demonstrate that the Dhofar coast of southern Oman

is important habitat for the Arabian Sea population of humpback whales. We also suggest how conservation

planning for mitigating impacts on humpback whales off the Dhofar coast could start.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetaceans, Distribution, General linear model, habitat modelling, habitat use, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, Spatial autocorrelation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Seasonal distribution, abundance, habitat use and population identity of humpback whales in Oman},

author = {Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Ersts,P.J.,Rosenbaum,H.C.,Berggren,P.,Baldwin,R.M.},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},

volume = {Special Issue on Southern Hemisphere Hum},

number = {415},

pages = {185–198},

abstract = {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.  Twelve small boat surveys were conducted at three main locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and November 2004 to investigate the distribution and seasonal abundance of humpback whales and other cetaceans.

     An even ratio of males and females were observed and sampled during surveys in the Gulf of  Masirah (Gulf of Masirah) in October and November (n=38), while almost all whales sampled in Dhofar in February/March were male (n=28). Song was detected frequently in the bay surrounding the Halaniyat Islands (formerly known as the Kuria Muria Bay) in February/March, but observations of mother-calf pairs were sparse, and competitive groups were absent.  Feeding was observed in both October/November and February/March, but behavioural and environmental observations indicate that the Gulf of Masirah is primarily an important feeding ground, while the Dhofar region, particularly the Halaniyat Bay, may be a breeding area.  However, a lack of recent observations of both mother-calf pairs and competitive groups raises the possibility that the primary mating, calving and nursing areas are yet to be identified.

     Of the 64 whales that have been identified using photographs of dorsal fins or tail flukes, six individuals have been observed on at least two surveys, four individuals on three surveys, one on four surveys and one on five separate surveys. Identified individuals were re-sighted in both the Gulf of Masirah and Dhofar at different times of the year and across survey years, indicating year-round residence off the coast of Oman.  

     A Chapman's modified Petersen estimator was applied to various data pairings to calculate abundance.  All pairings yielded estimates of less than 100 individuals, but sample sizes are small and there are various sources of possible bias. Analysis of scarring on the caudal peduncle region of identified individuals in Oman indicates that between 30 and 40% are likely to have been involved in entanglements with fishing gear.

      Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue with those from Zanzibar, Antongil Bay (Madagascar) and Mayotte and the Geyser Atoll (Comoros Archipelago), yielded no photographic matches. These data are consistent with the hypothesis of a discrete population. The distribution of fluke pigmentation rankings from the Oman catalogue, which varied significantly from those of Madagascar and Mayotte, provides further evidence for this theory.},

keywords = {Distribution, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, population, population characteristics, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Dolphin Watching in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman: Tourist Perceptions and Actual Current Practice},

author = {Ponnampalam, Louisa S.},

url = {http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/tme/2011/00000007/00000002/art00003,https://doi.org/10.3727/154427311X13038402065866},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Tourism in Marine Environments},

volume = {7},

number = {435},

pages = {81-93},

abstract = {Tourists who went dolphin watching in Muscat between December 2006 and June 2007 were asked to complete a questionnaire gauging the overall quality of their trips based on four main aspects: safety, educational value, perception of the boat driver's behavior, and overall satisfaction. Results showed that most tourists were satisfied with their dolphin-watching trip and that the majority felt that the boat drivers maintained a good distance between the boat and the dolphins, yet most also expressed the view that official guidelines should be established and implemented. However, awareness levels of tourists regarding the existence of dolphin-watching guidelines were low and tourist perceptions of their trips contrasted with observed practices, which reveal the current industry standards in Muscat to be lacking in many respects. The contrast is discussed and recommendations made for raising industry standards.},

keywords = {disturbance, dolphin watching, guidelines, impact, interview Survey, management, Oman, Perception, Questionnaire, Sea of Oman, Sultanate of Oman, tourism, Whale watching},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Arabian Sea Humpback Whales:  Canaries for the Northern Indian Ocean?},

author = {Baldwin, R.,Collins, T.,Minton, G.,Findlay, K.,Corkeron, P.,Willson, A.,Van Bressem, M.F.},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Document presented to the 62nd meeting of the  Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission. SC/62/SH20},

number = {305},

pages = {1-5},

abstract = {Both historic whaling data and recent field research confirm the presence of a resident sub-population of humpback whales in the western Arabian Sea (Breeding Stock X). This endangered population is geographically, demographically and genetically isolated and is thought to have been greatly reduced in size by Soviet whaling in 1966; it likely remains severely depleted. Current threats to this population, including incidental capture in fishing gear, coastal development and hydrocarbon exploration have increased in recent years and, coupled with possible underlying health issues, raise significant concerns about this population’s viability. When compared with effort and resources aimed at other whale stocks, Breeding Stock X receives disproportionately meagre support for its research and conservation, whilst its status, health and the precautionary principle, imply that it merits at least the same level of concern.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mitigation, Oman, Threats},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Marine Mammal Records from Iran},

author = {Braulik,G.,Ranjbar,S.,Owfi,F.,Aminrad,T.,Dakhteh,S.M.H.,Kamrani,E.,Mohsenizadeh,F.},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},

volume = {11},

number = {334},

pages = {49-63},

abstract = {A total of 114 marine mammal records of 14 species were compiled from Iranian coastalwaters of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Eighty-one were from the Persian Gulf, 23from the Gulf of Oman and 10 were of unknown location. Records of finless porpoise(Neophocaena phocaenoides) (24), Indo-pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) (22)and Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) (21) were by far the most numerousa probable reflection of their inshore distribution and local abundance. Other speciesrecorded were common dolphin (Delphinus capensis tropicalis), rough-toothed dolphin(Steno bredanensis), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), spinner dolphin (Stenellalongirostris), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens),sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and dugong (Dugong dugon). Records of 24Mysticetes were compiled, 11 of which were tentatively identified as Bryde's whales(Balaenoptera edeni), three as Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), three as Humpbackwhales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and the remainder were unidentified. The largest threat tomarine mammals in Iran is likely to be incidental capture in fishing gear. Nine finlessporpoises were recorded as bycatch and this and other coastal species may be declining dueto unsustainable mortality rates. Other threats to the marine environment are discussed andrecommended marine mammal conservation and management small projects are described.},

keywords = {abundance, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, Common dolphin, conservation, Distribution, dolphin, dugong, fin whale, Finless Porpoise, fishing gear, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, incidental capture, killer whale, location, mammals, management, marine, marine mammal, Marine mammals, mortality, mysticete, mysticetes, Oman, Porpoise, Risso's dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Sighting of Whales and Dolphins in the Arabian Sea off Oman during 2007-2008},

author = {Gheilani, H.M.,Jayabalan, N.},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Environment and Ecology},

volume = {28},

number = {378},

pages = {2768—2776},

abstract = {During the fishery survey cruises of R. V. Al Mustaqila 1 conducted in the Arabian Sea EEZ of Oman

between September 2007 and September 2008, three species of whales such as humpback whale (Megaptera

novaeagliae), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and killer whale (Orcinus orca) and, two species of

dolphins, namely the long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and spinner dolphin (Stenella

longirostris) were recorded along with few unidentified whales and dolphins. Most whale sightings (85%)

were recorded between Ras al Hadd to Ras Madrakah at depths ranging from 20 m to 200 m during April,

May, September—November usually with 1—6 individuals. The seasons of sighting of dolphins were during

February and May (17 sightinga) and September and November (11 sightings) between Ras al Hadd and Ras

Soqarah and 70% of the sightings recorded less than 100 individuals. While the temperature of the water in

the survey ranged from 18.4 C to 24.7 C, there was less variation in salinity (35.68, 36.62 ppt) of the

water. The current study indicated that the Arabian Sea off Oman is an important site for the distribution

of the ceatacean fauna.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Common dolphin, Distribution, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, Oman, Orca, Spinner dolphin},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {A note on the comparison of humpback whale tail fluke catalogues from the Sultanate of Oman with Madagascar and the East African Mainland},

author = {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.},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},

volume = {11},

number = {408},

pages = {65-68},

abstract = {The photo-identification catalogue of humpback whale tail flukes from Oman was compared with those from Antongil Bay, Madagascar and study

sites in South Africa and Mozambique collectively termed the ‘East African Mainland’. No matches were found, supporting other lines of evidence

that the humpback whales studied off the coast of Oman form part of a discrete Arabian Sea population, which adheres to a Northern Hemisphere

breeding cycle, and has little or no ongoing exchange with the nearest neighbouring populations in the southern Indian Ocean.While the sample size

from Oman is small, and low levels of ongoing exchange might not be detected in this type of catalogue comparison, the study nonetheless emphasises

the need to pursue research and conservation efforts in the known and suspected range of the Endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale population.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, megaptera novaeangliae, Mozambique, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, photo-ID, population identity, South Africa},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Behavioural polymorphism in one of the world’s largest populations of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta},

author = {Rees, A. F.,Al Saady, S.,Broderick, A. C.,Coyne, M. S.,Papathanasopoulou, N.,Godley, B. J.},

url = {http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v418/p201-212/},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},

volume = {418},

number = {442},

pages = {201-212},

abstract = {ABSTRACT: To aid management and conservation of widely distributed marine vertebrate species, it is necessary to have a knowledge and understanding of their spatial ecology. We tracked 10 adult female loggerhead turtles \textit{Caretta caretta} from Masirah Island, Sultanate of Oman, which hosts one of the world’s largest breeding aggregations. Transmitters were specifically deployed early in the nesting season to enable tracking throughout the internesting and post-nesting habitats. Turtles displayed a dichotomy in behaviour during the internesting period, with 6 remaining close to Masirah Island and the others undertaking circuitous oceanic loops, hundreds of kilometres in length. This behaviour did not appear to be related to body size. Tracking-derived minimum clutch frequency was on average (± SD) 4.8 ± 1.2 nests (n = 8 ind.). Post-nesting migrations revealed a propensity towards long-term utilisation of oceanic habitats in the region between Socotra Island (Yemen) and the mainland of Yemen/Oman, with 76 ± 15.4% of time spent in oceanic habitat (n = 8 ind.). The spatial footprint of our tracked turtles was found to be far less than that of a similar number of turtles that were tagged later in the same season (from a separate unpublished study) and from long-distance returns of flipper tags. The spatial and temporal sub-structuring of the population highlights the need for more comprehensive tracking projects, with deployments across the breeding season in multiple years, in order to obtain reliable estimations of high-use foraging habitats of widely dispersed marine vertebrates. Variation in behaviour patterns suggests the need for diverse conservation measures.},

keywords = {caretta caretta, Gulf of Masirah, Loggerhead, marine turtle, Oman, Satellite telemetry, turtles},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Cyclone Gonu Storm Surge in Oman},

author = {Fritz, H.M.,Blount, C.D.,Albusaidi, F.B.,Al-Harthy, A.H.M.},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-01-01},

journal = {Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science},

volume = {doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2009.10.019},

number = {95},

abstract = {Super Cyclone Gonu is the strongest tropical cyclone on record in the Arabian Sea. Gonu caused coastal

damage due to storm surge and storm wave impact as well as wadi flooding. High water marks, overland

 flow depths, and inundation distances were measured in the coastal flood zones along the Gulf of Oman

from 1 to 4 August 2007. The high water marks peaked at Ras al Hadd at the eastern tip of Oman

 exceeding 5 meters. The storm surge of Gonu is modeled using the Advanced Circulation Model

(ADCIRC). The multi-hazard aspect is analyzed by comparing observations from Cyclone Gonu with the

2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.},

keywords = {Cyclone, Oman, Storm},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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}

}

@article{,

title = {Megaptera novaeangliae},

author = {Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Pomilla,C.,Findlay,K.P.,Rosenbaum,H.C.,Baldwin,R,Brownell Jr,R.L.},

year  = {2008},

date = {2008-01-01},

journal = {IUCN Red List of Threatened Species},

volume = {http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/13283},

number = {416},

abstract = {This subpopulation is geographically, demographically and genetically isolated, with a unique year-round residency in sub-tropical waters of the Arabian Sea. The original size of the subpopulation is unknown.  However, the current abundance estimate off the coast of Oman, based on photo-identification, while potentially an underestimate, is 82 animals (95% CI 60-111). The basis for an Endangered listing is that the subpopulation is geographically distinct and plausibly contains fewer than 250 mature individuals. According to Taylor et al. (2007) a total abundance of just over 400 individuals would be required in order for the proportion of mature individuals (62%) to reach 250. Even if the Arabian Sea humpback whale population estimate were biased downward, it is highly unlikely that the total abundance would exceed 400.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, conservation, endangered, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, whale},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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}

}

@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}

}

@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}

}

@article{,

title = {Warming of the Eurasian landmass is making the Arabian Sea more productive},

author = {Goes, Joaquim I,Thoppil, Prasad G,do R Gomes, Helga,Fasullo, John T},

issn = {0036-8075},

year  = {2005},

date = {2005-01-01},

journal = {Science},

volume = {308},

number = {379},

pages = {545-547},

abstract = {The recent trend of declining winter and spring snow cover over Eurasia is

causing a land-ocean thermal gradient that is particularly favorable to stronger

southwest (summer) monsoon winds. Since 1997, sea surface winds have been

strengthening over the western Arabian Sea. This escalation in the intensity of

summer monsoon winds, accompanied by enhanced upwelling and an increase

of more than 350% in average summertime phytoplankton biomass along the

coast and over 300% offshore, raises the possibility that the current warming

trend of the Eurasian landmass is making the Arabian Sea more productive.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Climate change, monsoon, Oman, productivity, Upwelling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin of the Arabian region: a status review},

author = {Baldwin,R.M.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Van Waerebeek,K.,Minton,G.},

url = {https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=247:the-indo-pacific-humpback-dolphin-of-the-arabian-region-a-status-review&catid=13&Itemid=157},

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {Aquatic Mammals},

volume = {30},

number = {319},

pages = {111-124},

abstract = {Records of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin sightings, strandings, and museum specimens in the Arabian region were compiled and used to review the distribution and status of this species. Nominal usage of Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) has been retained as a pragmatic measure, although the species present in the region resembles Sousa plumbea (G. Cuvier, 1828). Little is known about the ecology of this species in the region. Most available information on S. chinensis in the region originates from the Sultanate of Oman, where this species is among the most commonly recorded cetaceans. However, there is no absolute measure of abundance for anywhere in the region and the status of the species is unknown. Distribution is described for the region to include much of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, but notably excludes the Gulf of Oman. This discontinuous distribution suggests the possible presence of discrete populations within the region. Beach-cast/dead individuals represent nearly two-thirds of all records (n=303) of this species in Oman. Live sightings indicate unusually large group sizes (up to 100 individuals) in the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf. Occasional associations with Tursiops sp. and Delphinus capensis tropicalis were documented. Mating behaviour and the presence of calves were recorded in the months of April and May and calves are also reported in June, October, November and December. Threats to humpback dolphins in the Arabian region include incidental capture in fishing nets, coastal and offshore development (e.g. land reclamation, dredging, port and harbour construction), pollution, boat traffic, oil and gas exploration (including seismic surveying), military exercises and biotoxins associated with red tide events. Evidence for historic and current directed catches of S. chinensis is limited, but opportunistic hunting may occur. Intraspecific variation in cranial measurements of individuals from the Arabian Sea coast of Oman fall within relative values found in individuals from the Saudi Arabian Gulf coast. Cranial abnormalities were few. Recommendations are made for conservation management-oriented research focusing on stock identity and status assessments, as well as for monitoring of fisheries bycatch, clearer definition of other threats, continued specimen and sample collection and training of local scientists.},

keywords = {abundance, Arabian Gulf, Arabian region, Arabian Sea, associations, behaviour, Boat traffic, cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, development, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, ecology, Fisheries, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, humpback dolphins, incidental capture, military, museum specimens, nets, Oman, pollution, population, populations, Red Sea, status, Stock identity, Strandings, tursiops},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}