Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Leroy, E.C.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,baldwin, R,Cholewiak, D.,Collins, T.,Minton, Gianna,Rasoloarijao, T.,Rogers, T.,Sarrouf Willson, M.
A new blue whale song-type described for the Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean Technical Report
no. 513, 2020.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, behaviour, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song
@techreport{,
title = {A new blue whale song-type described for the Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean },
author = {Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Leroy, E.C.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,baldwin, R,Cholewiak, D.,Collins, T.,Minton, Gianna,Rasoloarijao, T.,Rogers, T.,Sarrouf Willson, M.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sc_68b_info_28_-new-blue-whale-call-from-oman-2.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Report Presented to the Scientific Committee meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {513},
publisher = {IWC},
abstract = {Blue whales in the Indian Ocean (IO) are currently thought to represent two or three subspecies (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia, B. m. brevicauda, B. m. indica), and are structured into four populations with diagnostic song-types. Here we describe a previously unreported song-type that implies the existence of a population that has been undetected or conflated with another population. The song-type was recorded off Oman in the northern IO/Arabian Sea, off the western Chagos Archipelago in the equatorial central IO, and off Madagascar in the southwestern IO. As this is the only blue whale song that has been identified in the western Arabian Sea, we label it the “Oman” song-type to distinguish it from other regionally classified song-types. Spatiotemporal variation at the three sites suggested a distribution west of 70°E, with potential affinity for the northern IO/Arabian Sea, and only minor presence in the southwestern IO. Timing of presence off Oman suggests that intensive illegal Soviet whaling that took 1,294 blue whales in the 1960s likely targeted this population, as opposed to the more widely spread “Sri Lanka” acoustic population as previously assumed. Based upon geographic distribution and potential aseasonal reproduction found in the Soviet catch data, we suggest that if there is a northern Indian Ocean subspecies (B. m. c.f. indica), it is likely this population. Moreover, the potentially restricted range, intensive historic whaling, and the fact that the song-type has been previously undetected, suggests a small population that is in critical need of status assessment and conservation action. },
keywords = {acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, behaviour, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Blue whales in the Indian Ocean (IO) are currently thought to represent two or three subspecies (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia, B. m. brevicauda, B. m. indica), and are structured into four populations with diagnostic song-types. Here we describe a previously unreported song-type that implies the existence of a population that has been undetected or conflated with another population. The song-type was recorded off Oman in the northern IO/Arabian Sea, off the western Chagos Archipelago in the equatorial central IO, and off Madagascar in the southwestern IO. As this is the only blue whale song that has been identified in the western Arabian Sea, we label it the “Oman” song-type to distinguish it from other regionally classified song-types. Spatiotemporal variation at the three sites suggested a distribution west of 70°E, with potential affinity for the northern IO/Arabian Sea, and only minor presence in the southwestern IO. Timing of presence off Oman suggests that intensive illegal Soviet whaling that took 1,294 blue whales in the 1960s likely targeted this population, as opposed to the more widely spread “Sri Lanka” acoustic population as previously assumed. Based upon geographic distribution and potential aseasonal reproduction found in the Soviet catch data, we suggest that if there is a northern Indian Ocean subspecies (B. m. c.f. indica), it is likely this population. Moreover, the potentially restricted range, intensive historic whaling, and the fact that the song-type has been previously undetected, suggests a small population that is in critical need of status assessment and conservation action.
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.
Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,Baldwin, R.,Bonato, M,Collins, T.,Di Clemente, J.,Dulau, Violaine,Estrade, Vanessa,Latha, G,Minton, A. Gianna.,Sarrouf Willson, M.
Geographic variation in song indicates both isolation of Arabian Sea humpback whales and presence of Southern Hemisphere whales off Oman Technical Report
no. 342, 2018, ISSN: IWC/SC67B/CMP19.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Humpback Whale, India, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, population structure, Reunion, song
@techreport{,
title = {Geographic variation in song indicates both isolation of Arabian Sea humpback whales and presence of Southern Hemisphere whales off Oman},
author = {Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,Baldwin, R.,Bonato, M,Collins, T.,Di Clemente, J.,Dulau, Violaine,Estrade, Vanessa,Latha, G,Minton, A. Gianna.,Sarrouf Willson, M.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sc_67b_cmp_19_oman-humpback-whale-song-analysis-and-comparison-1.pdf},
issn = {IWC/SC67B/CMP19},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {342},
pages = {31},
publisher = {International Whaling Commission},
abstract = {Existing genetic, demographic and behavioral evidence indicates that Arabian Sea humpback whales
represent an isolated and unique population. The population exhibits a Northern Hemisphere breeding
cycle, is believed to feed year-round, and lacks the typical latitudinal migrations and seasonal separation
of breeding and feeding ecology exhibited by other populations of humpback whales globally. A key
feature of humpback whale breeding behavior is the male acoustic breeding display, song, studied
extensively around the world. Key characteristics of humpback whale song include: all males within a
population share the same song patterns (phrases); a population’s song changes progressively over time;
and populations that do not overlap or exchange individuals have distinctly different songs, whereas
populations in contact share some or all phrases. Here we use long-term acoustic monitoring off the coast
of Oman to further assess the isolation of the Arabian Sea population. A total of 76 samples (amounting
to 4,434 minutes of recording) of Arabian Sea song collected between 2011 and 2013 were examined, and
phrase content was characterized and compared to 23 samples (totaling 202 min of recording) collected
during the same years in the Southwest Indian Ocean from Reunion Island and the Comoros Islands. Song
from the Arabian Sea and the Southwest Indian Ocean was distinct across the entire study period, with no
evidence for shared phrases in any year. In addition, song fragments recorded off western India in 2011
were composed of two phrases present in the Oman song, suggesting continuity across the Arabian Sea.
Moreover, the Arabian Sea song exhibited a markedly atypical low level of temporal variation, with song
phrases remaining virtually unchanged during the three examined breeding seasons. Notably, Southwest
Indian Ocean song was recorded off the coast of Oman in August 2012 (Boreal summer, Austral winter).
This song was recorded on multiple days and included multiple simultaneous singers over a 25 day period
indicating the presence of more than a single accidental vagrant Southern Hemisphere animal. We suggest
that these Southern songs were produced by Southwest Indian Ocean animals moving into the Arabian
Sea, and that this may be more common than is currently thought. The low level of temporal variation
shown by the Arabian Sea males along with the lack of adoption of the Southwest Indian Ocean song
material, further indicate the uniqueness and distinct nature of this population. It seems possible that
isolation mechanisms exist that may inhibit the mixing of the Arabian Sea population with Southern
Hemisphere animals, and that this may be reflected in the observed atypical song behavior.},
keywords = {Humpback Whale, India, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, population structure, Reunion, song},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Existing genetic, demographic and behavioral evidence indicates that Arabian Sea humpback whales
represent an isolated and unique population. The population exhibits a Northern Hemisphere breeding
cycle, is believed to feed year-round, and lacks the typical latitudinal migrations and seasonal separation
of breeding and feeding ecology exhibited by other populations of humpback whales globally. A key
feature of humpback whale breeding behavior is the male acoustic breeding display, song, studied
extensively around the world. Key characteristics of humpback whale song include: all males within a
population share the same song patterns (phrases); a population’s song changes progressively over time;
and populations that do not overlap or exchange individuals have distinctly different songs, whereas
populations in contact share some or all phrases. Here we use long-term acoustic monitoring off the coast
of Oman to further assess the isolation of the Arabian Sea population. A total of 76 samples (amounting
to 4,434 minutes of recording) of Arabian Sea song collected between 2011 and 2013 were examined, and
phrase content was characterized and compared to 23 samples (totaling 202 min of recording) collected
during the same years in the Southwest Indian Ocean from Reunion Island and the Comoros Islands. Song
from the Arabian Sea and the Southwest Indian Ocean was distinct across the entire study period, with no
evidence for shared phrases in any year. In addition, song fragments recorded off western India in 2011
were composed of two phrases present in the Oman song, suggesting continuity across the Arabian Sea.
Moreover, the Arabian Sea song exhibited a markedly atypical low level of temporal variation, with song
phrases remaining virtually unchanged during the three examined breeding seasons. Notably, Southwest
Indian Ocean song was recorded off the coast of Oman in August 2012 (Boreal summer, Austral winter).
This song was recorded on multiple days and included multiple simultaneous singers over a 25 day period
indicating the presence of more than a single accidental vagrant Southern Hemisphere animal. We suggest
that these Southern songs were produced by Southwest Indian Ocean animals moving into the Arabian
Sea, and that this may be more common than is currently thought. The low level of temporal variation
shown by the Arabian Sea males along with the lack of adoption of the Southwest Indian Ocean song
material, further indicate the uniqueness and distinct nature of this population. It seems possible that
isolation mechanisms exist that may inhibit the mixing of the Arabian Sea population with Southern
Hemisphere animals, and that this may be reflected in the observed atypical song behavior.
represent an isolated and unique population. The population exhibits a Northern Hemisphere breeding
cycle, is believed to feed year-round, and lacks the typical latitudinal migrations and seasonal separation
of breeding and feeding ecology exhibited by other populations of humpback whales globally. A key
feature of humpback whale breeding behavior is the male acoustic breeding display, song, studied
extensively around the world. Key characteristics of humpback whale song include: all males within a
population share the same song patterns (phrases); a population’s song changes progressively over time;
and populations that do not overlap or exchange individuals have distinctly different songs, whereas
populations in contact share some or all phrases. Here we use long-term acoustic monitoring off the coast
of Oman to further assess the isolation of the Arabian Sea population. A total of 76 samples (amounting
to 4,434 minutes of recording) of Arabian Sea song collected between 2011 and 2013 were examined, and
phrase content was characterized and compared to 23 samples (totaling 202 min of recording) collected
during the same years in the Southwest Indian Ocean from Reunion Island and the Comoros Islands. Song
from the Arabian Sea and the Southwest Indian Ocean was distinct across the entire study period, with no
evidence for shared phrases in any year. In addition, song fragments recorded off western India in 2011
were composed of two phrases present in the Oman song, suggesting continuity across the Arabian Sea.
Moreover, the Arabian Sea song exhibited a markedly atypical low level of temporal variation, with song
phrases remaining virtually unchanged during the three examined breeding seasons. Notably, Southwest
Indian Ocean song was recorded off the coast of Oman in August 2012 (Boreal summer, Austral winter).
This song was recorded on multiple days and included multiple simultaneous singers over a 25 day period
indicating the presence of more than a single accidental vagrant Southern Hemisphere animal. We suggest
that these Southern songs were produced by Southwest Indian Ocean animals moving into the Arabian
Sea, and that this may be more common than is currently thought. The low level of temporal variation
shown by the Arabian Sea males along with the lack of adoption of the Southwest Indian Ocean song
material, further indicate the uniqueness and distinct nature of this population. It seems possible that
isolation mechanisms exist that may inhibit the mixing of the Arabian Sea population with Southern
Hemisphere animals, and that this may be reflected in the observed atypical song behavior.
Madhusudhana, Shyam Kumar,Chakraborty, Bishwajit,Latha, G.
Humpback whale singing activity off the Goan coast in the Eastern Arabian Sea Journal Article
In: Bioacoustics, no. 147, pp. 1-16, 2018, ISBN: 0952-4622.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, breeding, Goa, Humpback Whale, India, Megaptera novaeanglia, PAM, passive acoustic monitoring, song, vocal behaviour
@article{,
title = {Humpback whale singing activity off the Goan coast in the Eastern Arabian Sea},
author = {Madhusudhana, Shyam Kumar,Chakraborty, Bishwajit,Latha, G.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2018.1458248},
issn = {0952-4622},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Bioacoustics},
number = {147},
pages = {1-16},
publisher = {Taylor & Francis},
abstract = {AbstractFor over two decades, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) methods have been successfully employed around the world for studying aquatic megafauna. PAM-driven studies in Indian waters have so far been relatively very scarce. Furthermore, cetacean populations inhabiting the north western Indian Ocean are far less studied than those in many other regions around the world. This work likely constitutes the first systematic study of the vocal repertoire of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) at a near-shore site along the western coast of India. Analysis of the observed vocalizations provides an insight into the behaviour of the species. This is significant as it assists in developing a better understanding of the habitat use of the non-migratory Arabian Sea humpback whale population. In contrast, other breeding populations such as those around the North Atlantic, South Pacific and Australia have been relatively well studied. Underwater passive acoustic data were collected during March 2017 using an autonomous logger at a shallow-water site off the eastern edge of Grande Island off the coast of Goa. Humpback whale vocalizations were found to occur over multiple days in the recordings. Time?frequency contours of individual units of vocalization were extracted with the aid of an automatic detection technique and the characteristics of the units were measured. Further, successive units were analysed for formation of phrases and themes. Reconstruction of putative songs from the identified units and themes was not possible due to the limitations imposed by the nature of data collection. Detailed analyses of units, phrases and themes are presented.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, breeding, Goa, Humpback Whale, India, Megaptera novaeanglia, PAM, passive acoustic monitoring, song, vocal behaviour},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
AbstractFor over two decades, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) methods have been successfully employed around the world for studying aquatic megafauna. PAM-driven studies in Indian waters have so far been relatively very scarce. Furthermore, cetacean populations inhabiting the north western Indian Ocean are far less studied than those in many other regions around the world. This work likely constitutes the first systematic study of the vocal repertoire of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) at a near-shore site along the western coast of India. Analysis of the observed vocalizations provides an insight into the behaviour of the species. This is significant as it assists in developing a better understanding of the habitat use of the non-migratory Arabian Sea humpback whale population. In contrast, other breeding populations such as those around the North Atlantic, South Pacific and Australia have been relatively well studied. Underwater passive acoustic data were collected during March 2017 using an autonomous logger at a shallow-water site off the eastern edge of Grande Island off the coast of Goa. Humpback whale vocalizations were found to occur over multiple days in the recordings. Time?frequency contours of individual units of vocalization were extracted with the aid of an automatic detection technique and the characteristics of the units were measured. Further, successive units were analysed for formation of phrases and themes. Reconstruction of putative songs from the identified units and themes was not possible due to the limitations imposed by the nature of data collection. Detailed analyses of units, phrases and themes are presented.
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.
Willson, A.,Leslie, M.,Baldwin, R.,Cerchio, S.,Childerhouse, S.,Collins, T.,Findlay, K.,Genov, T.,Godley, B. J.,Al Harthi, S.,Macdonald, D. W.,Minton, G.,Zerbini, A.,Witt, M.J.
In: Document presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, no. 504, pp. 15, 2018, ISSN: IWC/SC67B/CMP13Rev1.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: health, Humpback Whale, lesions, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, photo-identification, Satellite telemetry, song, tattoo, UAV
@article{,
title = {Update on satellite telemetry studies and first unoccupied aerial vehicle assisted health assessment studies of Arabian Sea humpback whales off the coast of Oman.},
author = {Willson, A.,Leslie, M.,Baldwin, R.,Cerchio, S.,Childerhouse, S.,Collins, T.,Findlay, K.,Genov, T.,Godley, B. J.,Al Harthi, S.,Macdonald, D. W.,Minton, G.,Zerbini, A.,Witt, M.J.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sc_67b_cmp_13_rev1_oman-humbpack-whale-research-update-1.pdf},
issn = {IWC/SC67B/CMP13Rev1},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
urldate = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {504},
pages = {15},
publisher = {International Whaling Commission},
abstract = {Four previously documented surveys focusing on satellite tagging Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHW) have
taken place off the coast of Oman since 2014. We present information of the most recent multidisciplinary survey
from November 2017 including results of telemetry studies to investigate spatial ecology, photo-identification
work to support population estimates and the trial of new methods using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) in
conducting non-invasive health assessments. The findings document the first record of the transoceanic passage
of an ASHW within the Arabian Sea and preliminary evidence of regional scale connectivity. Small vessel surveys
resulted in 45 hours of effort resulting in a total of 35 sightings and encounters with over 18 identified individual
ASHWs. Five tags were successfully deployed, three being attached to whales already identified in the ASHW
catalogue (one female and two males) and two whales new to the catalogue (of as yet unknown sex). The recent
telemetry work brings the project total to 14 deployed tags. Four whales from the recent tagged group occupied
regions previously described as important habitat in the South of Oman including the Gulf of Masirah and
Hallaniyats Bay. The tag with the longest tracking duration (n=120 days) documented the passage of an adult
female from the Gulf of Masirah across to the west coast of India, south towards to the Gulf of Manar off the
southern tip of India and the subsequent return of the whale to the tagging site. Additionally, a hexacopter UAV
(drone) was used to acquire digital images of 7 whales to inform investigations into body condition (length-width
relationship), tissue scaring and skin disease. UAVs that were flown through respired condensate (blow) resulted
in collection of three viable samples collected for micro-biome assessment of the respiratory tract. On a broad
geographic scale the tracking data continues to confirm the importance of waters over the continental shelf in
southern Oman for ASHW and together with passive acoustic monitoring studies provides new evidence to
support previous understanding on the connectivity between humpback whales of the Arabian Sea. The frequency
of sightings in the study area, and documented breeding related behaviour during the survey supports existing
evidence demonstrating that the Gulf of Masirah is a critical habitat for the ASHW. Effective conservation of this
population requires concerted application of threat mitigation, whilst studies continue to support the on-going
conservation management requirement to understand the broader spatial ecology of the population.},
keywords = {health, Humpback Whale, lesions, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, photo-identification, Satellite telemetry, song, tattoo, UAV},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Four previously documented surveys focusing on satellite tagging Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHW) have
taken place off the coast of Oman since 2014. We present information of the most recent multidisciplinary survey
from November 2017 including results of telemetry studies to investigate spatial ecology, photo-identification
work to support population estimates and the trial of new methods using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) in
conducting non-invasive health assessments. The findings document the first record of the transoceanic passage
of an ASHW within the Arabian Sea and preliminary evidence of regional scale connectivity. Small vessel surveys
resulted in 45 hours of effort resulting in a total of 35 sightings and encounters with over 18 identified individual
ASHWs. Five tags were successfully deployed, three being attached to whales already identified in the ASHW
catalogue (one female and two males) and two whales new to the catalogue (of as yet unknown sex). The recent
telemetry work brings the project total to 14 deployed tags. Four whales from the recent tagged group occupied
regions previously described as important habitat in the South of Oman including the Gulf of Masirah and
Hallaniyats Bay. The tag with the longest tracking duration (n=120 days) documented the passage of an adult
female from the Gulf of Masirah across to the west coast of India, south towards to the Gulf of Manar off the
southern tip of India and the subsequent return of the whale to the tagging site. Additionally, a hexacopter UAV
(drone) was used to acquire digital images of 7 whales to inform investigations into body condition (length-width
relationship), tissue scaring and skin disease. UAVs that were flown through respired condensate (blow) resulted
in collection of three viable samples collected for micro-biome assessment of the respiratory tract. On a broad
geographic scale the tracking data continues to confirm the importance of waters over the continental shelf in
southern Oman for ASHW and together with passive acoustic monitoring studies provides new evidence to
support previous understanding on the connectivity between humpback whales of the Arabian Sea. The frequency
of sightings in the study area, and documented breeding related behaviour during the survey supports existing
evidence demonstrating that the Gulf of Masirah is a critical habitat for the ASHW. Effective conservation of this
population requires concerted application of threat mitigation, whilst studies continue to support the on-going
conservation management requirement to understand the broader spatial ecology of the population.
taken place off the coast of Oman since 2014. We present information of the most recent multidisciplinary survey
from November 2017 including results of telemetry studies to investigate spatial ecology, photo-identification
work to support population estimates and the trial of new methods using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) in
conducting non-invasive health assessments. The findings document the first record of the transoceanic passage
of an ASHW within the Arabian Sea and preliminary evidence of regional scale connectivity. Small vessel surveys
resulted in 45 hours of effort resulting in a total of 35 sightings and encounters with over 18 identified individual
ASHWs. Five tags were successfully deployed, three being attached to whales already identified in the ASHW
catalogue (one female and two males) and two whales new to the catalogue (of as yet unknown sex). The recent
telemetry work brings the project total to 14 deployed tags. Four whales from the recent tagged group occupied
regions previously described as important habitat in the South of Oman including the Gulf of Masirah and
Hallaniyats Bay. The tag with the longest tracking duration (n=120 days) documented the passage of an adult
female from the Gulf of Masirah across to the west coast of India, south towards to the Gulf of Manar off the
southern tip of India and the subsequent return of the whale to the tagging site. Additionally, a hexacopter UAV
(drone) was used to acquire digital images of 7 whales to inform investigations into body condition (length-width
relationship), tissue scaring and skin disease. UAVs that were flown through respired condensate (blow) resulted
in collection of three viable samples collected for micro-biome assessment of the respiratory tract. On a broad
geographic scale the tracking data continues to confirm the importance of waters over the continental shelf in
southern Oman for ASHW and together with passive acoustic monitoring studies provides new evidence to
support previous understanding on the connectivity between humpback whales of the Arabian Sea. The frequency
of sightings in the study area, and documented breeding related behaviour during the survey supports existing
evidence demonstrating that the Gulf of Masirah is a critical habitat for the ASHW. Effective conservation of this
population requires concerted application of threat mitigation, whilst studies continue to support the on-going
conservation management requirement to understand the broader spatial ecology of the population.
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.
Cerchio, S,Willson, A.,Muirhead, C.,Minton, G.,Collins, T.,Baldwin, R.,Sarrouf Willson, M.,Al Harthi, S.
Preliminary Report on Long-term Detection of Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Vocalizations off Oman Technical Report
no. 343, 2016.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, behaviour, breeding grounds, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song
@techreport{,
title = {Preliminary Report on Long-term Detection of Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Vocalizations off Oman},
author = {Cerchio, S,Willson, A.,Muirhead, C.,Minton, G.,Collins, T.,Baldwin, R.,Sarrouf Willson, M.,Al Harthi, S.},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Report Presented to the Scientific Committee meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {343},
publisher = {IWC},
abstract = {This report presents an overview of the progress to date on the humpback whale detection
component of the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Acoustic Research program off Oman. Three
archival acoustic recorders were deployed at sites in two regions for approximately one year each,
in Hallaniyats Bay during 2011/2012, and the Gulf of Masirah during 2012/2013. Performance of
recorders varied among deployments, but despite some challenges due to equipment failures we
succeeded in documenting spatiotemporal patterns in the presence of humpback whales in a large
dataset. Several key findings broaden our understanding of the Arabian Sea humpback whale
population off Oman. There appears a strong seasonal component to the use of song by this
population, primarily from November through May, which is congruent with the Northern
Hemisphere breeding cycle and singing season. Throughout this period, singing was heard in both
Hallaniyats Bay and the Gulf of Masirah, separated by approximately 400km, indicating that the
population utilizes both of these regions. However, there was a much stronger presence in
Hallaniyats Bay, with song heard nearly 24 hours/day during the peak months, and song detected
simultaneously at multiple sites across the Bay. Previous boat-based survey data indicated similar
trends, however, given limitation in the duration of this fieldwork the current acoustic dataset
provides a more reliable indication of this population’s breeding related activity. This suggests that
the Hallaniyats Bay might serve as a more important habitat for breeding activity than the
monitored region of the Gulf of Masirah. There also appeared to be a subtle northward shift in
distribution of detections as the singing season progressed, both within Hallaniyats Bay, and from
Hallaniyats Bay to the Gulf of Masirah, suggesting a seasonal shift in distribution for singing males.
During the summer and autumn months, very little song was detected, however sparse detections
indicate that whales are present in both regions during at least some of this period. It is
recommended that similar acoustic monitoring be conducted in all range states of the population to
elucidate spatiotemporal distribution throughout the Arabian Sea.},
keywords = {acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, behaviour, breeding grounds, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This report presents an overview of the progress to date on the humpback whale detection
component of the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Acoustic Research program off Oman. Three
archival acoustic recorders were deployed at sites in two regions for approximately one year each,
in Hallaniyats Bay during 2011/2012, and the Gulf of Masirah during 2012/2013. Performance of
recorders varied among deployments, but despite some challenges due to equipment failures we
succeeded in documenting spatiotemporal patterns in the presence of humpback whales in a large
dataset. Several key findings broaden our understanding of the Arabian Sea humpback whale
population off Oman. There appears a strong seasonal component to the use of song by this
population, primarily from November through May, which is congruent with the Northern
Hemisphere breeding cycle and singing season. Throughout this period, singing was heard in both
Hallaniyats Bay and the Gulf of Masirah, separated by approximately 400km, indicating that the
population utilizes both of these regions. However, there was a much stronger presence in
Hallaniyats Bay, with song heard nearly 24 hours/day during the peak months, and song detected
simultaneously at multiple sites across the Bay. Previous boat-based survey data indicated similar
trends, however, given limitation in the duration of this fieldwork the current acoustic dataset
provides a more reliable indication of this population’s breeding related activity. This suggests that
the Hallaniyats Bay might serve as a more important habitat for breeding activity than the
monitored region of the Gulf of Masirah. There also appeared to be a subtle northward shift in
distribution of detections as the singing season progressed, both within Hallaniyats Bay, and from
Hallaniyats Bay to the Gulf of Masirah, suggesting a seasonal shift in distribution for singing males.
During the summer and autumn months, very little song was detected, however sparse detections
indicate that whales are present in both regions during at least some of this period. It is
recommended that similar acoustic monitoring be conducted in all range states of the population to
elucidate spatiotemporal distribution throughout the Arabian Sea.
component of the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Acoustic Research program off Oman. Three
archival acoustic recorders were deployed at sites in two regions for approximately one year each,
in Hallaniyats Bay during 2011/2012, and the Gulf of Masirah during 2012/2013. Performance of
recorders varied among deployments, but despite some challenges due to equipment failures we
succeeded in documenting spatiotemporal patterns in the presence of humpback whales in a large
dataset. Several key findings broaden our understanding of the Arabian Sea humpback whale
population off Oman. There appears a strong seasonal component to the use of song by this
population, primarily from November through May, which is congruent with the Northern
Hemisphere breeding cycle and singing season. Throughout this period, singing was heard in both
Hallaniyats Bay and the Gulf of Masirah, separated by approximately 400km, indicating that the
population utilizes both of these regions. However, there was a much stronger presence in
Hallaniyats Bay, with song heard nearly 24 hours/day during the peak months, and song detected
simultaneously at multiple sites across the Bay. Previous boat-based survey data indicated similar
trends, however, given limitation in the duration of this fieldwork the current acoustic dataset
provides a more reliable indication of this population’s breeding related activity. This suggests that
the Hallaniyats Bay might serve as a more important habitat for breeding activity than the
monitored region of the Gulf of Masirah. There also appeared to be a subtle northward shift in
distribution of detections as the singing season progressed, both within Hallaniyats Bay, and from
Hallaniyats Bay to the Gulf of Masirah, suggesting a seasonal shift in distribution for singing males.
During the summer and autumn months, very little song was detected, however sparse detections
indicate that whales are present in both regions during at least some of this period. It is
recommended that similar acoustic monitoring be conducted in all range states of the population to
elucidate spatiotemporal distribution throughout the Arabian Sea.
Mahanty, Madan M,Latha, G,Thirunavukkarasu, A
Analysis of humpback whale sounds in shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea: An indication of breeding habitat Journal Article
In: Journal of biosciences, vol. 40, no. 148, pp. 407-417, 2015, ISBN: 0250-5991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, behaviour, breeding grounds, Humpback Whale, India, megaptera novaeangliae, song
@article{,
title = {Analysis of humpback whale sounds in shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea: An indication of breeding habitat},
author = {Mahanty, Madan M,Latha, G,Thirunavukkarasu, A},
issn = {0250-5991},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Journal of biosciences},
volume = {40},
number = {148},
pages = {407-417},
abstract = {The primary objective of this work was to present the acoustical identification of humpback whales, detected by using
an autonomous ambient noise measurement system, deployed in the shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea
(SEAS) during the period January to May 2011. Seven types of sounds were detected. These were characteristically
upsweeps and downsweeps along with harmonics. Sounds produced repeatedly in a specific pattern were referred to as
phrases (PQRS and ABC). Repeated phrases in a particular pattern were referred to as themes, and from the
spectrographic analysis, two themes (I and II) were identified. The variation in the acoustic characteristics such as
fundamental frequency, range, duration of the sound unit, and the structure of the phrases and themes are discussed.
Sound units were recorded from mid-January to mid-March, with a peak in February, when the mean SST is ~28°C,
and no presence was recorded after mid-March. The temporal and thematic structures strongly determine the functions
of the humpback whale song form. Given the use of song in the SEAS, this area is possibly used as an active breeding
habitat by humpback whales during the winter season.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, behaviour, breeding grounds, Humpback Whale, India, megaptera novaeangliae, song},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The primary objective of this work was to present the acoustical identification of humpback whales, detected by using
an autonomous ambient noise measurement system, deployed in the shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea
(SEAS) during the period January to May 2011. Seven types of sounds were detected. These were characteristically
upsweeps and downsweeps along with harmonics. Sounds produced repeatedly in a specific pattern were referred to as
phrases (PQRS and ABC). Repeated phrases in a particular pattern were referred to as themes, and from the
spectrographic analysis, two themes (I and II) were identified. The variation in the acoustic characteristics such as
fundamental frequency, range, duration of the sound unit, and the structure of the phrases and themes are discussed.
Sound units were recorded from mid-January to mid-March, with a peak in February, when the mean SST is ~28°C,
and no presence was recorded after mid-March. The temporal and thematic structures strongly determine the functions
of the humpback whale song form. Given the use of song in the SEAS, this area is possibly used as an active breeding
habitat by humpback whales during the winter season.
an autonomous ambient noise measurement system, deployed in the shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea
(SEAS) during the period January to May 2011. Seven types of sounds were detected. These were characteristically
upsweeps and downsweeps along with harmonics. Sounds produced repeatedly in a specific pattern were referred to as
phrases (PQRS and ABC). Repeated phrases in a particular pattern were referred to as themes, and from the
spectrographic analysis, two themes (I and II) were identified. The variation in the acoustic characteristics such as
fundamental frequency, range, duration of the sound unit, and the structure of the phrases and themes are discussed.
Sound units were recorded from mid-January to mid-March, with a peak in February, when the mean SST is ~28°C,
and no presence was recorded after mid-March. The temporal and thematic structures strongly determine the functions
of the humpback whale song form. Given the use of song in the SEAS, this area is possibly used as an active breeding
habitat by humpback whales during the winter season.
Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R.,Rosenbaum,H.C.,Kennedy,F.D.,Cockcroft,V.
Preliminary investigations of humpback whale Technical Report
no. 414, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/H3.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, habitat use, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, occurrence, Oman, population, relative abundance, sex-ratio, song, survey, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Preliminary investigations of humpback whale },
author = {Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R.,Rosenbaum,H.C.,Kennedy,F.D.,Cockcroft,V.},
issn = {SC/54/H3},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/54/H3},
number = {414},
pages = {1-19},
abstract = {Previously published data on the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Arabian Sea suggest that the region hosts a non-migratory population that adheres to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. Six small boat surveys and one shore-based survey were conducted at three locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and February 2002. Encounter rates varied between surveys from 0.0 whales/hour to 0.545 whales per hour. Two of 36 photo-identified whales were re-sighted between surveys. Sex ratios in October were near parity while all whales sampled in February were male. Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February, but records of mother-calf pairs are sparse and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was infrequently observed in both October and February. Implications for relative abundance and habitat use are discussed. Additional questions are raised and recommendations for further research are made.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, habitat use, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, occurrence, Oman, population, relative abundance, sex-ratio, song, survey, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Previously published data on the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Arabian Sea suggest that the region hosts a non-migratory population that adheres to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. Six small boat surveys and one shore-based survey were conducted at three locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and February 2002. Encounter rates varied between surveys from 0.0 whales/hour to 0.545 whales per hour. Two of 36 photo-identified whales were re-sighted between surveys. Sex ratios in October were near parity while all whales sampled in February were male. Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February, but records of mother-calf pairs are sparse and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was infrequently observed in both October and February. Implications for relative abundance and habitat use are discussed. Additional questions are raised and recommendations for further research are made.