Wabnitz, Colette C. C.,Lam, Vicky W. Y.,Reygondeau, Gabriel,Teh, Lydia C. L.,Al-Abdulrazzak, Dalal,Khalfallah, Myriam,Pauly, Daniel,Palomares, Maria L. Deng,Zeller, Dirk,Cheung, William W. L.
Climate change impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries and society in the Arabian Gulf Journal Article
In: PLOS ONE, vol. 13, no. 494, pp. e0194537, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabia, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, biodiversity, Climate change, diversity, economic impact, Fisheries, Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman
@article{,
title = {Climate change impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries and society in the Arabian Gulf},
author = {Wabnitz, Colette C. C.,Lam, Vicky W. Y.,Reygondeau, Gabriel,Teh, Lydia C. L.,Al-Abdulrazzak, Dalal,Khalfallah, Myriam,Pauly, Daniel,Palomares, Maria L. Deng,Zeller, Dirk,Cheung, William W. L.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194537},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {PLOS ONE},
volume = {13},
number = {494},
pages = {e0194537},
publisher = {Public Library of Science},
abstract = {Climate change–reflected in significant environmental changes such as warming, sea level rise, shifts in salinity, oxygen and other ocean conditions–is expected to impact marine organisms and associated fisheries. This study provides an assessment of the potential impacts on, and the vulnerability of, marine biodiversity and fisheries catches in the Arabian Gulf under climate change. To this end, using three separate niche modelling approaches under a ‘business-as-usual’ climate change scenario, we projected the future habitat suitability of the Arabian Gulf (also known as the Persian Gulf) for 55 expert-identified priority species, including charismatic and non-fish species. Second, we conducted a vulnerability assessment of national economies to climate change impacts on fisheries. The modelling outputs suggested a high rate of local extinction (up to 35% of initial species richness) by 2090 relative to 2010. Spatially, projected local extinctions are highest in the southwestern part of the Gulf, off the coast of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the projected patterns provided useful indicators of potential climate change impacts on the region’s diversity, the magnitude of changes in habitat suitability are more uncertain. Fisheries-specific results suggested reduced future catch potential for several countries on the western side of the Gulf, with projections differing only slightly among models. Qatar and the UAE were particularly affected, with more than a 26% drop in future fish catch potential. Integrating changes in catch potential with socio-economic indicators suggested the fisheries of Bahrain and Iran may be most vulnerable to climate change. We discuss limitations of the indicators and the methods used, as well as the implications of our overall findings for conservation and fisheries management policies in the region.},
keywords = {Arabia, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, biodiversity, Climate change, diversity, economic impact, Fisheries, Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Climate change–reflected in significant environmental changes such as warming, sea level rise, shifts in salinity, oxygen and other ocean conditions–is expected to impact marine organisms and associated fisheries. This study provides an assessment of the potential impacts on, and the vulnerability of, marine biodiversity and fisheries catches in the Arabian Gulf under climate change. To this end, using three separate niche modelling approaches under a ‘business-as-usual’ climate change scenario, we projected the future habitat suitability of the Arabian Gulf (also known as the Persian Gulf) for 55 expert-identified priority species, including charismatic and non-fish species. Second, we conducted a vulnerability assessment of national economies to climate change impacts on fisheries. The modelling outputs suggested a high rate of local extinction (up to 35% of initial species richness) by 2090 relative to 2010. Spatially, projected local extinctions are highest in the southwestern part of the Gulf, off the coast of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the projected patterns provided useful indicators of potential climate change impacts on the region’s diversity, the magnitude of changes in habitat suitability are more uncertain. Fisheries-specific results suggested reduced future catch potential for several countries on the western side of the Gulf, with projections differing only slightly among models. Qatar and the UAE were particularly affected, with more than a 26% drop in future fish catch potential. Integrating changes in catch potential with socio-economic indicators suggested the fisheries of Bahrain and Iran may be most vulnerable to climate change. We discuss limitations of the indicators and the methods used, as well as the implications of our overall findings for conservation and fisheries management policies in the region.
Oman National Centre for Statistics; Information
Statistical Year Book Journal Article
In: vol. Issue 45, no. 390, pp. 447, 2017.
BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, artisanal fisheries, commercial catch, dhow, Fisheries, Gill net, Oman, Sea of Oman
@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}
}
Robinson, David P.,Jaidah, Mohammed Y.,Bach, Steffen S.,Rohner, Christoph A.,Jabado, Rima W.,Ormond, Rupert,Pierce, Simon J.
Some like it hot: Repeat migration and residency of whale sharks within an extreme natural environment Journal Article
In: PLOS ONE, vol. 12, no. 446, pp. e0185360, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, habitat use, rhinccodon typus, Satellite telemetry, Sea of Oman, whale sharks
@article{,
title = {Some like it hot: Repeat migration and residency of whale sharks within an extreme natural environment},
author = {Robinson, David P.,Jaidah, Mohammed Y.,Bach, Steffen S.,Rohner, Christoph A.,Jabado, Rima W.,Ormond, Rupert,Pierce, Simon J.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185360},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {PLOS ONE},
volume = {12},
number = {446},
pages = {e0185360},
publisher = {Public Library of Science},
abstract = {The Arabian Gulf is the warmest sea in the world and is host to a globally significant population of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. To investigate regional whale shark behaviour and movements, 59 satellite-linked tags were deployed on whale sharks in the Al Shaheen area off Qatar from 2011–14. Four different models of tag were used throughout the study, each model able to collect differing data or quantities of data. Retention varied from one to 227 days. While all tagged sharks crossed international maritime boundaries, they typically stayed within the Arabian Gulf. Only nine sharks dispersed through the narrow Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. Most sharks stayed close to known or suspected feeding aggregation sites over summer months, but dispersed throughout the Arabian Gulf in winter. Sharks rarely ventured into shallow areas (<40 m depth). A single, presumably pregnant female shark was the sole animal to disperse a long distance, crossing five international maritime boundaries in 37 days before the tag detached at a distance of approximately 2644 km from the tagging site, close to the Yemeni-Somali border. No clear space-use differentiation was evident between years, for sharks of different sizes, or between sexes. Whale sharks spent the most time (~66%) in temperatures of 24–30°C and in shallow waters <100 m depth (~60%). Sharks spent relatively more time in cooler (X2 = 121.692; p<0.05) and deeper (X2 = 46.402; p<0.05) water at night. Sharks rarely made dives deeper than 100 m, reflecting the bathymetric constraints of the Gulf environment. Kernel density analysis demonstrated that the tagging site at Al Shaheen was the regional hotspot for these sharks, and revealed a probable secondary aggregation site for whale sharks in nearby Saudi Arabian waters. Analysis of visual re-sightings data of tagged sharks revealed that 58% of tagged individuals were re-sighted back in Al Shaheen over the course of this study, with 40% recorded back at Al Shaheen in the year following their initial identification. Two sharks were confirmed to return to Al Shaheen in each of the five years of study.},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, habitat use, rhinccodon typus, Satellite telemetry, Sea of Oman, whale sharks},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Arabian Gulf is the warmest sea in the world and is host to a globally significant population of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. To investigate regional whale shark behaviour and movements, 59 satellite-linked tags were deployed on whale sharks in the Al Shaheen area off Qatar from 2011–14. Four different models of tag were used throughout the study, each model able to collect differing data or quantities of data. Retention varied from one to 227 days. While all tagged sharks crossed international maritime boundaries, they typically stayed within the Arabian Gulf. Only nine sharks dispersed through the narrow Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. Most sharks stayed close to known or suspected feeding aggregation sites over summer months, but dispersed throughout the Arabian Gulf in winter. Sharks rarely ventured into shallow areas (<40 m depth). A single, presumably pregnant female shark was the sole animal to disperse a long distance, crossing five international maritime boundaries in 37 days before the tag detached at a distance of approximately 2644 km from the tagging site, close to the Yemeni-Somali border. No clear space-use differentiation was evident between years, for sharks of different sizes, or between sexes. Whale sharks spent the most time (~66%) in temperatures of 24–30°C and in shallow waters <100 m depth (~60%). Sharks spent relatively more time in cooler (X2 = 121.692; p<0.05) and deeper (X2 = 46.402; p<0.05) water at night. Sharks rarely made dives deeper than 100 m, reflecting the bathymetric constraints of the Gulf environment. Kernel density analysis demonstrated that the tagging site at Al Shaheen was the regional hotspot for these sharks, and revealed a probable secondary aggregation site for whale sharks in nearby Saudi Arabian waters. Analysis of visual re-sightings data of tagged sharks revealed that 58% of tagged individuals were re-sighted back in Al Shaheen over the course of this study, with 40% recorded back at Al Shaheen in the year following their initial identification. Two sharks were confirmed to return to Al Shaheen in each of the five years of study.
Robinson, David P.,Jaidah, Mohammed Y.,Bach, Steffen,Lee, Katie,Jabado, Rima W.,Rohner, Christoph A.,March, Abi,Caprodossi, Simone,Henderson, Aaron C.,Mair, James M.,Ormond, Rupert,Pierce, Simon J.
Population Structure, Abundance and Movement of Whale Sharks in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman Journal Article
In: PLoS ONE, vol. 11, no. 445, pp. e0158593, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Distribution, Gulf of Oman, Movements, photo identification, Sea of Oman, whale sharks
@article{,
title = {Population Structure, Abundance and Movement of Whale Sharks in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman},
author = {Robinson, David P.,Jaidah, Mohammed Y.,Bach, Steffen,Lee, Katie,Jabado, Rima W.,Rohner, Christoph A.,March, Abi,Caprodossi, Simone,Henderson, Aaron C.,Mair, James M.,Ormond, Rupert,Pierce, Simon J.},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0158593},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {PLoS ONE},
volume = {11},
number = {445},
pages = {e0158593},
publisher = {Public Library of Science},
abstract = {Data on the occurrence of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus , in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman were collected by dedicated boat surveys and via a public-sightings scheme during the period from 2011 to 2014. A total of 422 individual whale sharks were photo-identified from the Arabian Gulf and the northern Gulf of Oman during that period. The majority of sharks (81%, n = 341) were encountered at the Al Shaheen area of Qatar, 90 km off the coast, with the Musandam region of Oman a secondary area of interest. At Al Shaheen, there were significantly more male sharks (n = 171) than females (n = 78; X2 = 17.52, P < 0.05). Mean estimated total length (TL) for sharks was 6.90 m ± 1.24 (median = 7 m; n = 296). Males (7.25 m ± 1.34; median = 8 m, n = 171) were larger than females (6.44 m ±1.09; median = 7 m, n = 78; Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01). Of the male sharks assessed for maturity 63% were mature (n = 81), with 50% attaining maturity by 7.29 m and 100% by 9.00 m. Two female sharks of >9 m individuals were visually assessed as pregnant. Connectivity among sharks sighted in Qatari, Omani and UAE waters was confirmed by individual spot pattern matches. A total of 13 identified sharks were re-sighted at locations other than that at which they were first sighted, including movements into and out of the Arabian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Maximum likelihood techniques were used to model an estimated combined population for the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman of 2837 sharks ± 1243.91 S.E. (95% C.I. 1720–6295). The Al Shaheen aggregation is thus the first site described as being dominated by mature males while the free-swimming pregnant females are the first reported from the Indian Ocean.
},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Distribution, Gulf of Oman, Movements, photo identification, Sea of Oman, whale sharks},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Data on the occurrence of whale sharks,
Al-Hashmi, Khalid A,Smith, Sharon L,Claereboudt, Michel,Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Azri, Adnan
Dynamics of potentially harmful phytoplankton in a semi-enclosed bay in the Sea of Oman Journal Article
In: Bulletin of Marine Science, vol. 91, no. 276, pp. 141-166, 2015, ISBN: 0007-4977.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Harmful Algal Bloom, mortality, Oman, Sea of Oman
@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}
}
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.
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.
Piontkovski, SA,Al-Gheilani, HMH,Jupp, B,Sarma, YVB,Al-Azri, AR
The relationship between algal blooms, fish kill incidents, and oxygen depletions along the Omani coast Journal Article
In: International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography, vol. 6, no. 429, pp. 145-177, 2012, ISBN: 0973-2667.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, fish kill, Gulf of Oman, Harmful Algal Bloom, mass mortality, oxygen minimum, Sea of Oman, seasonal change, Sultanate of Oman
@article{,
title = {The relationship between algal blooms, fish kill incidents, and oxygen depletions along the Omani coast},
author = {Piontkovski, SA,Al-Gheilani, HMH,Jupp, B,Sarma, YVB,Al-Azri, AR},
issn = {0973-2667},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography},
volume = {6},
number = {429},
pages = {145-177},
abstract = {A persistence of hypoxia is a common feature for the Sea of Oman, and the
western Arabian Sea. By using historical data complemented by ongoing
measurements, the relationship between the frequency of harmful algal
blooms, fish kill incidents, and oxygen depletions, was investigated. In the Sea
of Oman, the seasonal pattern exhibited a tendency of fish kill incidents to
increase, from January to November. In the western Arabian Sea, the pattern
was different- maximal occurrence of fish kill incidences was observed in
December and January. In 1988-2011, the number of harmful algal blooms
accompanied by fish kills was 4 times higher for the Sea of Oman (N= 91)
compared to the Arabian Sea coast (N= 22), whereas the total number of fish
kill incidents was about the same (22 versus 25). This means that the Arabian
Sea coast faced more frequent harmful blooms than the Sea of Oman. The Sea
of Oman coastal time series of the dissolved oxygen concentration implied a
steady decline throughout the year, from January to December. The fish kill
incidents in this region were mainly driven by oxygen depletions, whereas in
the Arabian Sea these incidents were mediated by the harmful algal blooms
along with the oxygen depletions. In analyzing the Omani coast as a whole,
the Ridge Multiple Regression Analysis implied the dissolved oxygen
concentration and monthly occurrence of algal blooms as the two variables
explaining 75% of the seasonal variations in fish kill incidents.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, fish kill, Gulf of Oman, Harmful Algal Bloom, mass mortality, oxygen minimum, Sea of Oman, seasonal change, Sultanate of Oman},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A persistence of hypoxia is a common feature for the Sea of Oman, and the
western Arabian Sea. By using historical data complemented by ongoing
measurements, the relationship between the frequency of harmful algal
blooms, fish kill incidents, and oxygen depletions, was investigated. In the Sea
of Oman, the seasonal pattern exhibited a tendency of fish kill incidents to
increase, from January to November. In the western Arabian Sea, the pattern
was different- maximal occurrence of fish kill incidences was observed in
December and January. In 1988-2011, the number of harmful algal blooms
accompanied by fish kills was 4 times higher for the Sea of Oman (N= 91)
compared to the Arabian Sea coast (N= 22), whereas the total number of fish
kill incidents was about the same (22 versus 25). This means that the Arabian
Sea coast faced more frequent harmful blooms than the Sea of Oman. The Sea
of Oman coastal time series of the dissolved oxygen concentration implied a
steady decline throughout the year, from January to December. The fish kill
incidents in this region were mainly driven by oxygen depletions, whereas in
the Arabian Sea these incidents were mediated by the harmful algal blooms
along with the oxygen depletions. In analyzing the Omani coast as a whole,
the Ridge Multiple Regression Analysis implied the dissolved oxygen
concentration and monthly occurrence of algal blooms as the two variables
explaining 75% of the seasonal variations in fish kill incidents.
western Arabian Sea. By using historical data complemented by ongoing
measurements, the relationship between the frequency of harmful algal
blooms, fish kill incidents, and oxygen depletions, was investigated. In the Sea
of Oman, the seasonal pattern exhibited a tendency of fish kill incidents to
increase, from January to November. In the western Arabian Sea, the pattern
was different- maximal occurrence of fish kill incidences was observed in
December and January. In 1988-2011, the number of harmful algal blooms
accompanied by fish kills was 4 times higher for the Sea of Oman (N= 91)
compared to the Arabian Sea coast (N= 22), whereas the total number of fish
kill incidents was about the same (22 versus 25). This means that the Arabian
Sea coast faced more frequent harmful blooms than the Sea of Oman. The Sea
of Oman coastal time series of the dissolved oxygen concentration implied a
steady decline throughout the year, from January to December. The fish kill
incidents in this region were mainly driven by oxygen depletions, whereas in
the Arabian Sea these incidents were mediated by the harmful algal blooms
along with the oxygen depletions. In analyzing the Omani coast as a whole,
the Ridge Multiple Regression Analysis implied the dissolved oxygen
concentration and monthly occurrence of algal blooms as the two variables
explaining 75% of the seasonal variations in fish kill incidents.
Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Gheilani, Hamed MH,Jupp, Barry P,Al-Azri, Adnan R,Al-Hashmi, Khalid A
Interannual changes in the Sea of Oman ecosystem Journal Article
In: Open Mar Biol J, vol. 6, no. 431, pp. 38-52, 2012.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Gulf of Oman, Harmful Algal Bloom, Hydro-biology, Interannual variability, mass mortality, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Sultanate of Oman, zooplankton
@article{,
title = {Interannual changes in the Sea of Oman ecosystem},
author = {Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Gheilani, Hamed MH,Jupp, Barry P,Al-Azri, Adnan R,Al-Hashmi, Khalid A},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Open Mar Biol J},
volume = {6},
number = {431},
pages = {38-52},
abstract = {Historical data were used to estimate interannual tendencies for the Sea of Oman over the past 50 years.
Declining trends were shown for the atmospheric surface level pressure in the region affected by the Siberian High
atmospheric anomaly, the zonal component of wind speed, concentration of nitrates, biomass of diatoms and sardine
landings. Changes in Zooplankton biomass showed no clear trend. These trends were associated with and accompanied by
rising atmospheric temperature, sea surface temperature, annual variability of the kinetic energy of mesoscale eddies,
frequency of fish kills (along with the death of other animals- dolphins, turtles, and sea birds) and harmful algal bloom
incidents. In terms of interannual coupling between physical and biological processes, the evaluated trends imply that the
weakening of the Siberian High atmospheric anomaly results in the decline of the zonal wind speed and a regional
increase of air temperature. This in turn increases the temperature in the mixed layer which strengthens thermo-haline
stratification of the water column. Increasing stratification prevents the penetration of nutrients into the mixed layer and
does not favor the interannual increase of biological productivity, although annual variation of biological productivity has
increased, from 1997 to 2008.},
keywords = {Gulf of Oman, Harmful Algal Bloom, Hydro-biology, Interannual variability, mass mortality, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Sultanate of Oman, zooplankton},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Historical data were used to estimate interannual tendencies for the Sea of Oman over the past 50 years.
Declining trends were shown for the atmospheric surface level pressure in the region affected by the Siberian High
atmospheric anomaly, the zonal component of wind speed, concentration of nitrates, biomass of diatoms and sardine
landings. Changes in Zooplankton biomass showed no clear trend. These trends were associated with and accompanied by
rising atmospheric temperature, sea surface temperature, annual variability of the kinetic energy of mesoscale eddies,
frequency of fish kills (along with the death of other animals- dolphins, turtles, and sea birds) and harmful algal bloom
incidents. In terms of interannual coupling between physical and biological processes, the evaluated trends imply that the
weakening of the Siberian High atmospheric anomaly results in the decline of the zonal wind speed and a regional
increase of air temperature. This in turn increases the temperature in the mixed layer which strengthens thermo-haline
stratification of the water column. Increasing stratification prevents the penetration of nutrients into the mixed layer and
does not favor the interannual increase of biological productivity, although annual variation of biological productivity has
increased, from 1997 to 2008.
Declining trends were shown for the atmospheric surface level pressure in the region affected by the Siberian High
atmospheric anomaly, the zonal component of wind speed, concentration of nitrates, biomass of diatoms and sardine
landings. Changes in Zooplankton biomass showed no clear trend. These trends were associated with and accompanied by
rising atmospheric temperature, sea surface temperature, annual variability of the kinetic energy of mesoscale eddies,
frequency of fish kills (along with the death of other animals- dolphins, turtles, and sea birds) and harmful algal bloom
incidents. In terms of interannual coupling between physical and biological processes, the evaluated trends imply that the
weakening of the Siberian High atmospheric anomaly results in the decline of the zonal wind speed and a regional
increase of air temperature. This in turn increases the temperature in the mixed layer which strengthens thermo-haline
stratification of the water column. Increasing stratification prevents the penetration of nutrients into the mixed layer and
does not favor the interannual increase of biological productivity, although annual variation of biological productivity has
increased, from 1997 to 2008.
Ponnampalam, Louisa S.
Dolphin Watching in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman: Tourist Perceptions and Actual Current Practice Journal Article
In: Tourism in Marine Environments, vol. 7, no. 435, pp. 81-93, 2011.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: disturbance, dolphin watching, guidelines, impact, interview Survey, management, Oman, Perception, Questionnaire, Sea of Oman, Sultanate of Oman, tourism, Whale watching
@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}
}
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.
Al-Azri, Adnan R,Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Hashmi, Khalid A,Goes, Joaquim I,Gomes, Helga do R
Recent outbreaks of harmful algal blooms along the coast of Oman: possible response to climate change? Book
Springer, 2010.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Climate change, Harmful Algal Bloom, Hydro-biology, oceanography, Oman, Sea of Oman
@book{,
title = {Recent outbreaks of harmful algal blooms along the coast of Oman: possible response to climate change?},
author = {Al-Azri, Adnan R,Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Hashmi, Khalid A,Goes, Joaquim I,Gomes, Helga do R},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
journal = {Indian Ocean Tropical Cyclones and Climate Change},
number = {3},
pages = {349-357},
publisher = {Springer},
abstract = {Observations of phytoplankton communities in the coastal region of Oman indicate
that prominent temporal and spatial variability associated with changes in environmental
conditions is brought about by the reversal of the monsoonal cycle. The close
relationship between environmental conditions and phytoplankton communitystructure suggests that any alterations in the monsoon periodicity or its intensity
could have a large influence on phytoplankton communities, with potentially large
impacts on the fisheries resources of Oman in-turn. In the light of the evidence by
Goes et al. (2005), coastal upwelling along the coasts of Somalia, Oman, and
Yemen is intensifying as a result of climate change; our observations assume
tremendous significance impact of climate change in the coastal water of Oman.
The role of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies in the spatial and temporal abundance
of phytoplankton communities and the changes in dissolved oxygen in the coastal
water of Oman are yet to be investigated.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Climate change, Harmful Algal Bloom, Hydro-biology, oceanography, Oman, Sea of Oman},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Observations of phytoplankton communities in the coastal region of Oman indicate
that prominent temporal and spatial variability associated with changes in environmental
conditions is brought about by the reversal of the monsoonal cycle. The close
relationship between environmental conditions and phytoplankton communitystructure suggests that any alterations in the monsoon periodicity or its intensity
could have a large influence on phytoplankton communities, with potentially large
impacts on the fisheries resources of Oman in-turn. In the light of the evidence by
Goes et al. (2005), coastal upwelling along the coasts of Somalia, Oman, and
Yemen is intensifying as a result of climate change; our observations assume
tremendous significance impact of climate change in the coastal water of Oman.
The role of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies in the spatial and temporal abundance
of phytoplankton communities and the changes in dissolved oxygen in the coastal
water of Oman are yet to be investigated.
that prominent temporal and spatial variability associated with changes in environmental
conditions is brought about by the reversal of the monsoonal cycle. The close
relationship between environmental conditions and phytoplankton communitystructure suggests that any alterations in the monsoon periodicity or its intensity
could have a large influence on phytoplankton communities, with potentially large
impacts on the fisheries resources of Oman in-turn. In the light of the evidence by
Goes et al. (2005), coastal upwelling along the coasts of Somalia, Oman, and
Yemen is intensifying as a result of climate change; our observations assume
tremendous significance impact of climate change in the coastal water of Oman.
The role of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies in the spatial and temporal abundance
of phytoplankton communities and the changes in dissolved oxygen in the coastal
water of Oman are yet to be investigated.
Pous, SP,Carton, X,Lazure, Pascal
Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 2. Gulf of Oman Journal Article
In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, vol. 109, no. 199, 2004, ISBN: 2156-2202.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Gulf of Oman, Hydro-biology, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz
@article{,
title = {Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 2. Gulf of Oman},
author = {Pous, SP,Carton, X,Lazure, Pascal},
issn = {2156-2202},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans},
volume = {109},
number = {199},
abstract = {Hydrological, ADCP, and drifting buoy data obtained during the GOGP99
Experiment in October and early November 1999 are analyzed to describe the Persian
Gulf Water (PGW) core and the regional circulation in the Gulf of Oman. The warm and
salty PGW core flows out of the Strait of Hormuz heading southeastward unto (25 200N,
57 E), approximately. From there, it cascades down the continental slope, veers
southwestward, and joins the Omani coast near (24 500N, 56 500E) to form a slope
current. This PGW current has then thermohaline maxima on isopycnal s0 = 26.5, near
220 m depth. Its thermohaline characteristics decrease along its progression to Ra’s al
Hadd (and then offshore into the Arabian Sea) but maintain a sharp contrast with
surrounding waters. Outflow variability at the Strait of Hormuz can be related to
downstream fluctuations of the thermohaline maxima in the PGW core at gulf scale and
over a 2- to 3-week period. Moreover, several mechanisms (baroclinic instability, flow
intermittency, cape effects) are examined to explain the widening of this PGW core
upstream and downstream of Ra’s al Hamra. In the eastern part of the Gulf of Oman, the
regional circulation is a cyclonic gyre. The circulation in the western part of the Gulf is
more complex, with the outflow of PGW and southeastward currents in the upper 250 m
near the Omani coast, and a recirculation of upwelled waters near Ra’s Jagin (on the
Iranian coast). The large cyclonic gyre occupies at least the upper 300 m of the water
column and undergoes little variation over a month. The PGW outflow in the northern
Arabian Sea is southward and located 50–100 km from the coast. It borders a shallower
northward current located offshore.},
keywords = {Gulf of Oman, Hydro-biology, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hydrological, ADCP, and drifting buoy data obtained during the GOGP99
Experiment in October and early November 1999 are analyzed to describe the Persian
Gulf Water (PGW) core and the regional circulation in the Gulf of Oman. The warm and
salty PGW core flows out of the Strait of Hormuz heading southeastward unto (25 200N,
57 E), approximately. From there, it cascades down the continental slope, veers
southwestward, and joins the Omani coast near (24 500N, 56 500E) to form a slope
current. This PGW current has then thermohaline maxima on isopycnal s0 = 26.5, near
220 m depth. Its thermohaline characteristics decrease along its progression to Ra’s al
Hadd (and then offshore into the Arabian Sea) but maintain a sharp contrast with
surrounding waters. Outflow variability at the Strait of Hormuz can be related to
downstream fluctuations of the thermohaline maxima in the PGW core at gulf scale and
over a 2- to 3-week period. Moreover, several mechanisms (baroclinic instability, flow
intermittency, cape effects) are examined to explain the widening of this PGW core
upstream and downstream of Ra’s al Hamra. In the eastern part of the Gulf of Oman, the
regional circulation is a cyclonic gyre. The circulation in the western part of the Gulf is
more complex, with the outflow of PGW and southeastward currents in the upper 250 m
near the Omani coast, and a recirculation of upwelled waters near Ra’s Jagin (on the
Iranian coast). The large cyclonic gyre occupies at least the upper 300 m of the water
column and undergoes little variation over a month. The PGW outflow in the northern
Arabian Sea is southward and located 50–100 km from the coast. It borders a shallower
northward current located offshore.
Experiment in October and early November 1999 are analyzed to describe the Persian
Gulf Water (PGW) core and the regional circulation in the Gulf of Oman. The warm and
salty PGW core flows out of the Strait of Hormuz heading southeastward unto (25 200N,
57 E), approximately. From there, it cascades down the continental slope, veers
southwestward, and joins the Omani coast near (24 500N, 56 500E) to form a slope
current. This PGW current has then thermohaline maxima on isopycnal s0 = 26.5, near
220 m depth. Its thermohaline characteristics decrease along its progression to Ra’s al
Hadd (and then offshore into the Arabian Sea) but maintain a sharp contrast with
surrounding waters. Outflow variability at the Strait of Hormuz can be related to
downstream fluctuations of the thermohaline maxima in the PGW core at gulf scale and
over a 2- to 3-week period. Moreover, several mechanisms (baroclinic instability, flow
intermittency, cape effects) are examined to explain the widening of this PGW core
upstream and downstream of Ra’s al Hamra. In the eastern part of the Gulf of Oman, the
regional circulation is a cyclonic gyre. The circulation in the western part of the Gulf is
more complex, with the outflow of PGW and southeastward currents in the upper 250 m
near the Omani coast, and a recirculation of upwelled waters near Ra’s Jagin (on the
Iranian coast). The large cyclonic gyre occupies at least the upper 300 m of the water
column and undergoes little variation over a month. The PGW outflow in the northern
Arabian Sea is southward and located 50–100 km from the coast. It borders a shallower
northward current located offshore.
Pous, SP,Carton, Xavier,Lazure, Pascal
Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 1. Strait of Hormuz Journal Article
In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, vol. 109, no. 437, 2004, ISBN: 2156-2202.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, hydrology, Musandam, oceanography, Oman, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz
@article{,
title = {Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 1. Strait of Hormuz},
author = {Pous, SP,Carton, Xavier,Lazure, Pascal},
issn = {2156-2202},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans},
volume = {109},
number = {437},
abstract = {In October and early November 1999, the GOGP99 experiment collected hydrological,
currentmeter, tide recorder, thermistor and drifting buoy data near the Strait of Hormuz. Data
analysis provides the water mass structure in the Strait: Persian Gulf Water (PGW) core is
banked against the Omani coast, while Indian Ocean Surface Water (IOSW) lies near the
Iranian coast. These water masses are most often covered by a homogeneous surface layer.
Thermohaline characteristics of the PGW core decrease substantially downstream, from the
Persian/Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. PGWand IOSW thermohaline characteristics
and distribution also exhibit notable changes at periods shorter than a month as shown by
repeated hydrological sections. The tidal signal measured south of the Strait by moored
ADCP and thermistor chains has predominant semi-diurnal M2 and S2 and diurnal K1
components and possesses a complex vertical structure. Tidal intensification near the surface
pycnocline is associated with noticeable internal waves. At subtidal timescale, mooring
recordings confirm the water mass variability observed in the repeated hydrological sections.
The mixed layer also deepens substantially during the 1-month period. Finally, trajectories of
surface buoys drogued at 15 m exhibit reversals over periods characteristic of changes in
wind direction},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, hydrology, Musandam, oceanography, Oman, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In October and early November 1999, the GOGP99 experiment collected hydrological,
currentmeter, tide recorder, thermistor and drifting buoy data near the Strait of Hormuz. Data
analysis provides the water mass structure in the Strait: Persian Gulf Water (PGW) core is
banked against the Omani coast, while Indian Ocean Surface Water (IOSW) lies near the
Iranian coast. These water masses are most often covered by a homogeneous surface layer.
Thermohaline characteristics of the PGW core decrease substantially downstream, from the
Persian/Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. PGWand IOSW thermohaline characteristics
and distribution also exhibit notable changes at periods shorter than a month as shown by
repeated hydrological sections. The tidal signal measured south of the Strait by moored
ADCP and thermistor chains has predominant semi-diurnal M2 and S2 and diurnal K1
components and possesses a complex vertical structure. Tidal intensification near the surface
pycnocline is associated with noticeable internal waves. At subtidal timescale, mooring
recordings confirm the water mass variability observed in the repeated hydrological sections.
The mixed layer also deepens substantially during the 1-month period. Finally, trajectories of
surface buoys drogued at 15 m exhibit reversals over periods characteristic of changes in
wind direction
currentmeter, tide recorder, thermistor and drifting buoy data near the Strait of Hormuz. Data
analysis provides the water mass structure in the Strait: Persian Gulf Water (PGW) core is
banked against the Omani coast, while Indian Ocean Surface Water (IOSW) lies near the
Iranian coast. These water masses are most often covered by a homogeneous surface layer.
Thermohaline characteristics of the PGW core decrease substantially downstream, from the
Persian/Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. PGWand IOSW thermohaline characteristics
and distribution also exhibit notable changes at periods shorter than a month as shown by
repeated hydrological sections. The tidal signal measured south of the Strait by moored
ADCP and thermistor chains has predominant semi-diurnal M2 and S2 and diurnal K1
components and possesses a complex vertical structure. Tidal intensification near the surface
pycnocline is associated with noticeable internal waves. At subtidal timescale, mooring
recordings confirm the water mass variability observed in the repeated hydrological sections.
The mixed layer also deepens substantially during the 1-month period. Finally, trajectories of
surface buoys drogued at 15 m exhibit reversals over periods characteristic of changes in
wind direction
Matsuyama, Masaji,Kitade, Yujiro,Senjyu, Tomoharu,Koike, Yoshio,Ishimaru, Takashi
Vertical structure of a current and density front in the Strait of Hormuz Journal Article
In: Offshore Environments of the ROPME after the War related Oil-Spill, no. 402, pp. 23-34, 1998.
BibTeX | Tags: currents, Musandam, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, Sultanate of Oman
@article{,
title = {Vertical structure of a current and density front in the Strait of Hormuz},
author = {Matsuyama, Masaji,Kitade, Yujiro,Senjyu, Tomoharu,Koike, Yoshio,Ishimaru, Takashi},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Offshore Environments of the ROPME after the War related Oil-Spill},
number = {402},
pages = {23-34},
keywords = {currents, Musandam, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, Sultanate of Oman},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}