Moazzam Khan ,Rab Nawaz, Babar Khan, Sudheer Ahmed.
In: Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, vol. SC/68B/CMP/08, no. 170, pp. 11, 2020, ISBN: SC/67A/CMP/05.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, Bryde's whale, Bycatch, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Observer programmes, Pakistan
@article{,
title = {Whale Distribution in the Northern Arabian Sea along Coast of Pakistan in 2019 based on the information obtained through Fisheries Crew-Based Observer Programme},
author = {Moazzam Khan ,Rab Nawaz, Babar Khan, Sudheer Ahmed. },
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341776439_Whale_Distribution_in_the_Northern_Arabian_Sea_along_Coast_of_Pakistan_in_2019_based_on_the_information_obtained_through_Fisheries_Crew-Based_Observer_Programme},
isbn = { SC/67A/CMP/05},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/68B/CMP/08},
number = {170},
pages = {11},
institution = {Document presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
abstract = {In 2012 WWF-Pakistan initiated an observer programme to monitor tuna gillnet operations in the coastal and offshore waters of Pakistan. Among other things, these observers were assigned to report observations of whales encountered during fishing operations. These vessels (with onboard observers) provided a platform of opportunity for recording the spatial and temporal distribution of whales in the Northern Arabian Sea. During 2019 a total of 7 sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, 1 sighting each of blue whales and Bryde’s whales, 6 sightings of sperm whales,8 sightings of baleen whales (that could not be identified to species level due to lack of adequate photographic or video evidence) and 3 records of entanglement and mortality of Cuvier’s beaked whales..
Fewer whales were recorded through the programme in 2019 than 2018 and 2017 when a total of 35 and 95 sightings of whale were recorded respectively. This decrease in sightings is attributed to many factors, including early closure of the fishing season in early April 2019 because of low catches and unreliable prices of tuna in the market. As such the fishery was closed for four months from mid-April to mid-August instead of the usual two months of June and July.
Extremely high sea surface temperatures during September to October 2019 (possibly an oceanic heat wave) were believed to be the cause of reduced tuna catches. Therefore, only a few tuna boats remained operational during this period. An unprecedented jellyfish bloom of Crambionella orsini from September 2019 onward forced fishermen to stop fishing operations during this period. Furthermore, the observer programme was completed on September, 2019, after which only 45 out of 75 observers voluntarily continued to provide information about sightings. The paper also reports on two baleen whale strandings - a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) stranded on the rocky shore at Gunz, western coast of Pakistan and a blue whale in Pushukan, Gwadar (West Bay).},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, Bryde's whale, Bycatch, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Observer programmes, Pakistan},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In 2012 WWF-Pakistan initiated an observer programme to monitor tuna gillnet operations in the coastal and offshore waters of Pakistan. Among other things, these observers were assigned to report observations of whales encountered during fishing operations. These vessels (with onboard observers) provided a platform of opportunity for recording the spatial and temporal distribution of whales in the Northern Arabian Sea. During 2019 a total of 7 sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, 1 sighting each of blue whales and Bryde’s whales, 6 sightings of sperm whales,8 sightings of baleen whales (that could not be identified to species level due to lack of adequate photographic or video evidence) and 3 records of entanglement and mortality of Cuvier’s beaked whales..
Fewer whales were recorded through the programme in 2019 than 2018 and 2017 when a total of 35 and 95 sightings of whale were recorded respectively. This decrease in sightings is attributed to many factors, including early closure of the fishing season in early April 2019 because of low catches and unreliable prices of tuna in the market. As such the fishery was closed for four months from mid-April to mid-August instead of the usual two months of June and July.
Extremely high sea surface temperatures during September to October 2019 (possibly an oceanic heat wave) were believed to be the cause of reduced tuna catches. Therefore, only a few tuna boats remained operational during this period. An unprecedented jellyfish bloom of Crambionella orsini from September 2019 onward forced fishermen to stop fishing operations during this period. Furthermore, the observer programme was completed on September, 2019, after which only 45 out of 75 observers voluntarily continued to provide information about sightings. The paper also reports on two baleen whale strandings - a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) stranded on the rocky shore at Gunz, western coast of Pakistan and a blue whale in Pushukan, Gwadar (West Bay).
Fewer whales were recorded through the programme in 2019 than 2018 and 2017 when a total of 35 and 95 sightings of whale were recorded respectively. This decrease in sightings is attributed to many factors, including early closure of the fishing season in early April 2019 because of low catches and unreliable prices of tuna in the market. As such the fishery was closed for four months from mid-April to mid-August instead of the usual two months of June and July.
Extremely high sea surface temperatures during September to October 2019 (possibly an oceanic heat wave) were believed to be the cause of reduced tuna catches. Therefore, only a few tuna boats remained operational during this period. An unprecedented jellyfish bloom of Crambionella orsini from September 2019 onward forced fishermen to stop fishing operations during this period. Furthermore, the observer programme was completed on September, 2019, after which only 45 out of 75 observers voluntarily continued to provide information about sightings. The paper also reports on two baleen whale strandings - a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) stranded on the rocky shore at Gunz, western coast of Pakistan and a blue whale in Pushukan, Gwadar (West Bay).
Moazzam, Mohammed,Nawaz, Rab,Khan, B.,Ahmed, S.
no. 169, 2019.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, Bryde's whale, Bycatch, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Observer programmes, Pakistan
@techreport{,
title = {The Distribution of Whales in the Northern Arabian Sea along the Coast of Pakistan Obtained through Crew-Based Observer Programme- Results of the 2018 fishing season},
author = {Moazzam, Mohammed,Nawaz, Rab,Khan, B.,Ahmed, S.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sc_68a_cmp_07_whale-sightings-from-pakistan-crew-based-observer-programme-1.pdf},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
urldate = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/68A/CMP/07},
number = {169},
pages = {11},
abstract = {Sightings of whales made by WWF-Pakistan’s Crew Based Observers deputed on tuna gillnet vessels operating along Pakistan’s coast were reported for the 2018 fishing season. A total of 13 sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, 2 sightings of blue whales, 1 sightings of Bryde’s whales, 4 sightings of sperm whales and 15 sightings of baleen whales (that could not be identified to species level due to lack of adequate photographic or video evidence) were made during 2018. The number of whales recorded for the year 2018 is much less than 2017 when a total of 95 sightings of whale were recorded from the area. This decrease in sighting is attributed to early closure of fishing season in late April 2018 because of extremely low prices of tuna in the market. Usually a voluntary two month close season is observed between June and July, however, the new fishing season was started in September 2018. The close season, therefore, remained effective for about four months (May to August). In addition, a major part of tuna fishing fleet operated in the further offshore waters (known to have thin population of whales) to avoid checking by Government agencies for implementation on various legislation during November- December 2018. },
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, Bryde's whale, Bycatch, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Observer programmes, Pakistan},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Sightings of whales made by WWF-Pakistan’s Crew Based Observers deputed on tuna gillnet vessels operating along Pakistan’s coast were reported for the 2018 fishing season. A total of 13 sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, 2 sightings of blue whales, 1 sightings of Bryde’s whales, 4 sightings of sperm whales and 15 sightings of baleen whales (that could not be identified to species level due to lack of adequate photographic or video evidence) were made during 2018. The number of whales recorded for the year 2018 is much less than 2017 when a total of 95 sightings of whale were recorded from the area. This decrease in sighting is attributed to early closure of fishing season in late April 2018 because of extremely low prices of tuna in the market. Usually a voluntary two month close season is observed between June and July, however, the new fishing season was started in September 2018. The close season, therefore, remained effective for about four months (May to August). In addition, a major part of tuna fishing fleet operated in the further offshore waters (known to have thin population of whales) to avoid checking by Government agencies for implementation on various legislation during November- December 2018.
Sutaria, D.
A Report On Baleen Whale Records And Recent Developments In Marine Mammal Research And Conservation Policy - Update From India Technical Report
no. 240, 2019, ISSN: SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding
@techreport{,
title = {A Report On Baleen Whale Records And Recent Developments In Marine Mammal Research And Conservation Policy - Update From India},
author = {Sutaria, D.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sc_67a_cmp_03_rev1_baleen-whale-records-from-india-1.pdf},
issn = { SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {240},
pages = {6},
abstract = {Twelve baleen whale reports were collected from June 2018 to May 2019. Of these seven were of live sightings reported by participatory fisher and diver networks along the coast, including two Bryde’s whale groups, and two separate humpback whale sightings of one individual each. The rest were unidentified baleen whale sightings. These reports are summarised here. Five ‘hotspot areas’ of the west coast, were identified, where information was gathered by interviewing fishers and inviting them to be part of a growing participatory reporting network. . We plan to continue this work in 2019-20 with passive acoustic monitoring using SoundTraps in two of the five hotspots. At the National level the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New Delhi has developed a National Arabian Sea Humpback whale Research and Recovery program. National and State-level programs are being developed, with support from the author and a wider research network in India. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local teams, to carry out long term research and conservation, including a net disentanglement workshop. },
keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Twelve baleen whale reports were collected from June 2018 to May 2019. Of these seven were of live sightings reported by participatory fisher and diver networks along the coast, including two Bryde’s whale groups, and two separate humpback whale sightings of one individual each. The rest were unidentified baleen whale sightings. These reports are summarised here. Five ‘hotspot areas’ of the west coast, were identified, where information was gathered by interviewing fishers and inviting them to be part of a growing participatory reporting network. . We plan to continue this work in 2019-20 with passive acoustic monitoring using SoundTraps in two of the five hotspots. At the National level the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New Delhi has developed a National Arabian Sea Humpback whale Research and Recovery program. National and State-level programs are being developed, with support from the author and a wider research network in India. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local teams, to carry out long term research and conservation, including a net disentanglement workshop.
Sutaria, D.
Baleen whale reports from the eastern Arabian Sea based on interview surveys and stranding reports - update from India Technical Report
no. 483, 2018, ISSN: SC/67B/CMP/15.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding
@techreport{,
title = {Baleen whale reports from the eastern Arabian Sea based on interview surveys and stranding reports - update from India},
author = {Sutaria, D.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sc_67b_cmp_15_baleen-whale-records-from-india-1.pdf},
issn = { SC/67B/CMP/15},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {483},
pages = {16},
abstract = {In 2017-18, seven unidentified baleen whales, two Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) and two
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been reported from the west coast of India (eastern
Arabian Sea). The stranding and sighting reports are summarised here. Fishers were interviewed from
south Gujarat to west Tamil Nadu, for baleen whale sighting events to identify hotspots, and to collect
community perceptions towards baleen whales. Based on these interviews, along with data on
strandings, opportunistic song recordings, and the recent presence of a satellite tagged whale from
Oman, seven regions have been identified as hotspots and habitats used by humpback whales.
Humpback whales in these areas seem to be common during the months of January to March. We
continue our work in 2018-20 with systematic vessel based surveys using dipping hydrophones in four
of the seven hotspots. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with
local and international teams, to carry out in-depth analyses of stranding events, and for a larger
coverage in visual surveys with the future use of static passive acoustic monitoring systems.},
keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
In 2017-18, seven unidentified baleen whales, two Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) and two
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been reported from the west coast of India (eastern
Arabian Sea). The stranding and sighting reports are summarised here. Fishers were interviewed from
south Gujarat to west Tamil Nadu, for baleen whale sighting events to identify hotspots, and to collect
community perceptions towards baleen whales. Based on these interviews, along with data on
strandings, opportunistic song recordings, and the recent presence of a satellite tagged whale from
Oman, seven regions have been identified as hotspots and habitats used by humpback whales.
Humpback whales in these areas seem to be common during the months of January to March. We
continue our work in 2018-20 with systematic vessel based surveys using dipping hydrophones in four
of the seven hotspots. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with
local and international teams, to carry out in-depth analyses of stranding events, and for a larger
coverage in visual surveys with the future use of static passive acoustic monitoring systems.
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been reported from the west coast of India (eastern
Arabian Sea). The stranding and sighting reports are summarised here. Fishers were interviewed from
south Gujarat to west Tamil Nadu, for baleen whale sighting events to identify hotspots, and to collect
community perceptions towards baleen whales. Based on these interviews, along with data on
strandings, opportunistic song recordings, and the recent presence of a satellite tagged whale from
Oman, seven regions have been identified as hotspots and habitats used by humpback whales.
Humpback whales in these areas seem to be common during the months of January to March. We
continue our work in 2018-20 with systematic vessel based surveys using dipping hydrophones in four
of the seven hotspots. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with
local and international teams, to carry out in-depth analyses of stranding events, and for a larger
coverage in visual surveys with the future use of static passive acoustic monitoring systems.
Moazzam, Mohammed,Nawaz, Rab
Arabian Humpback and Baleen Whale sightings along the Pakistan Coast: Information Generated Through WWF Pakistan’s Fishing Crew Observer Programme Technical Report
no. 168, 2017, ISBN: SC/67A/CMP/05.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, Bryde's whale, Bycatch, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Observer programmes, Pakistan
@techreport{,
title = {Arabian Humpback and Baleen Whale sightings along the Pakistan Coast: Information Generated Through WWF Pakistan’s Fishing Crew Observer Programme},
author = {Moazzam, Mohammed,Nawaz, Rab},
issn = { SC/67A/CMP/05},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {168},
pages = {16},
abstract = {Historical records and Soviet whaling data indicate the presence of baleen whales off the coast of
Pakistan up to 1965, but since then only a handful of strandings and opportunistic sightings
confirm their ongoing presence in the region. Between 2012 and 2016, observations of freeswimming
and entangled whales were recorded by fishing vessel crew members trained under a
bycatch observer scheme coordinated by WWF Pakistan. The scheme, which started with two
observers in 2012, now involves 75 participating vessels. Reported baleen whale observations
increased from none in 2012, to 16 in 2015. In 2016, 47 sightings of baleen whales were
recorded, including 12 confirmed sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, three sightings of
Bryde’s and 32 sightings of baleen whales that could not be identified to species level due to lack
of adequate photographic or video evidence. Sightings reported from 2012 through 2016 are
summarized and plotted, providing insight into the current distribution of Arabian Sea humpback
whales and other baleen whale species in the region. The authors recommend the continuation of
the programme, and suggest that it could serve as a useful model for crew-based reporting
schemes in a region where dedicated cetacean surveys are difficult to conduct, but fisheries are
widespread and active.},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, Bryde's whale, Bycatch, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Observer programmes, Pakistan},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Historical records and Soviet whaling data indicate the presence of baleen whales off the coast of
Pakistan up to 1965, but since then only a handful of strandings and opportunistic sightings
confirm their ongoing presence in the region. Between 2012 and 2016, observations of freeswimming
and entangled whales were recorded by fishing vessel crew members trained under a
bycatch observer scheme coordinated by WWF Pakistan. The scheme, which started with two
observers in 2012, now involves 75 participating vessels. Reported baleen whale observations
increased from none in 2012, to 16 in 2015. In 2016, 47 sightings of baleen whales were
recorded, including 12 confirmed sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, three sightings of
Bryde’s and 32 sightings of baleen whales that could not be identified to species level due to lack
of adequate photographic or video evidence. Sightings reported from 2012 through 2016 are
summarized and plotted, providing insight into the current distribution of Arabian Sea humpback
whales and other baleen whale species in the region. The authors recommend the continuation of
the programme, and suggest that it could serve as a useful model for crew-based reporting
schemes in a region where dedicated cetacean surveys are difficult to conduct, but fisheries are
widespread and active.
Pakistan up to 1965, but since then only a handful of strandings and opportunistic sightings
confirm their ongoing presence in the region. Between 2012 and 2016, observations of freeswimming
and entangled whales were recorded by fishing vessel crew members trained under a
bycatch observer scheme coordinated by WWF Pakistan. The scheme, which started with two
observers in 2012, now involves 75 participating vessels. Reported baleen whale observations
increased from none in 2012, to 16 in 2015. In 2016, 47 sightings of baleen whales were
recorded, including 12 confirmed sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, three sightings of
Bryde’s and 32 sightings of baleen whales that could not be identified to species level due to lack
of adequate photographic or video evidence. Sightings reported from 2012 through 2016 are
summarized and plotted, providing insight into the current distribution of Arabian Sea humpback
whales and other baleen whale species in the region. The authors recommend the continuation of
the programme, and suggest that it could serve as a useful model for crew-based reporting
schemes in a region where dedicated cetacean surveys are difficult to conduct, but fisheries are
widespread and active.
Sutaria, D.,Sule, M.,Jog, K.,Bopardikar, I.,Jamalabad, A.,Panicker, D.
Baleen Whale Records from India Technical Report
no. 241, 2017, ISBN: SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding
@techreport{,
title = {Baleen Whale Records from India},
author = {Sutaria, D.,Sule, M.,Jog, K.,Bopardikar, I.,Jamalabad, A.,Panicker, D.},
issn = { SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {241},
pages = {16},
abstract = {The current presence of three baleen whale species, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde’s
whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was assessed along
the Indian coastline via sighting and stranding records. The available literature was reviewed to
understand the frequency and distribution of stranding events along the coastline. Fisherfolk were
interviewed to obtain information on baleen whale sightings and community perceptions towards
whales. We found that blue and Bryde’s whales are recorded from both the east and west coasts and
humpback whales from the west coast only. During 2015-2016, the majority of strandings were
reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In March 2017, at least one humpback whale sighting was
confirmed from recorded vocalisations off the Goa coast. An investigation of the ongoing fisheries has
also revealed a steep decline in commercial fisheries and an 82% decline in the Sardines in 2015-16.
With this scenario in mind, we recommend continuation of dedicated baleen whale surveys and
collaborative efforts with local regional authorities to carry out in-depth analyses of strandings and
document the ecology of whales in Indian waters.},
keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The current presence of three baleen whale species, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde’s
whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was assessed along
the Indian coastline via sighting and stranding records. The available literature was reviewed to
understand the frequency and distribution of stranding events along the coastline. Fisherfolk were
interviewed to obtain information on baleen whale sightings and community perceptions towards
whales. We found that blue and Bryde’s whales are recorded from both the east and west coasts and
humpback whales from the west coast only. During 2015-2016, the majority of strandings were
reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In March 2017, at least one humpback whale sighting was
confirmed from recorded vocalisations off the Goa coast. An investigation of the ongoing fisheries has
also revealed a steep decline in commercial fisheries and an 82% decline in the Sardines in 2015-16.
With this scenario in mind, we recommend continuation of dedicated baleen whale surveys and
collaborative efforts with local regional authorities to carry out in-depth analyses of strandings and
document the ecology of whales in Indian waters.
whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was assessed along
the Indian coastline via sighting and stranding records. The available literature was reviewed to
understand the frequency and distribution of stranding events along the coastline. Fisherfolk were
interviewed to obtain information on baleen whale sightings and community perceptions towards
whales. We found that blue and Bryde’s whales are recorded from both the east and west coasts and
humpback whales from the west coast only. During 2015-2016, the majority of strandings were
reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In March 2017, at least one humpback whale sighting was
confirmed from recorded vocalisations off the Goa coast. An investigation of the ongoing fisheries has
also revealed a steep decline in commercial fisheries and an 82% decline in the Sardines in 2015-16.
With this scenario in mind, we recommend continuation of dedicated baleen whale surveys and
collaborative efforts with local regional authorities to carry out in-depth analyses of strandings and
document the ecology of whales in Indian waters.
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
Population differentiation of 2 forms of Bryde’s Whales in the Indian and Pacific Oceans Journal Article
In: Journal of Heredity, vol. 104, no. 394, pp. 755-764, 2013, ISBN: 0022-1503.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: balaenoptera, balaenoptera edeni, bangladesh, Bryde's whale, Maldives, Oman, Speciation, taxonomy
@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}
}
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.
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.
Braulik,G.,Ranjbar,S.,Owfi,F.,Aminrad,T.,Dakhteh,S.M.H.,Kamrani,E.,Mohsenizadeh,F.
Marine Mammal Records from Iran Journal Article
In: Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol. 11, no. 334, pp. 49-63, 2010.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: 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
@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}
}
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.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Bryde's whales of the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters Technical Report
no. 157, 2002, ISBN: SC/49/035.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Distribution, IWC, marine, Soviet whaling, stomach contents, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Bryde's whales of the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
issn = {SC/49/035},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/49/035},
number = {157},
pages = {1-10},
abstract = {Zemsky and Sazhinov (1982) reported that the Soviet Union continued to take blue whales long after they were protected by the IWC. It became possible to pulish the data about this illegal whaling only after the disintegration of the Soviet Union (Tormosov 1993 - Report on 10th Biennial Meeting of the Society of Marine Mammalogy in Galveston, Texas; Yablokov 1994; Doroshenko 1996; Mikhalev 1997). The most complete available data on Soviet whaling were presented at the 45th and 46th meetings of the IWC and were discussed by the Scientific Committee (Zemsky et al 1995; Tormosov 1995; Zemsky et al 1996). A more detailed comparison between the accurate data and falsified data, which were submitted to the IWC by Soviet whaling fleets, for the period from 1947 to 1972 was published in a separate volume (Zemsky et al 1995, 1996). As a continuation of the recent publication of actual Soviet whaling data, this report presents data on illegal catches of Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters up to 5§ - 10§S. Data are presented on sex, size, distribution, stomach contents of whales taken as well as the reproductive state of females and the sizes of fetuses.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Distribution, IWC, marine, Soviet whaling, stomach contents, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Zemsky and Sazhinov (1982) reported that the Soviet Union continued to take blue whales long after they were protected by the IWC. It became possible to pulish the data about this illegal whaling only after the disintegration of the Soviet Union (Tormosov 1993 - Report on 10th Biennial Meeting of the Society of Marine Mammalogy in Galveston, Texas; Yablokov 1994; Doroshenko 1996; Mikhalev 1997). The most complete available data on Soviet whaling were presented at the 45th and 46th meetings of the IWC and were discussed by the Scientific Committee (Zemsky et al 1995; Tormosov 1995; Zemsky et al 1996). A more detailed comparison between the accurate data and falsified data, which were submitted to the IWC by Soviet whaling fleets, for the period from 1947 to 1972 was published in a separate volume (Zemsky et al 1995, 1996). As a continuation of the recent publication of actual Soviet whaling data, this report presents data on illegal catches of Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters up to 5§ - 10§S. Data are presented on sex, size, distribution, stomach contents of whales taken as well as the reproductive state of females and the sizes of fetuses.
Best,P.B.
Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa Journal Article
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 220, no. 44, pp. 277-289, 2001.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Bryde's whale, Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, Madagascar, migration, population characteristics, reproduction, sexual maturity, South Africa, whaling
@article{,
title = {Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa},
author = {Best,P.B.},
year = {2001},
date = {2001-01-01},
journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},
volume = {220},
number = {44},
pages = {277-289},
abstract = {A review of available catch and biological data suggests that there are 3 populations of Bryde's whales in the Southern African region. An inshore population (the South African Inshore stock) occurs over hte continental shelf of South Africa, south of about 30§ S and seems to be non-migratory, although there is a movement up the west coast in winter. A pelagic population (the South-east Atlantic Stock) occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, ranging from equatorial regions to about 34§ S, and appears to migrate north in autumn and south in spring. Whales from the Southeast Atlantic Stock differ from the South African Inshore Stock in size, scarring, baleen shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity and prey types. both occured in the west coast whaling ground off Donkergat, but with differing seasonalities and distributions from the coast. Bryde's whales are rare on the east coast of southern Africa, but are found in summer in some numbers south of Madagascar. Whales from this population are clearly smaller than those from the Southeast Atlantic Stock, but are similar in size to, or even smaller than, those from teh South African Inshore stock. Their external appearance is unknown, but they differ in prey type from South African Inshore stock, and because of a clear discontinuity in distribution, it is believed that they form a third (pelagic) population (the Southwest Indian Ocean Sstock). this population may or may not move normt as far as the Seychelles in winter, but seems to be separate from Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea. From their size composition, length at sexual maturity and infrequent capture, Bryde's whales taken at Durban may have repasented strays from ei ther ht eh South African Inshore Stock or the Southwest Indian Ocean Stock, and recorded stomach contents also indicate prey ty pes commn toe either stock. The unusual degree of population differentiation shown by Bryde's whales may be a consequence of hteir limited seasonal migrations and apparent resource partitioning.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bryde's whale, Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, Madagascar, migration, population characteristics, reproduction, sexual maturity, South Africa, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A review of available catch and biological data suggests that there are 3 populations of Bryde's whales in the Southern African region. An inshore population (the South African Inshore stock) occurs over hte continental shelf of South Africa, south of about 30§ S and seems to be non-migratory, although there is a movement up the west coast in winter. A pelagic population (the South-east Atlantic Stock) occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, ranging from equatorial regions to about 34§ S, and appears to migrate north in autumn and south in spring. Whales from the Southeast Atlantic Stock differ from the South African Inshore Stock in size, scarring, baleen shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity and prey types. both occured in the west coast whaling ground off Donkergat, but with differing seasonalities and distributions from the coast. Bryde's whales are rare on the east coast of southern Africa, but are found in summer in some numbers south of Madagascar. Whales from this population are clearly smaller than those from the Southeast Atlantic Stock, but are similar in size to, or even smaller than, those from teh South African Inshore stock. Their external appearance is unknown, but they differ in prey type from South African Inshore stock, and because of a clear discontinuity in distribution, it is believed that they form a third (pelagic) population (the Southwest Indian Ocean Sstock). this population may or may not move normt as far as the Seychelles in winter, but seems to be separate from Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea. From their size composition, length at sexual maturity and infrequent capture, Bryde's whales taken at Durban may have repasented strays from ei ther ht eh South African Inshore Stock or the Southwest Indian Ocean Stock, and recorded stomach contents also indicate prey ty pes commn toe either stock. The unusual degree of population differentiation shown by Bryde's whales may be a consequence of hteir limited seasonal migrations and apparent resource partitioning.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Whaling in the Arabian Sea by the whaling fleets Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina Book
Center for Russian Environmental Policy, Marine Mammal Council, 2000.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling
@book{,
title = {Whaling in the Arabian Sea by the whaling fleets Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {2000},
date = {2000-01-01},
journal = {Soviet Whaling Data [1949-1979]},
number = {156},
pages = {141-181},
publisher = {Center for Russian Environmental Policy, Marine Mammal Council},
abstract = {Thus, each of the two fleets, Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina, operated in the Arabian Sea during three cruises. Their operations covered the period from 23 October to 15 December taking into account all the years of whaling in the Arabian Sea. In total these fleets took 1294 pygmy blue whales, 849 Bryde's whales, 242 humpback whales, and 954 sperm whales.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Thus, each of the two fleets, Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina, operated in the Arabian Sea during three cruises. Their operations covered the period from 23 October to 15 December taking into account all the years of whaling in the Arabian Sea. In total these fleets took 1294 pygmy blue whales, 849 Bryde's whales, 242 humpback whales, and 954 sperm whales.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Sperm whales of the Arabian Sea Technical Report
no. 155, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetacean, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, IWC, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Slava, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Sperm whales of the Arabian Sea},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/50/CAWS40},
number = {155},
pages = {1-7},
publisher = {Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
abstract = {This article is part of the ongoing publication of materials about true whale catches by Soviet whaling fleets (Yablokov, 1994, Tormosov, 1995; Zemsky, et al, 1995, 1995a, 1996; Mikhalev 1995, 1997, 1997a). The goal of this article is to provide real quantitative characteristics, as well as size and sexual composition, of the sperm whales taken by the fleets Slava and Sovietskaya Ukraina in the Arabian Sea during the period 1963 to 1967. While the catching of baleen whales - pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales - in the northwestern Indian Ocean (Mikhalev, 1995, 1997) was absolutely prohibited and thus was a most serious violation of IWC rules, the sperm whale catches in the region had a more masked character. Harvesting of this species was not restricted to areas south of the 40øS, but rather by date and animal size. The first information about sperm whales met in this region by Soviet whalers became known through Yukhov (1969) His article reported that the stock was mixed, including both barren and lactating females as well as young males. Such detailed information about the sperm whales' stock structure should have indicated that the author's primary material was not based on visual observation, but on the results of catches. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, cetacean research laboratories were liquidated and a portion of their primary materials disappeared. Other portions ended up distributed among various former Soviet republics, now independent states, and in private archives. Nonetheless, it was possible to recover with a high level of confidence data on the biological composition, especially the quantitative and size characteristics, of whales taken in the Arabian Sea.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetacean, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, IWC, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Slava, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This article is part of the ongoing publication of materials about true whale catches by Soviet whaling fleets (Yablokov, 1994, Tormosov, 1995; Zemsky, et al, 1995, 1995a, 1996; Mikhalev 1995, 1997, 1997a). The goal of this article is to provide real quantitative characteristics, as well as size and sexual composition, of the sperm whales taken by the fleets Slava and Sovietskaya Ukraina in the Arabian Sea during the period 1963 to 1967. While the catching of baleen whales - pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales - in the northwestern Indian Ocean (Mikhalev, 1995, 1997) was absolutely prohibited and thus was a most serious violation of IWC rules, the sperm whale catches in the region had a more masked character. Harvesting of this species was not restricted to areas south of the 40øS, but rather by date and animal size. The first information about sperm whales met in this region by Soviet whalers became known through Yukhov (1969) His article reported that the stock was mixed, including both barren and lactating females as well as young males. Such detailed information about the sperm whales' stock structure should have indicated that the author's primary material was not based on visual observation, but on the results of catches. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, cetacean research laboratories were liquidated and a portion of their primary materials disappeared. Other portions ended up distributed among various former Soviet republics, now independent states, and in private archives. Nonetheless, it was possible to recover with a high level of confidence data on the biological composition, especially the quantitative and size characteristics, of whales taken in the Arabian Sea.
Small,J.A..,Small,G.J.
Cetacean observations from the Somali Democratic Republic, September 1985 through May 1987 Journal Article
In: CEtaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: UNEP - Marine Mammal Technical Report No.3, no. 476, pp. 179-210, 1991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, Blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, dolphin, false killer whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, killer whale, location, marine, megaptera novaeangliae, melon-headed whale, migration, occurrence, Oman, Pacific Ocean, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, stocks, Striped dolphin, survey, trend, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@article{,
title = {Cetacean observations from the Somali Democratic Republic, September 1985 through May 1987},
author = {Small,J.A..,Small,G.J.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {CEtaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: UNEP - Marine Mammal Technical Report No.3},
number = {476},
pages = {179-210},
abstract = {Two vessels operated along the Gulf of Aden and northern Indian Ocean coasts of Somalia from Aug. 1985 through May 1987. Their fishing activities carried them on a routine basis from Djibouti to the Horn of Africa and, on many cruises, into the Indian Ocean as far south as 8øN. The frequent and regular presence of these vessels afforded a unique opportunity for research since few previous surveys along the Somalian coast were transitory and/or of short duration. There were 398 sightings of cetaceans representing at least 14 species: blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, melon-headed whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin, striped dolphin and spinner dolphin (NO humpback whales!!). Sightings locations and related environmental data are discussed. Some trends between years were seen in the occurrence and location of blue, killer and short-finned pilot whales.},
keywords = {Antarctic, Blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, dolphin, false killer whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, killer whale, location, marine, megaptera novaeangliae, melon-headed whale, migration, occurrence, Oman, Pacific Ocean, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, stocks, Striped dolphin, survey, trend, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Two vessels operated along the Gulf of Aden and northern Indian Ocean coasts of Somalia from Aug. 1985 through May 1987. Their fishing activities carried them on a routine basis from Djibouti to the Horn of Africa and, on many cruises, into the Indian Ocean as far south as 8øN. The frequent and regular presence of these vessels afforded a unique opportunity for research since few previous surveys along the Somalian coast were transitory and/or of short duration. There were 398 sightings of cetaceans representing at least 14 species: blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, melon-headed whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin, striped dolphin and spinner dolphin (NO humpback whales!!). Sightings locations and related environmental data are discussed. Some trends between years were seen in the occurrence and location of blue, killer and short-finned pilot whales.
Yukhov,V.L.
Observations of cetaceans in the Gulf of Aden and the northwestern part of the Arabian Sea Technical Report
no. 512, 1969.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, Soviet whaling, sperm whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Gulf of Aden and the northwestern part of the Arabian Sea},
author = {Yukhov,V.L.},
year = {1969},
date = {1969-01-01},
journal = {Morskie Mlekopitayashchie},
number = {512},
pages = {1-6},
publisher = {Izd-vo "Nauka"},
abstract = {This is a brief report of sightings in the Arabian Sea made from a whale catcher of the Sovetskaya Ukraina fleet in the 1964-65 whaling seasons (Oct-Dec). In very general terms it describes sightings of female and juvenile sperm whales in groups of 6-10 throughout the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. This was the most frequently sighted species. Pygmy blue whales and Bryde's whales were also observed in both the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and specific mention is made of nearshore areas of the coasts of Somalia and the Oman. These species were both observed feeding (on their sides?). Small groups of humpback whales were observed East of Ras Fartak. Huge schools of small cetaceans were also observed feeding and the author concludes that the area provides an adequate supply of food for a variety of species.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, Soviet whaling, sperm whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This is a brief report of sightings in the Arabian Sea made from a whale catcher of the Sovetskaya Ukraina fleet in the 1964-65 whaling seasons (Oct-Dec). In very general terms it describes sightings of female and juvenile sperm whales in groups of 6-10 throughout the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. This was the most frequently sighted species. Pygmy blue whales and Bryde's whales were also observed in both the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and specific mention is made of nearshore areas of the coasts of Somalia and the Oman. These species were both observed feeding (on their sides?). Small groups of humpback whales were observed East of Ras Fartak. Huge schools of small cetaceans were also observed feeding and the author concludes that the area provides an adequate supply of food for a variety of species.