@article{,

title = {Growing knowledge of cetacean fauna in the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE},

author = {Baldwin, R.,Willson, A.,Looker, E.,Buzas, B.},

url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360642888_Baldwin_R_Willson_A_Looker_E_Buzas_B_2018_Growing_knowledge_of_cetacean_fauna_in_the_Emirate_of_Fujairah_UAE_-_Tribulus_26_32-41

},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

urldate = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Tribulus},

volume = {26},

number = {313},

abstract = {Most records of cetaceans in the United Arab Emirates come from relatively few studies undertaken in Arabian Gulf

waters. However, recent study off the coast of Fujairah, in the Gulf of Oman, has revealed a rich diversity of cetaceans

with 11 or more species now known to occur in the emirate. Among them are three new records for the UAE, spotted,

striped and rough-toothed dolphins, as well as infrequently recorded large whales such as sperm, Bryde’s and blue

whales. Most species are primarily distributed in offshore waters over 500 m deep, though some species, such as the

Indo-Pacific common dolphin, also regularly occur closer to shore, including within the Port of Fujairah anchorage area.

Continuing research aims to investigate the population size, status and structure of cetaceans present in waters off

Fujairah using a variety of line transect, photographic, genetic and acoustic research techniques.},

keywords = {Distribution, Gulf of Oman, rough-toothed dolphin, stenella coeruleoalba, steno bredanensis, Striped dolphin, United Arab Emirates},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Some like it hot: Repeat migration and residency of whale sharks within an extreme natural environment},

author = {Robinson, David P.,Jaidah, Mohammed Y.,Bach, Steffen S.,Rohner, Christoph A.,Jabado, Rima W.,Ormond, Rupert,Pierce, Simon J.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185360},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {PLOS ONE},

volume = {12},

number = {446},

pages = {e0185360},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {The Arabian Gulf is the warmest sea in the world and is host to a globally significant population of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. To investigate regional whale shark behaviour and movements, 59 satellite-linked tags were deployed on whale sharks in the Al Shaheen area off Qatar from 2011–14. Four different models of tag were used throughout the study, each model able to collect differing data or quantities of data. Retention varied from one to 227 days. While all tagged sharks crossed international maritime boundaries, they typically stayed within the Arabian Gulf. Only nine sharks dispersed through the narrow Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. Most sharks stayed close to known or suspected feeding aggregation sites over summer months, but dispersed throughout the Arabian Gulf in winter. Sharks rarely ventured into shallow areas (<40 m depth). A single, presumably pregnant female shark was the sole animal to disperse a long distance, crossing five international maritime boundaries in 37 days before the tag detached at a distance of approximately 2644 km from the tagging site, close to the Yemeni-Somali border. No clear space-use differentiation was evident between years, for sharks of different sizes, or between sexes. Whale sharks spent the most time (~66%) in temperatures of 24–30°C and in shallow waters <100 m depth (~60%). Sharks spent relatively more time in cooler (X2 = 121.692; p<0.05) and deeper (X2 = 46.402; p<0.05) water at night. Sharks rarely made dives deeper than 100 m, reflecting the bathymetric constraints of the Gulf environment. Kernel density analysis demonstrated that the tagging site at Al Shaheen was the regional hotspot for these sharks, and revealed a probable secondary aggregation site for whale sharks in nearby Saudi Arabian waters. Analysis of visual re-sightings data of tagged sharks revealed that 58% of tagged individuals were re-sighted back in Al Shaheen over the course of this study, with 40% recorded back at Al Shaheen in the year following their initial identification. Two sharks were confirmed to return to Al Shaheen in each of the five years of study.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, habitat use, rhinccodon typus, Satellite telemetry, Sea of Oman, whale sharks},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Population Structure, Abundance and Movement of Whale Sharks in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman},

author = {Robinson, David P.,Jaidah, Mohammed Y.,Bach, Steffen,Lee, Katie,Jabado, Rima W.,Rohner, Christoph A.,March, Abi,Caprodossi, Simone,Henderson, Aaron C.,Mair, James M.,Ormond, Rupert,Pierce, Simon J.},

url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0158593},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {PLoS ONE},

volume = {11},

number = {445},

pages = {e0158593},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {
Data on the occurrence of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman were collected by dedicated boat surveys and via a public-sightings scheme during the period from 2011 to 2014. A total of 422 individual whale sharks were photo-identified from the Arabian Gulf and the northern Gulf of Oman during that period. The majority of sharks (81%, n = 341) were encountered at the Al Shaheen area of Qatar, 90 km off the coast, with the Musandam region of Oman a secondary area of interest. At Al Shaheen, there were significantly more male sharks (n = 171) than females (n = 78; X2 = 17.52, P < 0.05). Mean estimated total length (TL) for sharks was 6.90 m ± 1.24 (median = 7 m; n = 296). Males (7.25 m ± 1.34; median = 8 m, n = 171) were larger than females (6.44 m ±1.09; median = 7 m, n = 78; Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01). Of the male sharks assessed for maturity 63% were mature (n = 81), with 50% attaining maturity by 7.29 m and 100% by 9.00 m. Two female sharks of >9 m individuals were visually assessed as pregnant. Connectivity among sharks sighted in Qatari, Omani and UAE waters was confirmed by individual spot pattern matches. A total of 13 identified sharks were re-sighted at locations other than that at which they were first sighted, including movements into and out of the Arabian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Maximum likelihood techniques were used to model an estimated combined population for the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman of 2837 sharks ± 1243.91 S.E. (95% C.I. 1720–6295). The Al Shaheen aggregation is thus the first site described as being dominated by mature males while the free-swimming pregnant females are the first reported from the Indian Ocean.
},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Distribution, Gulf of Oman, Movements, photo identification, Sea of Oman, whale sharks},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The relationship between algal blooms, fish kill incidents, and oxygen depletions along the Omani coast},

author = {Piontkovski, SA,Al-Gheilani, HMH,Jupp, B,Sarma, YVB,Al-Azri, AR},

issn = {0973-2667},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography},

volume = {6},

number = {429},

pages = {145-177},

abstract = {A persistence of hypoxia is a common feature for the Sea of Oman, and the

western Arabian Sea. By using historical data complemented by ongoing

measurements, the relationship between the frequency of harmful algal

blooms, fish kill incidents, and oxygen depletions, was investigated. In the Sea

of Oman, the seasonal pattern exhibited a tendency of fish kill incidents to

increase, from January to November. In the western Arabian Sea, the pattern

was different- maximal occurrence of fish kill incidences was observed in

December and January. In 1988-2011, the number of harmful algal blooms

accompanied by fish kills was 4 times higher for the Sea of Oman (N= 91)

compared to the Arabian Sea coast (N= 22), whereas the total number of fish

kill incidents was about the same (22 versus 25). This means that the Arabian

Sea coast faced more frequent harmful blooms than the Sea of Oman. The Sea

of Oman coastal time series of the dissolved oxygen concentration implied a

steady decline throughout the year, from January to December. The fish kill

incidents in this region were mainly driven by oxygen depletions, whereas in

the Arabian Sea these incidents were mediated by the harmful algal blooms

along with the oxygen depletions. In analyzing the Omani coast as a whole,

the Ridge Multiple Regression Analysis implied the dissolved oxygen

concentration and monthly occurrence of algal blooms as the two variables

explaining 75% of the seasonal variations in fish kill incidents.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, fish kill, Gulf of Oman, Harmful Algal Bloom, mass mortality, oxygen minimum, Sea of Oman, seasonal change, Sultanate of Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Interannual changes in the Sea of Oman ecosystem},

author = {Piontkovski, Sergey A,Al-Gheilani, Hamed MH,Jupp, Barry P,Al-Azri, Adnan R,Al-Hashmi, Khalid A},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {Open Mar Biol J},

volume = {6},

number = {431},

pages = {38-52},

abstract = {Historical data were used to estimate interannual tendencies for the Sea of Oman over the past 50 years.

Declining trends were shown for the atmospheric surface level pressure in the region affected by the Siberian High

atmospheric anomaly, the zonal component of wind speed, concentration of nitrates, biomass of diatoms and sardine

landings. Changes in Zooplankton biomass showed no clear trend. These trends were associated with and accompanied by

rising atmospheric temperature, sea surface temperature, annual variability of the kinetic energy of mesoscale eddies,

frequency of fish kills (along with the death of other animals- dolphins, turtles, and sea birds) and harmful algal bloom

incidents. In terms of interannual coupling between physical and biological processes, the evaluated trends imply that the

weakening of the Siberian High atmospheric anomaly results in the decline of the zonal wind speed and a regional

increase of air temperature. This in turn increases the temperature in the mixed layer which strengthens thermo-haline

stratification of the water column. Increasing stratification prevents the penetration of nutrients into the mixed layer and

does not favor the interannual increase of biological productivity, although annual variation of biological productivity has

increased, from 1997 to 2008.},

keywords = {Gulf of Oman, Harmful Algal Bloom, Hydro-biology, Interannual variability, mass mortality, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Sultanate of Oman, zooplankton},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

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

issn = {0025-3154},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

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

volume = {92},

number = {436},

pages = {1699-1710},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Marine Mammal Records from Iran},

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

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},

volume = {11},

number = {334},

pages = {49-63},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {A retropsective investigation of two dolphin mass mortality events in Iran, autumn 2007},

author = {Braulik, G.,Savadkouhi, O.S.,Fadakar, S.,Mohammadi, H.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Reeves, R. R.,Nabavi, M.B.,Fernandez, A.},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Zoology in the Middle East},

volume = {49},

number = {335},

pages = {13-26},

abstract = {During the autumn of 2007, two mass mortality events involving at least 152 small cetaceans were reported from southern Iran. Both events occurred on the Gulf of Oman coast near the town of Bandar Jask, and were separated by a month in time and more than 170 km in distance.

 

The first event, on 20 September 2007, involved 79 animals, probably all spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). Dead animals, all exhibiting a similar degree of decomposition, drifted to shore along 13 km of coastline over a period of approximately 24 hours. These circumstances suggest that the mortality was caused by a single acute event at sea.  Several carcasses had evidence of traumatic injuries, the stranding event was spatially and temporally coincident with an active fishing ground, and other potentially bycaught and discarded species were found on the beach.  This pattern is generally consistent with the hypothesis that the dolphin mortality was caused by fishing operations, although the available data are insufficient to confirm that hypothesis unequivocally.

 

On 24 October 2007 there was a mass stranding of 73 live striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba).  The striped dolphin is a pelagic species believed to be rare in the Gulf of Oman.  The most likely explanation for this mass stranding is that the dolphin group was trapped by a falling tide among the complex sandbanks of the Kangan estuary. Striped dolphins are not normally found in shallow water or near shore, and their occurrence in this area is considered unusual. The factor or factors that caused them to enter this atypical habitat remain unknown.

 

The two mass mortality events involved different species and exhibited many different characteristics; there is no evidence to suggest that they were linked.  As the cetacean fauna of Iran is little known, it is hoped that the great national and international interest generated by these events will enhance Iran’s capacity and motivation for research and conservation of marine mammals.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, cetaceans, Gulf of Oman, Iran, mass mortality, Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, stranding},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Environment and Ecology},

volume = {28},

number = {378},

pages = {2768—2776},

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

of the ceatacean fauna.},

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

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

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {Aquatic Mammals},

volume = {30},

number = {319},

pages = {111-124},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 2. Gulf of Oman},

author = {Pous, SP,Carton, X,Lazure, Pascal},

issn = {2156-2202},

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans},

volume = {109},

number = {199},

abstract = {Hydrological, ADCP, and drifting buoy data obtained during the GOGP99

Experiment in October and early November 1999 are analyzed to describe the Persian

Gulf Water (PGW) core and the regional circulation in the Gulf of Oman. The warm and

salty PGW core flows out of the Strait of Hormuz heading southeastward unto (25 200N,

57 E), approximately. From there, it cascades down the continental slope, veers

southwestward, and joins the Omani coast near (24 500N, 56 500E) to form a slope

current. This PGW current has then thermohaline maxima on isopycnal s0 = 26.5, near

220 m depth. Its thermohaline characteristics decrease along its progression to Ra’s al

Hadd (and then offshore into the Arabian Sea) but maintain a sharp contrast with

surrounding waters. Outflow variability at the Strait of Hormuz can be related to

downstream fluctuations of the thermohaline maxima in the PGW core at gulf scale and

over a 2- to 3-week period. Moreover, several mechanisms (baroclinic instability, flow

intermittency, cape effects) are examined to explain the widening of this PGW core

upstream and downstream of Ra’s al Hamra. In the eastern part of the Gulf of Oman, the

regional circulation is a cyclonic gyre. The circulation in the western part of the Gulf is

more complex, with the outflow of PGW and southeastward currents in the upper 250 m

near the Omani coast, and a recirculation of upwelled waters near Ra’s Jagin (on the

Iranian coast). The large cyclonic gyre occupies at least the upper 300 m of the water

column and undergoes little variation over a month. The PGW outflow in the northern

Arabian Sea is southward and located 50–100 km from the coast. It borders a shallower

northward current located offshore.},

keywords = {Gulf of Oman, Hydro-biology, oceanography, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The use of radar altimeter data in combination with other satellite sensors for routine monitoring of the ocean: Case study of the northern Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman},

author = {Stapleton,N.R.,Aicken,W.T.,Dovey,P.R.,Scott,J.C.},

year  = {2002},

date = {2002-01-01},

journal = {Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing},

volume = {28},

number = {479},

pages = {567-572},

abstract = {Merged radar altimeter products from TOPEX/POSEIDON and European remote sensing satellite (ERS) have been used to monitor mesoscale ocean features (eddies and fronts) in the Gulf of Oman and northern Arabian Sea. The altimeter data have been compared with coincident thermal infrared and colour images from along-track scanning radiometer (ATSR), advanced very high resolution radiometers (AVHRR), and sea-viewing wide field sensor (SeaWiFS), which provide finer scale detail on fronts and eddies seen in the altimeter data. Time series of data from all of these sources, collected over the period July 1998 to June 1999, reveal that the combination of altimeter and ocean colour data allows tracking of these features in an operationally realistic way. The all-weather altimeter data complement the cloud-limited ocean colour and thermal infrared data. Ocean colour data are especially useful for supporting the indications of mesoscale features provided by the altimeter data. Eddies confirmed using combined data can be tracked during cloudy periods using altimeter data alone. The altimeter is found to perform better in the northern Arabian Sea, where features are larger and less dynamic than in the Gulf of Oman, where ocean features tend to be small, short-lived, and quickly moving.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Oman's humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) },

author = {Baldwin,R.M.},

year  = {2000},

date = {2000-01-01},

journal = {The Journal of Oman Studies},

volume = {11 },

number = {316},

pages = {11-18},

abstract = {Data are presented on the general distribution and abundance of humpback whales off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, with particular reference to observations made during an offshore seismic survey in the Arabian Sea in November 1997. Additional information is presented on seasonal occurrence, ecology and behaviour, external appearance, conservation, mortality, incidental capture, population status and identity of Oman's humpback whales. The data generally support the notion of year-round residency of humpback whales off the coast of Oman, but indicate the need for further research to establish whether the low frequency of positive records during summer months is a true reflection of seasonal distribution. Other research on humpback whales in the region is recommended.},

keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, behaviour, conservation, Distribution, ecology, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, incidental capture, megaptera novaeangliae, mortality, occurrence, Oman, population, population identity, status, survey, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Geographical differences in seasonality of CZCS-derived phytoplankton pigment in the Arabian Sea for 1978-1986},

author = {Banse,K.,English,D.C.},

year  = {2000},

date = {2000-01-01},

journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},

volume = {47},

number = {322},

pages = {1623-1677},

abstract = {In situ measurements of phytoplankton chlorophyll in the Arabian Sea were taken largely along temporally and spatially unevenly distributed sections, scarce especially prior to the operation of NASA's Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS). Herein, the CZCS pigment observations between late 1978 and mid-1986 north of 10§N, including the outer Gulf of Oman, are depicted for 14 subregions beyond the continental shelves as daily means, often only five days apart. To eliminate bias from electronic overshoot, the data were reprocessed with a more conservative cloud screen than used for NASA's Global Data Set. The pattern, derived from the older in situ observations, of one period with elevated chlorophyll almost everywhere during the Southwest Monsoon (SWM) and one additional late-winter bloom in the north, is confirmed. The differing nitrate silicate ratios in freshly entrained water in the central and northern Arabian Sea seem to lead to different succession and perhaps to differing vertical fluxes, and during winter favor blooms only in the north. The spatial pigment pattern in the outer Gulf of Oman is not an extension of that of the northwestern Arabian Sea. The seasonal physical forcing explains much of the timing of pigment concentration changes, but not the levels maintained over long periods. From the CZCS observations it is unclear whether the period of high phytoplankton productivity expected during the SWM in the open Arabian Sea lasts for about two or four months. During this entire season, chlorophyll values in the upper layers rarely exceed 1-2 mg m-3 outside the zone influenced by the Arabian upwelling. Near 15§N, however, fluxes into sediment traps at 3 km depth indicate an onset of high primary production very soon after the arrival of the SWM and suggest a long period of high production in the open sea. The partial temporal disconnect during the SWM between pigment changes in the upper part of the euphotic zone and of fluxes into the traps is disconcerting. For future modeling of plankton production in the open Arabian Sea, the use of two size classes of phytoplankton is recommended. The utility of satellite-derived pigment concentrations (as opposed to temporal changes of pigment) for testing such models is questioned.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, depth, Gulf of Oman, lead, Oman, plankton, productivity, timing, trap, Upwelling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The Ras al Hadd Jet: remotely sensed and acoustic Doppler profiler observations in 1994-1995},

author = {Böhm,E.,Morrison,J.M.,Manghnani,V.,Kim,H-S,Flagg,C.N.},

year  = {1999},

date = {1999-01-01},

journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},

volume = {46},

number = {46},

pages = {1531-1549},

abstract = {The existence of a surface barotropic front-jet system at the confluence region o! the eastern tip of Oman (Ras Al Hadd or RAH) is documented for 1994-1995 through advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) and acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) observations. The thermal signature of this confluence is visible in 1995 between early May and the end of October, i.e., throughout the SW Monsoon and into the transition period between SW and NE Monsoons. The thermal characteristics are those of a NE-oriented front between cooler water of southern (upwelled) origin and warmer waters of northern Gulf of Oman origin. During the period when the thermal front is absent, ADCP data suggest that the confluence takes a more southward direction with Gulf of Oman waters passing RAH into the southeastern Oman coastal region. The thermal gradient is initially small (June-July) but later increases (August-October) into a front that exhibits small-scale instabilities. Surface current velocities within the jet, estimated by tracking these features in consecutive satellite images, are 0.5-0.7 m s-1 and in remarkable agreement with concurrent ADCP retrievals in which the seasonal maximum in velocity is 1 m s-1. ADCP observations collected during several US JGOFS cruises reveal a weakly baroclinic current in the confluence region that drives the waters into the offshore system. The fully developed jet describes a large meander that demarcates two counter-rotating eddies (cyclonic to the north and anticyclonic to the south of the jet) of approximately 150-200 km diameter. The southern eddy of this pair is resolved by the seasonally averaged, sea-level anomaly derived from TOPEX/Poseidon observations. During the SW Monsoon, the RAH Jet advects primarily cold waters along its path, but as soon as the wind system reverses with the transition to the intermonsoonal period, a warm current is rapidly established that advects the surface coastal waters of the Gulf of Oman offshore. In accordance with the interannual variation of the wind forcing phase, the reversal of the currents from NE to SW occurred earlier in 1994 than in 1995, confirming that the RAH Jet is integral part of the East Arabian Current. The transport of the Jet, estimated by combining SST information on the width with ADCP data on the velocity's vertical structure, is found to fluctuate between 2-8'106 m3 s-1 and its thickness between 150-400 m. These significant fluctuations are due to the time-variable partition of horizontal transport between eddies and the RAH Jet and are potentially important to the nutrient and phytoplankton budgets of the Arabian Sea.},

keywords = {acoustic, Arabian Sea, budget, Gulf of Oman, Oman, south},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Arabesque: An overview},

author = {Burkill,P.H.},

year  = {1999},

date = {1999-01-01},

journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},

volume = {46},

number = {340},

pages = {529-547},

abstract = {This special issue reports the results of ARABESQUE, a UK-led, international programme of upper-ocean biogeochemistry in the Arabian Sea region, conducted during two contrasting seasons.  The seasons studied here were the waning of the southwest monsoon in August/September and the intermonsoon-northeast monsoon transition in November/December 1994.  Biogeochemical studies were carried out along three transects in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.  the main ARABESQUE transect, 1590km in length, lay orthagonal to the southern Oman coast and spanned a range of conditions that encompassed coastal seasonal upwelling through to oceanic aseasonal oligotrophy of the central Arabian Sea.  Surface mixed-layer hydrography, PAR, wind speed and direction fields and research results obtained during two seasonal studies are summarised in this paper which also serves and an introductory overview to ARABESQUE.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, length, Oceanic, oceanography, Oman, Upwelling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Demersal fisheries of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf},

author = {Siddeek,M.S.M.,Fouda,M.M.,Hermosa,G.V.Jr.},

year  = {1999},

date = {1999-01-01},

journal = {Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science},

volume = {49},

number = {474},

pages = {87-97},

abstract = {The demersal fisheries of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf are reviewed. The region comprises eight countries: Oman, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran. Over 350 commercial fish species, eight shrimp species, two spiny lobster species, one shovel nose lobster species, one cuttlefish species, one crab species, and one abalone species support the demersal fisheries in the continental shelves of the three regions. Artisanal and industrial vessels with over 120 000 fishermen were involved in demersal fisheries. Fishing boats include fish and shrimp trawlers (wooden and steel hulled), large wooden boats (dhow) with inboard engines, small dhows with outboard engines, and fiberglass boats. Fishing gear consists of trawls, bottom gill nets, traps (wire mesh and plastic types), barrier traps, hand lines, and bare hands and knives (to dislodge abalone). Demersal fish (primarily Lethrinidae, Sparidae, Serranidae, Siganidae, Sciaenidae, Stromateidae, Lutjanidae, Trichiuridae, and Nemipteridae) and shrimp (primarily Penaeus semisulcatus, Metapenaeus affinis, Parapenaeopsis stylifera, and Penaeus merguiensis) were the two commercial demersal resources. Approximately 198 000-214 000 tonnes (t) of demersals were landed annually during 1988-1993, accounting for nearly 40% of the total marine landings (475000-552000 t). This percentage, however varied among countries: 25% in Oman, 32% in U.A.E., 71% in Qatar, 52% in Saudi Arabia, 56% in Bahrain, 55% in Kuwait, close to 100% in Iraq, and 41% in Iran. Fishing effort on certain stocks may have been below the optimum level (e.g. certain Omani demersal fish), near the optimum level (e.g. Omani shrimp), or above the optimum level ( e.g. Arabian Gulf shrimp and demersal fish). Overexploitation led to restriction of fishing effort by limiting fishing licenses, regulating fishing gear (mesh size) and capture size, closing fishing areas, restricting fishing season, and banning certain fisheries. However, fisheries management was hampered by lack of appropriate management regulations, enforcement and data on most stocks. Pollution and degradation of nursery areas were also affecting the productivity of fisheries resources. To achieve sustainable demersal fisheries, maintaining a healthy marine environment, reducing fishing effort, and strictly enforcing closed seasons and closed areas are needed. These measures are being implemented with varying degrees of success by all the countries.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, enforcement, Fisheries, fishing gear, Gulf of Oman, management, marine, nets, Oman, pollution, productivity, regulations, trap, trawlers},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Aerosols over the Arabian Sea: Atmospheric transport pathways and concentrations of dust and sea salt},

author = {Tindale,N.W.,Pease,P.P.},

year  = {1999},

date = {1999-01-01},

journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},

volume = {46 },

number = {485},

pages = {1577-1595},

abstract = {This paper provides an overview of dust transport pathways and concentrations over the Arabian Sea during 1995. Results indicate that the transport and input of dust to the region is complex, being affected by both temporally and spatially important processes. Highest values of dust were found off the Omani coast and in the entrance to the Gulf of Oman. Dust levels were generally lower in summer than the other seasons, although still relatively high compared to other oceanic regions. The Findlater jet, rather than acting as a source of dust from Africa, appears to block the direct transport of dust to the open Arabian Sea from desert dust source regions in the Middle East and Iran/Pakistan. Dust transport aloft, above the jet, rather than at the surface, may be more important during summer. In an opposite pattern to dust, sea salt levels were exceedingly high during the summer monsoon, presumably due to the sustained strong surface winds. The high sea salt aerosols during the summer months may be impacting on the strong aerosol reflectance and absorbance signals over the Arabian Sea that are detected by satellite each year},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Oceanic, Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Some features of the upwelling off Oman},

author = {Elliott,A.J.,Savidge,G.},

year  = {1990},

date = {1990-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Marine Research},

volume = {48},

number = {365},

pages = {319-333},

abstract = {Hydrographic and ADCP data were collected in the coastal waters of Oman during the 1987 summer monsoon.  the minimum surface temperatures, up to 5§C below ambient offshore values, were found close to the coast and in the vicinity of the Kuria Muria Islands.  Strong surface gradients were observed near Ras al Hadd at the entrance to the Gulf of Oman where the geostrophic surface flow exceeded 1.0m/s.  The alongshore flux in the top 300m of a region extending 100km from the coast was estimated to be 10 x 106 m3/s.  Evidence for an offshore filament of cool water was found in both current and temperature data.},

keywords = {Gulf of Oman, oceanography, Oman, plankton, surface temperature, temperature, Upwelling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) recorded off Sri Lanka, India, from the Arabian Sea and Gulf, Gulf of Aden and from the Red Sea },

author = {De Silva,P.H.D.H..},

year  = {1987},

date = {1987-01-01},

journal = {Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society},

volume = {84 },

number = {357},

pages = {505-525},

abstract = {Cetacea is a highly specialized oceanic group of mammals with several of its species undertaking long migrations, often exceeding thousand miles during a single journey. During these migrations from cold polar and subpolar seas to warmer tropical and subtropical waters and their return to polar seas in summer both individual and mass strandings have very often occurred in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, India and the Arabian Gulf. The Cetacean records dealt with in this paper are of countries which lie at the extreme southern margin of the vast land mass of Asia with no land other than a few islands and vast stretches of the Indian Ocean between them and the Antarctica. Sri Lanka, in view of her geographic position at the southern extremity of this vast land mass (5ø 55' and 9§51'N latitude and 79§41' and 81§ 54' E longitude) has become a passing point in the movement of oceanic species including the larger whales. It has been suggested by Deraniyagala (1945, 1960b) that the movement of larger species towards the tropics from the southern temperate zone is partly associated with the periodic influx of Antarctic water toward the tropics. It is however, now fairly established that several larger species such as the Blue whale, the Fin whale and the Humpback whale show a regular migratory cycle. The majority of strandings recorded in this paper deal with individual strandings. Nevertheless there have been instances of both mass stranding and of apparent suicidal behaviour. This paper deals with 30 Cetacean species from the region. Of these records, records from Sri Lanka total 23 species, from India 24 species, from Pakistan 17 species, from the Gulf of Oman 10 species, from the Arabian Gulf 9 species, from the Gulf of Aden 6 species and from the Red Sea 7 species. Reference is also made to a skull of Delphinus tropicalis van Bree in the Colombo Museum (Skull No. 15 B) which appears to be its first record from Sri Lanka. Mention is also made of a specimen of Neophocaena phocaenoides (G. Cuvier) collected from the Wadge Bank by the Smithsonian Carangid Survey Team in March 1970 and of two incomplete skeletons of Balaenoptera physalus (Linn‚) (probably mother and calf) in the Zoological Museum, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All these specimens were identified by me. It is evident from this study that our present knowledge of the Cetacean fauna of the Indian Ocean is far from complete and that much could be accomplished by scientific institutions in the countries in the region by diligently maintaining proper records of sightings and strandings (with photographs) and by undertaking joint study surveys. It is gratifying to note that Sri Lanka, in recent years has been making much headway in this regard. During the last few years the Tulip Expedition led by Dr. Hal Whitehead has been studying the larger whales, especially the larger whales off the east coast and Dr. Stephen Leatherwood Of Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute (Marine Science), San Diego, California has recently published (1985) a summary of available information on the Cetacea of the Indian Ocean Cetacean Sanctuary on behalf of the National Aquatic Resources Agency for Sri Lanka. It is hoped that the present paper will further stimulate interest among the scientific institutions in the region and help to increase our knowledge of a group of remarkable animals at least as far as the species which inhabit and visit our seas.has become a passing point in the movement of oceanic species including the larger whales. It has been suggested by Deraniyagala (1945, 1960b) that the movement of larger species towards the tropics from the southern temperate zone is partly associated with the periodic influx of Antarctic water toward the tropics. It is however, now fairly established that several larger species such as the Blue whale, the Fin whale and the Humpback whale show a regular migratory cycle. The majority of strandings recorded in this paper deal with individual strandings. Nevertheless there have been instances of both mass stranding and of apparent suicidal behaviour. This paper deals with 30 Cetacean species from the region. Of these records, records from Sri Lanka total 23 species, from India 24 species, from Pakistan 17 species, from the Gulf of Oman 10 species, from the Arabian Gulf 9 species, from the Gulf of Aden 6 species and from the Red Sea 7 species. Reference is also made to a skull of Delphinus tropicalis van Bree in the Colombo Museum (Skull No. 15 B) which appears to be its first record from Sri Lanka. Mention is also made of a specimen of Neophocaena phocaenoides (G. Cuvier) collected from the Wadge Bank by the Smithsonian Carangid Survey Team in March 1970 and of two incomplete skeletons of Balaenoptera physalus (Linn‚) (probably mother and calf) in the Zoological Museum, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All these specimens were identified by me. It is evident from this study that our present knowledge of the Cetacean fauna of the Indian Ocean is far from complete and that much could be accomplished by scientific institutions in the countries in the region by diligently maintaining proper records of sightings and strandings (with photographs) and by undertaking joint study surveys. It is gratifying to note that Sri Lanka, in recent years has been making much headway in this regard. During the last few years the Tulip Expedition led by Dr. Hal Whitehead has been studying the larger whales, especially the larger whales off the east coast and Dr. Stephen Leatherwood Of Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute (Marine Science), San Diego, California has recently published (1985) a summary of available information on the Cetacea of the Indian Ocean Cetacean Sanctuary on behalf of the National Aquatic Resources Agency for Sri Lanka. It is hoped that the present paper will further stimulate interest among the scientific institutions in the region and help to increase our knowledge of a group of remarkable animals at least as far as the species which inhabit and visit our seas. A key to the identification of the species recorded from the region is given in Appendix. },

keywords = {Antarctic, Arabia, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, behaviour, Blue whale, cetacea, cetacean, cetaceans, Delphinus tropicalis, dolphin, dolphins, fin whale, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Humpback Whale, India, Indian Ocean, mammals, marine, migration, Neophocaena phocaenoides, Oceanic, Oman, Pakistan, Porpoise, Red Sea, sanctuaries, skull, Sri Lanka, stranding, Strandings, survey, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {On the ecology and feeding habits of the euphausiids (Crustacea) in the Arabian Sea (Zur Okologie und Eranhrungsbiologie der Euphausiaceen (Crustacea) im Arabischen Meer)},

author = {Weigmann,R.},

year  = {1970},

date = {1970-01-01},

journal = {Meteor Forschungsergeb.},

volume = {5},

number = {498},

pages = {11-52},

abstract = {In the present paper, the ecology and feeding habits of euphausiids are described. The samples were taken at the time of the NE-monsoon (1964/65) by R. V. 'Meteor' in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters. 24 spp were determined. According to distribution of the spp, the following marine areas can be distinguished: Arabian Sea: 24 spp, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. tenera, E. distinguenda,  Stylocheiron carinatum. Gulf of Aden: 1 0 spp, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda.  Red Sea: 6 spp, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguena. Gulf of Oman: 5 spp, dominant are Euphausia distinguenda, Pseudeuphausia latifrons. Persian Gulf: 1 sp- Pseudeuphausia latifrons. The total number of euphausiids indicate the biomass of this group. High densities of euphausiids (200-299 and > 300 individuals/l00 m super(3)) occur in the innermost part of  the Gulf of Aden, in the area south of the Euqator near the African east coast, near Karachi (Indian west coast) and in the Persian Gulf.   Comparison with data relating to production biology confirms that these are eutrophic zones which coincide with areas in which upwelling occurs at the time of the NE-monsoon. The central part of the Arabian Sea differs from adjacent waters by virtue of less dense euphasiid populations (>199 individuals/lOO m super(3)). Measurements relating to production biology demonstrate a relatively low concentration of primary food sources. Food material was ascertained by analysis of stomach content. The following omnivorous species were examined: Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda, E. tenera, Pseudeuphausia latifronts and Thysanopoda tricuspidata. Apart from crustacean remains large numbers  of Foraminifera, Radiolaria, tintinnids, dinoflagellates were found in the stomachs. Quantitatively crustaceans form the most important item in the diet. Food selection on the basis of size an form appears to be restricted to certain genera of tintinnids. The genera Stylocheiron and Nematoscelis are predators. Only crustacean remains were found in the stomachs of Stylocheiron abbreviatum, whereas Radiolaria, Foraminifera and tintinnids occurred to some extent in Nematoscelis sp. Different euphauisiids occupy different positions in the food chain in the Arabian Sea. In omnivorous species the position is variable, since they not only feed by filtering autotrophic and heterotrophic Protista, but also by predation on zooplankton. Carnivorous spp without filtering apparatus feed exclusively on zooolankton of the size of copepods. Only these spp are well established as occupying a higher position in food chain. The parasrtlc protozoan Thalassomyces fagei was found on Euphausia diomedeae, E. tenera, E. distinguenda and E. sanzoi.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, biology, density, diet, Distribution, ecology, Euphausiid, feeding, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, marine, Oman, population, populations, predation, Red Sea, Upwelling, zooplankton},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}