Ponnampalam,L.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R
Feeding ecology of small cetaceans in the Sultanate of Oman Journal Article
In: Poster presented at the 17th meeting of the Society for Marine Mammals in Cape Town, no. 433, 2007.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: bottlenose dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, cephalopod, cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, diet, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, ecology, feeding, feeding ecology, fish, habitat, humpback dolphins, occurrence, Oman, prey, Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, stomach contents, survey, tursiops
@article{,
title = {Feeding ecology of small cetaceans in the Sultanate of Oman},
author = {Ponnampalam,L.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Poster presented at the 17th meeting of the Society for Marine Mammals in Cape Town},
number = {433},
abstract = {Beach surveys were conducted along the coast of Oman between 2000 and 2006 to locate and examine cetacean remains. This study examines the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), 5 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and 2 spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found beach-cast along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing 36 species in 23 families. No crustacean remains were found. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number (%N), and percentage by frequency of occurrence (%FO) methods, and a modified index of relative importance (IRI). Percentage similarity was also calculated to examine interspecific and intraspecific dietary overlap. All three species of dolphins examined here ate mainly fish. The fish families Apogonidae and Carangidae were the most numerically important prey in the diet of bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for humpback dolphins. Mesopelagic fishes comprised the diet of spinner dolphins, with the myctophid Benthosema pterotum forming the bulk of the prey items. The cephalopod preys found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The frequency distribution of prey items indicate that the bottlenose dolphins fed in a wide variety of habitats, and may reflect the occurrence of at least two species or ecotypes of Tursiops in Oman. The humpback dolphin prey items indicate feeding in coastal, nearshore areas with soft substrate. Spinner dolphins appeared to feed in the upper 200m of the water column on nocturnal vertically migrating prey. Although most of the prey species do not appear to be of commercial importance, the findings of this study indicated that all three species of dolphins were feeding in areas where fishing occurs and this is likely to have conservation implications. },
keywords = {bottlenose dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, cephalopod, cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, diet, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, ecology, feeding, feeding ecology, fish, habitat, humpback dolphins, occurrence, Oman, prey, Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris, stomach contents, survey, tursiops},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Beach surveys were conducted along the coast of Oman between 2000 and 2006 to locate and examine cetacean remains. This study examines the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), 5 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and 2 spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found beach-cast along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing 36 species in 23 families. No crustacean remains were found. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number (%N), and percentage by frequency of occurrence (%FO) methods, and a modified index of relative importance (IRI). Percentage similarity was also calculated to examine interspecific and intraspecific dietary overlap. All three species of dolphins examined here ate mainly fish. The fish families Apogonidae and Carangidae were the most numerically important prey in the diet of bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for humpback dolphins. Mesopelagic fishes comprised the diet of spinner dolphins, with the myctophid Benthosema pterotum forming the bulk of the prey items. The cephalopod preys found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The frequency distribution of prey items indicate that the bottlenose dolphins fed in a wide variety of habitats, and may reflect the occurrence of at least two species or ecotypes of Tursiops in Oman. The humpback dolphin prey items indicate feeding in coastal, nearshore areas with soft substrate. Spinner dolphins appeared to feed in the upper 200m of the water column on nocturnal vertically migrating prey. Although most of the prey species do not appear to be of commercial importance, the findings of this study indicated that all three species of dolphins were feeding in areas where fishing occurs and this is likely to have conservation implications.
Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R,Ersts,P.J.,Rosenbaum,H.C.
Seasonal distribution and population characteristics of humpback whales in Oman Technical Report
no. 413, 2006, ISBN: SC/A06/HW48.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Australia, cetacean, Distribution, habitat, habitat preference, habitat preferences, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, population, population characteristics, Southern Hemisphere, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Seasonal distribution and population characteristics of humpback whales in Oman},
author = {Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R,Ersts,P.J.,Rosenbaum,H.C.},
issn = {SC/A06/HW48},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the Workshop on the Comprehensive Assessment of Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales, Hobart, Australia, April 2006},
volume = {SC/A06/HW48},
number = {413},
pages = {1-48},
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. Twelve small boat surveys were conducted at three main locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and November 2004 to investigate the distribution and seasonal abundance of humpback whales and other cetaceans. An even ratio of males and females were observed and sampled during surveys in the Gulf of Masirah in October and November (n=38), while almost all whales sampled in Dhofar February/March were male (n=28). Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February/March, but observations of mother-calf pairs were sparse, and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was observed in both October/November and February/March, but behavioural and environmental observations indicate that the Gulf of Masirah is primarily an important feeding ground, while the Dhofar region, particularly the Kuria Muria Bay, appears to be a breeding area. However, a lack of recent observations of both mother-calf pairs and competitive groups raises the possibility that the primary mating, calving and nursing areas are yet to be identified. Of the 64 whales that have been identified using photographs of dorsal fins or tail flukes, six individuals have been observed on at least two surveys, four individuals on three surveys, one on four surveys and one on five separate surveys. Individually identified whales were re-sighted in both the Gulf of Masirah and Dhofar at different times of the year and across survey years, indicating year-round residence off the coast of Oman. A Chapman's modified Petersen estimator was applied to various data pairings to calculate abundance in the areas surveyed. All pairings yielded estimates of less than 100 individuals, but sample sizes were small there are various sources of possible bias. Analysis of scarring on the caudal peduncle region of individually identified whales in Oman indicate that between 30 and 40% of identified whales are likely to have been involved in entanglements with fishing gear. Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue with those from Zanzibar, Antongil Bay (Madagascar) and Mayotte and the Geyser Atoll (Comoros Archipelago), yielded no photographic matches, and support the hypothesis of a discrete population as did comparison of the distribution of fluke pigmentation rankings from the Oman catalogue, which varied significantly from those of Madagascar and Mayotte. In general the data examined in this study suggest that the population or sub-population of humpback whales off the coast of Oman is resident year-round, small and potentially discrete, warranting further research and conservation efforts.},
keywords = {Australia, cetacean, Distribution, habitat, habitat preference, habitat preferences, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, population, population characteristics, Southern Hemisphere, whale, whales},
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. Twelve small boat surveys were conducted at three main locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and November 2004 to investigate the distribution and seasonal abundance of humpback whales and other cetaceans. An even ratio of males and females were observed and sampled during surveys in the Gulf of Masirah in October and November (n=38), while almost all whales sampled in Dhofar February/March were male (n=28). Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February/March, but observations of mother-calf pairs were sparse, and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was observed in both October/November and February/March, but behavioural and environmental observations indicate that the Gulf of Masirah is primarily an important feeding ground, while the Dhofar region, particularly the Kuria Muria Bay, appears to be a breeding area. However, a lack of recent observations of both mother-calf pairs and competitive groups raises the possibility that the primary mating, calving and nursing areas are yet to be identified. Of the 64 whales that have been identified using photographs of dorsal fins or tail flukes, six individuals have been observed on at least two surveys, four individuals on three surveys, one on four surveys and one on five separate surveys. Individually identified whales were re-sighted in both the Gulf of Masirah and Dhofar at different times of the year and across survey years, indicating year-round residence off the coast of Oman. A Chapman's modified Petersen estimator was applied to various data pairings to calculate abundance in the areas surveyed. All pairings yielded estimates of less than 100 individuals, but sample sizes were small there are various sources of possible bias. Analysis of scarring on the caudal peduncle region of individually identified whales in Oman indicate that between 30 and 40% of identified whales are likely to have been involved in entanglements with fishing gear. Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue with those from Zanzibar, Antongil Bay (Madagascar) and Mayotte and the Geyser Atoll (Comoros Archipelago), yielded no photographic matches, and support the hypothesis of a discrete population as did comparison of the distribution of fluke pigmentation rankings from the Oman catalogue, which varied significantly from those of Madagascar and Mayotte. In general the data examined in this study suggest that the population or sub-population of humpback whales off the coast of Oman is resident year-round, small and potentially discrete, warranting further research and conservation efforts.
Zemsky,V.A.
Extermination of populations of commercial whale species and its possible biological consequences Technical Report
no. 268, 2005.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean, baleen whale, baleen whales, biological consequences, cetacean, cetaceans, depletion, extermination, mammals, marine, marine mammal, Marine mammals, oil, population, populations, Southern Hemisphere, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, status, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Extermination of populations of commercial whale species and its possible biological consequences},
author = {Zemsky,V.A.},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
number = {268},
pages = {249-259},
abstract = {Cetaceans inhabit practically all seas and oceans of the world and their role in ocean biocenoses is doubtless. Being the source of nutrition and technical resources - oil, meat, etc., - this numrous group of marine mammals had also substantial meaning for the man's economic activity. In a number of coastal regions, some whales are still an important, if not one, source of protein food. All cetaceans can be subdivided into two conditional categories: those which are caught for commerial needs and those which are not. The first group comprises practically all baleen whales, the size of most of which has no analogous in terrestrial mammals, and the sperm whale - the only one of toothed whales. All other cetaceans can be referred to the second group. They are much smaller in size, but more numerous and play not less important role in biocenoses. Some of them were of commercial value in the past and now have lost it almost completely. This brief review pursues three goals: firstly, to reveal the relationship between the population number of the commercial whales and whaling in a historical aspect; secondly, to determine the significance for the estimation of the current status of the large whales' populations of the materials, pulished in 1995, on the largest falsification of statistical data on the Soviet whaling operations in the Southern Hemisphere and in some regions of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and equatorial waters; thirdly, to try to reveal possible consequences of the drastic depletion of number of the large commerical whales for the ocean biogeocenoses.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean, baleen whale, baleen whales, biological consequences, cetacean, cetaceans, depletion, extermination, mammals, marine, marine mammal, Marine mammals, oil, population, populations, Southern Hemisphere, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, status, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Cetaceans inhabit practically all seas and oceans of the world and their role in ocean biocenoses is doubtless. Being the source of nutrition and technical resources - oil, meat, etc., - this numrous group of marine mammals had also substantial meaning for the man's economic activity. In a number of coastal regions, some whales are still an important, if not one, source of protein food. All cetaceans can be subdivided into two conditional categories: those which are caught for commerial needs and those which are not. The first group comprises practically all baleen whales, the size of most of which has no analogous in terrestrial mammals, and the sperm whale - the only one of toothed whales. All other cetaceans can be referred to the second group. They are much smaller in size, but more numerous and play not less important role in biocenoses. Some of them were of commercial value in the past and now have lost it almost completely. This brief review pursues three goals: firstly, to reveal the relationship between the population number of the commercial whales and whaling in a historical aspect; secondly, to determine the significance for the estimation of the current status of the large whales' populations of the materials, pulished in 1995, on the largest falsification of statistical data on the Soviet whaling operations in the Southern Hemisphere and in some regions of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and equatorial waters; thirdly, to try to reveal possible consequences of the drastic depletion of number of the large commerical whales for the ocean biogeocenoses.
Baldwin,R.M.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Van Waerebeek,K.,Minton,G.
The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin of the Arabian region: a status review Journal Article
In: Aquatic Mammals, vol. 30, no. 319, pp. 111-124, 2004.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: 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
@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}
}
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.
Minton,G.
Ecology and Conservation of Cetaceans in Oman, with particular reference to humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) PhD Thesis
2004.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, ecology, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, whale, whales
@phdthesis{,
title = {Ecology and Conservation of Cetaceans in Oman, with particular reference to humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)},
author = {Minton,G.},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
number = {407},
pages = {250},
publisher = {University of London, University Marine Biological Station, Millport},
abstract = {Small boat surveys were conducted between 2000 and 2003 in three main areas of Oman's coastal waters: Muscat, the Gulf of Masirah and Dhofar. Species sighted during surveys include (in order of frequency) bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), common dolphins (Delphinus capensis), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis), Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydeii), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and unidentified beaked whales. Relative abundance analyses with respect to study area, depth and slope reveal clear trends for the seven most frequently encountered species, which generally demonstrate the same habitat preferences as con-specifics elsewhere.
Analyses of humpback whale seasonal distribution, group composition and behaviour reveal that both breeding and feeding take place off the coast of Oman. Photo-identification of individual whales reveals a high level of site fidelity and capture-recapture methods yield population estimates of less than 100 individuals for the study areas, but sample sizes are small and variance values were high. Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue, as well as mitochondrial DNA haplotype frequencies with those from other study areas in the Southern Indian Ocean, support the theory of a resident Arabian Sea population with little or no ongoing exchange with other Indian Ocean stocks.
Rapid population growth, infrastructure development, and expansion of fisheries in Oman are placing increased pressure on coastal and marine habitats. Data from systematic beach surveys indicate relatively high levels of mortality for bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops sp., humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis, and Bryde's whales, Balaenoptera brydeii. 52% of beach-cast cetacean specimens show signs of fisheries-related mortality, and analysis of humpback whale scarring patterns indicates that approximately a third of all photographed animals bear signs of fisheries interactions. Management and conservation of cetacean species in Oman will require continued research and monitoring, and increased cooperation between governmental bodies and other stakeholders in Oman, including coastal communities, fishers, fishing companies, developers, researchers and tourists as well as government planning bodies.},
keywords = {cetacean, cetaceans, conservation, ecology, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Small boat surveys were conducted between 2000 and 2003 in three main areas of Oman's coastal waters: Muscat, the Gulf of Masirah and Dhofar. Species sighted during surveys include (in order of frequency) bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), common dolphins (Delphinus capensis), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis), Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydeii), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and unidentified beaked whales. Relative abundance analyses with respect to study area, depth and slope reveal clear trends for the seven most frequently encountered species, which generally demonstrate the same habitat preferences as con-specifics elsewhere.
Analyses of humpback whale seasonal distribution, group composition and behaviour reveal that both breeding and feeding take place off the coast of Oman. Photo-identification of individual whales reveals a high level of site fidelity and capture-recapture methods yield population estimates of less than 100 individuals for the study areas, but sample sizes are small and variance values were high. Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue, as well as mitochondrial DNA haplotype frequencies with those from other study areas in the Southern Indian Ocean, support the theory of a resident Arabian Sea population with little or no ongoing exchange with other Indian Ocean stocks.
Rapid population growth, infrastructure development, and expansion of fisheries in Oman are placing increased pressure on coastal and marine habitats. Data from systematic beach surveys indicate relatively high levels of mortality for bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops sp., humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis, and Bryde's whales, Balaenoptera brydeii. 52% of beach-cast cetacean specimens show signs of fisheries-related mortality, and analysis of humpback whale scarring patterns indicates that approximately a third of all photographed animals bear signs of fisheries interactions. Management and conservation of cetacean species in Oman will require continued research and monitoring, and increased cooperation between governmental bodies and other stakeholders in Oman, including coastal communities, fishers, fishing companies, developers, researchers and tourists as well as government planning bodies.
Analyses of humpback whale seasonal distribution, group composition and behaviour reveal that both breeding and feeding take place off the coast of Oman. Photo-identification of individual whales reveals a high level of site fidelity and capture-recapture methods yield population estimates of less than 100 individuals for the study areas, but sample sizes are small and variance values were high. Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue, as well as mitochondrial DNA haplotype frequencies with those from other study areas in the Southern Indian Ocean, support the theory of a resident Arabian Sea population with little or no ongoing exchange with other Indian Ocean stocks.
Rapid population growth, infrastructure development, and expansion of fisheries in Oman are placing increased pressure on coastal and marine habitats. Data from systematic beach surveys indicate relatively high levels of mortality for bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops sp., humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis, and Bryde's whales, Balaenoptera brydeii. 52% of beach-cast cetacean specimens show signs of fisheries-related mortality, and analysis of humpback whale scarring patterns indicates that approximately a third of all photographed animals bear signs of fisheries interactions. Management and conservation of cetacean species in Oman will require continued research and monitoring, and increased cooperation between governmental bodies and other stakeholders in Oman, including coastal communities, fishers, fishing companies, developers, researchers and tourists as well as government planning bodies.
Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R,Van Waerebeek,K.,Cockcroft,V.,Hywel-Davies,A.
A preliminary analysis of beach cast cetaceans from Oman Technical Report
no. 352, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/O4.
BibTeX | Tags: cetacean, cetaceans, Oman
@techreport{,
title = {A preliminary analysis of beach cast cetaceans from Oman},
author = {Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R,Van Waerebeek,K.,Cockcroft,V.,Hywel-Davies,A.},
issn = {SC/54/O4},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/54/O4},
number = {352},
pages = {1-16},
keywords = {cetacean, cetaceans, Oman},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Baldwin,R.,Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.
Whales and Dolphins of the Arabian Peninsula Conference
no. 309, 2000.
BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, cetacean, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, whale, whales
@conference{,
title = {Whales and Dolphins of the Arabian Peninsula},
author = {Baldwin,R.,Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.},
year = {2000},
date = {2000-01-01},
journal = {The Second Arab International Conference and Exhibition on Environmental Biotechnology (Coastal Habitats), April 2000},
number = {309},
pages = {1-15},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, cetacean, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {conference}
}
Baldwin,R.,Gallagher,M.,Van Waerebeek,K.
A review of cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula Book
Backhuys Publishers, 1999, ISBN: Gianna's files.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Oman, Red Sea, status
@book{,
title = {A review of cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula},
author = {Baldwin,R.,Gallagher,M.,Van Waerebeek,K.},
issn = {Gianna's files},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {The Natural History of Oman: A Festschrift for Michael Gallagher},
number = {307},
pages = {161-189},
publisher = {Backhuys Publishers},
abstract = {The paper summarizes the distribution and status of all cetaceans in the Arabian peninsula.},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Oman, Red Sea, status},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
The paper summarizes the distribution and status of all cetaceans in the Arabian peninsula.
Baldwin,R.M.,Gallagher,M.,Van Waerebeek,K.
A review of cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula Book
Backhuys Publishers, 1999, ISBN: Gianna's files.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, history, Oman, Red Sea, status
@book{,
title = {A review of cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula},
author = {Baldwin,R.M.,Gallagher,M.,Van Waerebeek,K.},
issn = {Gianna's files},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {The Natural History of Oman: A Festschrift for Michael Gallagher},
number = {320},
pages = {161-189},
publisher = {Backhuys Publishers},
abstract = {The paper summarizes the distribution and status of all cetaceans in the Arabian peninsula.},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, history, Oman, Red Sea, status},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
The paper summarizes the distribution and status of all cetaceans in the Arabian peninsula.
Baldwin,R.,Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher,M.
A review of small cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula Technical Report
no. 27, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, ecology, migration, Movements, status, Stock identity, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {A review of small cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula},
author = {Baldwin,R.,Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher,M.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Document presented at the 50th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/50/SM6},
number = {27},
pages = {1-26},
abstract = {Available data on small cetacean species in coastal and offshore waters off peninsula Arabia are reviewed. Species accounts are presented for a total of 16 small cetaceans, including information on the date and source of first records in the region, distribution, stock identity, abundance, external appearance, migrations or local movements, status, incidental takes, directed catches and other threats, ecology, life history and disease/parasites. In addition the origin and present location of all curated specimens are listed. Anecdotal information, such as that obtained from local fishermen and other observers, is also presented.},
keywords = {abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, ecology, migration, Movements, status, Stock identity, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Available data on small cetacean species in coastal and offshore waters off peninsula Arabia are reviewed. Species accounts are presented for a total of 16 small cetaceans, including information on the date and source of first records in the region, distribution, stock identity, abundance, external appearance, migrations or local movements, status, incidental takes, directed catches and other threats, ecology, life history and disease/parasites. In addition the origin and present location of all curated specimens are listed. Anecdotal information, such as that obtained from local fishermen and other observers, is also presented.
Ballance,L.T,Pitman,R.L.
Cetaceans of the Western Tropical Indian Ocean: Distribution, Relative Abundance, and comparisons with Cetacean Communities of Two other Tropical Ecosystems Journal Article
In: Marine Mammal Science, vol. 14, no. 321, pp. 429-459, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Mexico, habitat preference, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, relative abundance, seabirds, survey, whale
@article{,
title = {Cetaceans of the Western Tropical Indian Ocean: Distribution, Relative Abundance, and comparisons with Cetacean Communities of Two other Tropical Ecosystems},
author = {Ballance,L.T,Pitman,R.L.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Marine Mammal Science},
volume = {14},
number = {321},
pages = {429-459},
abstract = {We conducted a cetacean survey in the pelagic western tropical Indian Ocean (WTIO) aboard an 85-m research vessel from March to July 1995, covering 9,784 linear km. Using 25x binoculars and line-transect methods, we recorded 589 sightings of 21 species. Stenella longirostris was the most abundant cetacean, in terms of number of individuals sighted, by an order of magnitude above any other species, while Physeter macrocephalus was the most frequently sighted, in terms of number of schools. Twelve species were widespread, seven were rare, and two were localized; our sightings include new distributional records for 12 species. Significant observations included the following: (1) Delphinus cf. tropicalis was abundant off the coast of Oman (16 sightings) and readily distinguishable in the field from D. delphis and D. capensis, (2) Balaenoptera musculus was fairly common and localized in the area of the Maldives (17 sightings), and (3) three sightings were made of an unidentified bottlenose whale tentatively referred to as Indopacetus (i.e., Mesoplodon) pacificus. We recorded 26 mixed-species cetacean schools, 43 schools with which seabirds associated, and 17 schools associated with tuna. Notable among these were mixed aggregations of Stenella attenuata, S. longirostris, yellowfin tuna, and seabirds. The cetacean community of the WTIO was similar to that of the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and the Gulf of Mexico (GM) in several respects. First, differences in abundance rank of individual species were small, with the result that common species were common and rare species were rare, regardless of ocean. Second, these differences in abundance were due primarily to differences in encounter rate, which varied with ocean by as much as 3,000%, and less so to school size, which generally varied less than 100%. Third, regardless of ocean, three species comprised the majority of cetaceans in the community, Stenella attenuata, S. longirostris, and S. coeruleoalba, representing 62%-82% of all individuals for all species. However, the rank order of abundance for these three species differed with ocean. Most notably, S. attenuata was abundant in the ETP and GM (abundance rank = 2 and 1, respectively) but much less common in the WTIO (abundance rank = 6). Although habitat preferences for S. attenuata appear to overlap considerably with those of S. longirostris in the ETP, our results suggest there may actually be significant differences between these two species. Detailed analysis of oceanographic correlates of distribution will be necessary in order to understand fully the habitat requirements of these pelagic dolphins, often the most conspicuous elements of tropical cetacean communities around the world.},
keywords = {abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Mexico, habitat preference, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, relative abundance, seabirds, survey, whale},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We conducted a cetacean survey in the pelagic western tropical Indian Ocean (WTIO) aboard an 85-m research vessel from March to July 1995, covering 9,784 linear km. Using 25x binoculars and line-transect methods, we recorded 589 sightings of 21 species. Stenella longirostris was the most abundant cetacean, in terms of number of individuals sighted, by an order of magnitude above any other species, while Physeter macrocephalus was the most frequently sighted, in terms of number of schools. Twelve species were widespread, seven were rare, and two were localized; our sightings include new distributional records for 12 species. Significant observations included the following: (1) Delphinus cf. tropicalis was abundant off the coast of Oman (16 sightings) and readily distinguishable in the field from D. delphis and D. capensis, (2) Balaenoptera musculus was fairly common and localized in the area of the Maldives (17 sightings), and (3) three sightings were made of an unidentified bottlenose whale tentatively referred to as Indopacetus (i.e., Mesoplodon) pacificus. We recorded 26 mixed-species cetacean schools, 43 schools with which seabirds associated, and 17 schools associated with tuna. Notable among these were mixed aggregations of Stenella attenuata, S. longirostris, yellowfin tuna, and seabirds. The cetacean community of the WTIO was similar to that of the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and the Gulf of Mexico (GM) in several respects. First, differences in abundance rank of individual species were small, with the result that common species were common and rare species were rare, regardless of ocean. Second, these differences in abundance were due primarily to differences in encounter rate, which varied with ocean by as much as 3,000%, and less so to school size, which generally varied less than 100%. Third, regardless of ocean, three species comprised the majority of cetaceans in the community, Stenella attenuata, S. longirostris, and S. coeruleoalba, representing 62%-82% of all individuals for all species. However, the rank order of abundance for these three species differed with ocean. Most notably, S. attenuata was abundant in the ETP and GM (abundance rank = 2 and 1, respectively) but much less common in the WTIO (abundance rank = 6). Although habitat preferences for S. attenuata appear to overlap considerably with those of S. longirostris in the ETP, our results suggest there may actually be significant differences between these two species. Detailed analysis of oceanographic correlates of distribution will be necessary in order to understand fully the habitat requirements of these pelagic dolphins, often the most conspicuous elements of tropical cetacean communities around the world.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Sperm whales of the Arabian Sea Technical Report
no. 155, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetacean, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, IWC, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Slava, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Sperm whales of the Arabian Sea},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/50/CAWS40},
number = {155},
pages = {1-7},
publisher = {Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
abstract = {This article is part of the ongoing publication of materials about true whale catches by Soviet whaling fleets (Yablokov, 1994, Tormosov, 1995; Zemsky, et al, 1995, 1995a, 1996; Mikhalev 1995, 1997, 1997a). The goal of this article is to provide real quantitative characteristics, as well as size and sexual composition, of the sperm whales taken by the fleets Slava and Sovietskaya Ukraina in the Arabian Sea during the period 1963 to 1967. While the catching of baleen whales - pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales - in the northwestern Indian Ocean (Mikhalev, 1995, 1997) was absolutely prohibited and thus was a most serious violation of IWC rules, the sperm whale catches in the region had a more masked character. Harvesting of this species was not restricted to areas south of the 40øS, but rather by date and animal size. The first information about sperm whales met in this region by Soviet whalers became known through Yukhov (1969) His article reported that the stock was mixed, including both barren and lactating females as well as young males. Such detailed information about the sperm whales' stock structure should have indicated that the author's primary material was not based on visual observation, but on the results of catches. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, cetacean research laboratories were liquidated and a portion of their primary materials disappeared. Other portions ended up distributed among various former Soviet republics, now independent states, and in private archives. Nonetheless, it was possible to recover with a high level of confidence data on the biological composition, especially the quantitative and size characteristics, of whales taken in the Arabian Sea.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetacean, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, IWC, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Slava, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This article is part of the ongoing publication of materials about true whale catches by Soviet whaling fleets (Yablokov, 1994, Tormosov, 1995; Zemsky, et al, 1995, 1995a, 1996; Mikhalev 1995, 1997, 1997a). The goal of this article is to provide real quantitative characteristics, as well as size and sexual composition, of the sperm whales taken by the fleets Slava and Sovietskaya Ukraina in the Arabian Sea during the period 1963 to 1967. While the catching of baleen whales - pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales - in the northwestern Indian Ocean (Mikhalev, 1995, 1997) was absolutely prohibited and thus was a most serious violation of IWC rules, the sperm whale catches in the region had a more masked character. Harvesting of this species was not restricted to areas south of the 40øS, but rather by date and animal size. The first information about sperm whales met in this region by Soviet whalers became known through Yukhov (1969) His article reported that the stock was mixed, including both barren and lactating females as well as young males. Such detailed information about the sperm whales' stock structure should have indicated that the author's primary material was not based on visual observation, but on the results of catches. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, cetacean research laboratories were liquidated and a portion of their primary materials disappeared. Other portions ended up distributed among various former Soviet republics, now independent states, and in private archives. Nonetheless, it was possible to recover with a high level of confidence data on the biological composition, especially the quantitative and size characteristics, of whales taken in the Arabian Sea.
Salm,R.V.,Jensen,R.A.C.,Papastavrou,V.
Marine fauna of Oman: Cetaceans, turtles, seabirds and shallow water corals Technical Report
no. 469, 1993.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: cetacean, cetaceans, coastal zone management, coral, dolphin, dolphins, management, marine, minke whale, minke whales, Oman, seabirds, Strandings, survey, turtles, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Marine fauna of Oman: Cetaceans, turtles, seabirds and shallow water corals},
author = {Salm,R.V.,Jensen,R.A.C.,Papastavrou,V.},
year = {1993},
date = {1993-01-01},
number = {469},
pages = {1-66},
publisher = {IUCN},
abstract = {This is the final compilation report that summarises all the data in the sub-reports on cetaceans and turtles etc. Cetacean stranding an sighting info from the surveys conducted between 1984 and 1992. 210 sightings of live cetaceans were made from the shore, boats and helicopters. Most sightings were of animals within four km of shore. The sightings, which were incidental to other coastal zone management studies do not include any related observer effort. The majority of boat-based searching occurred in the capital area, with remaining boat distributed equally between Musandam and Dhofar. There was less observation from boats along the stretch of central coast, but more time spent driving on beaches.There are also 173 records of beached cetacean material. these include the remains of 25 dolphins butchered by fishermen. The sightings and strandings are summarised in a table including 16 species (including both sei and minke whales). 90% of all beached cetacean remains were found south of Ras al Hadd along the central coast, and was most abundant between 20 and 21 N.},
keywords = {cetacean, cetaceans, coastal zone management, coral, dolphin, dolphins, management, marine, minke whale, minke whales, Oman, seabirds, Strandings, survey, turtles, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This is the final compilation report that summarises all the data in the sub-reports on cetaceans and turtles etc. Cetacean stranding an sighting info from the surveys conducted between 1984 and 1992. 210 sightings of live cetaceans were made from the shore, boats and helicopters. Most sightings were of animals within four km of shore. The sightings, which were incidental to other coastal zone management studies do not include any related observer effort. The majority of boat-based searching occurred in the capital area, with remaining boat distributed equally between Musandam and Dhofar. There was less observation from boats along the stretch of central coast, but more time spent driving on beaches.There are also 173 records of beached cetacean material. these include the remains of 25 dolphins butchered by fishermen. The sightings and strandings are summarised in a table including 16 species (including both sei and minke whales). 90% of all beached cetacean remains were found south of Ras al Hadd along the central coast, and was most abundant between 20 and 21 N.
Alling,A.
A preliminary report of marine mammal fisheries in Djibouti, Oman and Sri Lanka Technical Report
no. 280, 1992.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arctic, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Fisheries, habitat, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, North Pacific, Oman, Porpoise, sanctuaries, skull, skulls, Sri Lanka, status, stomach contents, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {A preliminary report of marine mammal fisheries in Djibouti, Oman and Sri Lanka },
author = {Alling,A.},
year = {1992},
date = {1992-01-01},
volume = {694 },
number = {280},
pages = {1-10},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION During the 1982 and 1983 field seasons on Tulip, an effort was made to assess the status of small whale fisheries in Djibouti, Oman and Sri Lanka. In lieu of the fact that the World Wildlife Funds Indian Ocean Whale study still has one more year of field work, this preliminary report will only summarise our findings as of April, 1983. Officials and fisherman were contacted during port calls in 1982 to obtain information about local hunting and entrapment of cetaceans and members of the Tulip crew travelled to 9 harbours in Sri Lanka to interview fishermen. Dolphins seen in fish markets were measured, identified, stomach contents taken, and skulls collected for positive identification. In 1982 one fisherman on the west coast of Sri Lanka was asked to keep a daily log of all cetaceans entrapped or harpooned for a duration of one year. In 1983 we increased the number of harbours Monitored and four additional fishermen, three on the east coast and one on the west coast, were asked to keep these journals. A constant watch was kept at sea for all cetacean sightings. Species seen were identified using three identification guides: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of the Eastern North Pacific and Adjacent Arctic Waters (Leatherwood et al., 1982), Sea Guide to, Whales of the World (Watson, 1982), and A Field Guide to Whales and Dolphins (Captain Morzer Bruyns, 1971). When the identification was questionable, animals were photographed for confirmation of identity at a later date. },
keywords = {Arctic, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Fisheries, habitat, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, North Pacific, Oman, Porpoise, sanctuaries, skull, skulls, Sri Lanka, status, stomach contents, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
INTRODUCTION During the 1982 and 1983 field seasons on Tulip, an effort was made to assess the status of small whale fisheries in Djibouti, Oman and Sri Lanka. In lieu of the fact that the World Wildlife Funds Indian Ocean Whale study still has one more year of field work, this preliminary report will only summarise our findings as of April, 1983. Officials and fisherman were contacted during port calls in 1982 to obtain information about local hunting and entrapment of cetaceans and members of the Tulip crew travelled to 9 harbours in Sri Lanka to interview fishermen. Dolphins seen in fish markets were measured, identified, stomach contents taken, and skulls collected for positive identification. In 1982 one fisherman on the west coast of Sri Lanka was asked to keep a daily log of all cetaceans entrapped or harpooned for a duration of one year. In 1983 we increased the number of harbours Monitored and four additional fishermen, three on the east coast and one on the west coast, were asked to keep these journals. A constant watch was kept at sea for all cetacean sightings. Species seen were identified using three identification guides: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of the Eastern North Pacific and Adjacent Arctic Waters (Leatherwood et al., 1982), Sea Guide to, Whales of the World (Watson, 1982), and A Field Guide to Whales and Dolphins (Captain Morzer Bruyns, 1971). When the identification was questionable, animals were photographed for confirmation of identity at a later date.
Gallagher,M.D.
Collection of skulls of cetacea: Odondoceti from Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Oman, 1969 - 1990 Book
UNEP, 1991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: bottlenose dolphin, cetacea, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, Cuvier's beaked whale, dwarf sperm whale, false killer whale, fishing gear, hump-backed dolphin, incidental capture, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, mass mortality, morphology/anatomy, mortality, Oman, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, skull, skulls, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, Strandings, Striped dolphin, tropical dolphin, United Arab Emirates
@book{,
title = {Collection of skulls of cetacea: Odondoceti from Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Oman, 1969 - 1990},
author = {Gallagher,M.D.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {Cetaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: Marine Mammal Technical Report Number 3},
number = {375},
pages = {89-97},
publisher = {UNEP},
abstract = {This paper details the collections of odontocete cetacean skulls from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, 1969-90. Causes of death of specimens are unknown but the likelihood of natural strandings, incidental capture in fishing gear and mass mortality are discussed.},
keywords = {bottlenose dolphin, cetacea, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, Cuvier's beaked whale, dwarf sperm whale, false killer whale, fishing gear, hump-backed dolphin, incidental capture, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, mass mortality, morphology/anatomy, mortality, Oman, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, skull, skulls, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, Strandings, Striped dolphin, tropical dolphin, United Arab Emirates},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
This paper details the collections of odontocete cetacean skulls from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, 1969-90. Causes of death of specimens are unknown but the likelihood of natural strandings, incidental capture in fishing gear and mass mortality are discussed.
IUCN
Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary Book Chapter
In: no. 391, pp. 1-287, UNEP, 1991.
BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@inbook{,
title = {Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary},
author = {IUCN},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {UNEP marine Mammal Technical Report number 3},
number = {391},
pages = {1-287},
publisher = {UNEP},
keywords = {Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
Leatherwood, S.,Donovan, G.P.
Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary Book Chapter
In: no. 397, pp. 1-287, UNEP, 1991.
BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@inbook{,
title = {Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary},
author = {Leatherwood, S.,Donovan, G.P.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {UNEP marine Mammal Technical Report number 3},
number = {397},
pages = {1-287},
publisher = {UNEP},
keywords = {Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
Papastavrou,V.,Salm,R.V.
A note on recent sightings and strandings of cetaceans in Oman: Ra's Sawadi to Rakhyut Book
United Nations Environment Programme, 1991.
BibTeX | Tags: cetacean, cetaceans, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, Oman, sanctuaries, Strandings, whale, whales
@book{,
title = {A note on recent sightings and strandings of cetaceans in Oman: Ra's Sawadi to Rakhyut},
author = {Papastavrou,V.,Salm,R.V.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {Cetaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: Marine Mammal Technical Report Number 3},
number = {427},
publisher = {United Nations Environment Programme},
keywords = {cetacean, cetaceans, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, Oman, sanctuaries, Strandings, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Reeves,R.R.,Leatherwood,S.,Papastavrou,V.
Possible stock affinities of humpback whales in the northern Indian Ocean Book
UNEP, 1991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@book{,
title = {Possible stock affinities of humpback whales in the northern Indian Ocean},
author = {Reeves,R.R.,Leatherwood,S.,Papastavrou,V.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {Cetaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: Marine Mammal Technical Report Number 3},
number = {443},
pages = {259-269},
publisher = {UNEP},
abstract = {Records of humpback whales. Megaptera novaeangliae. in the northern Indian Ocean are compiled and evaluated to test various hypotheses concerning stock relationships. The conventional view that all humpbacks in this region are migrants from the Southern Hemisphere or, less likely, from the Pacific Ocean has been challenged recently by other authors. There is no reason to doubt that some Antarctic humpbacks cross the. Equator during their winter breeding migration northward. However, sightings in the northern Indian Ocean during the austral spring, summer and fall arc sufficiently frequent and widespread to support the hypothesis that some whales remain north of the Equator in the Indian Ocean year-round. Humpbacks appear to be present off Oman throughout the year, including relatively large concentrations, apparently feeding, during boreal summer/fall. We postulate that areas of cool, highly productive upwelling near the coast of Oman create conditions suitable for humpback feeding. The northern Indian Ocean is characterised by a virtual absence of modern commercial whaling and a paucity of cetacean research. As a result. evidence is insufficient to determine the relationships between stocks of humpbacks in the northern Indian Ocean and stocks of humpbacks elsewhere.},
keywords = {Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Records of humpback whales. Megaptera novaeangliae. in the northern Indian Ocean are compiled and evaluated to test various hypotheses concerning stock relationships. The conventional view that all humpbacks in this region are migrants from the Southern Hemisphere or, less likely, from the Pacific Ocean has been challenged recently by other authors. There is no reason to doubt that some Antarctic humpbacks cross the. Equator during their winter breeding migration northward. However, sightings in the northern Indian Ocean during the austral spring, summer and fall arc sufficiently frequent and widespread to support the hypothesis that some whales remain north of the Equator in the Indian Ocean year-round. Humpbacks appear to be present off Oman throughout the year, including relatively large concentrations, apparently feeding, during boreal summer/fall. We postulate that areas of cool, highly productive upwelling near the coast of Oman create conditions suitable for humpback feeding. The northern Indian Ocean is characterised by a virtual absence of modern commercial whaling and a paucity of cetacean research. As a result. evidence is insufficient to determine the relationships between stocks of humpbacks in the northern Indian Ocean and stocks of humpbacks elsewhere.
Small,J.A..,Small,G.J.
Cetacean observations from the Somali Democratic Republic, September 1985 through May 1987 Journal Article
In: CEtaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: UNEP - Marine Mammal Technical Report No.3, no. 476, pp. 179-210, 1991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, Blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, dolphin, false killer whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, killer whale, location, marine, megaptera novaeangliae, melon-headed whale, migration, occurrence, Oman, Pacific Ocean, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, stocks, Striped dolphin, survey, trend, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@article{,
title = {Cetacean observations from the Somali Democratic Republic, September 1985 through May 1987},
author = {Small,J.A..,Small,G.J.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {CEtaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: UNEP - Marine Mammal Technical Report No.3},
number = {476},
pages = {179-210},
abstract = {Two vessels operated along the Gulf of Aden and northern Indian Ocean coasts of Somalia from Aug. 1985 through May 1987. Their fishing activities carried them on a routine basis from Djibouti to the Horn of Africa and, on many cruises, into the Indian Ocean as far south as 8øN. The frequent and regular presence of these vessels afforded a unique opportunity for research since few previous surveys along the Somalian coast were transitory and/or of short duration. There were 398 sightings of cetaceans representing at least 14 species: blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, melon-headed whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin, striped dolphin and spinner dolphin (NO humpback whales!!). Sightings locations and related environmental data are discussed. Some trends between years were seen in the occurrence and location of blue, killer and short-finned pilot whales.},
keywords = {Antarctic, Blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, dolphin, false killer whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, killer whale, location, marine, megaptera novaeangliae, melon-headed whale, migration, occurrence, Oman, Pacific Ocean, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, stocks, Striped dolphin, survey, trend, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Two vessels operated along the Gulf of Aden and northern Indian Ocean coasts of Somalia from Aug. 1985 through May 1987. Their fishing activities carried them on a routine basis from Djibouti to the Horn of Africa and, on many cruises, into the Indian Ocean as far south as 8øN. The frequent and regular presence of these vessels afforded a unique opportunity for research since few previous surveys along the Somalian coast were transitory and/or of short duration. There were 398 sightings of cetaceans representing at least 14 species: blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, melon-headed whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin, striped dolphin and spinner dolphin (NO humpback whales!!). Sightings locations and related environmental data are discussed. Some trends between years were seen in the occurrence and location of blue, killer and short-finned pilot whales.
De Silva,P.H.D.H..
Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) recorded off Sri Lanka, India, from the Arabian Sea and Gulf, Gulf of Aden and from the Red Sea Journal Article
In: Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, vol. 84 , no. 357, pp. 505-525, 1987.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: 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
@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}
}
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.
Clark,J.E.
Proposals for a System of Nature Conservation Areas Technical Report
no. 348, 1986.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: cetacean, conservation, endangered, habitat, Humpback Whale, management, marine, objectives, Oman, population, populations, survey, whale
@techreport{,
title = {Proposals for a System of Nature Conservation Areas},
author = {Clark,J.E.},
year = {1986},
date = {1986-01-01},
number = {348},
pages = {1-477},
publisher = {IUCN},
abstract = {This report describes the outcome of a nature conservation project set up by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Oman is a state member of IUCN. The project was operational for almost 20 months, starting in October 1984. An IUCN consultant Project Leader and an Omani Assistant Project Leader were employed full time. Five other IUCN specialists were employed on short term consultancies. The project's goal was to prepare in-depth plans for a system of nature conservation areas (NCAs) in Oman. The resultant nature conservation programme would form part of Oman's total land use strategy. The plans were to include prescriptions for policy and law; the design of a NCA system; and proposals for the structure and operation of a Directorate General of Wildlife and Nature Conservation. This new Government entity is expected to be set up in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources . The specific requirements for the proposed NCA system were threefold. Firstly, it should be representative of Oman's varied wild habitats, terrestrial and marine: we identified, described and mapped 43 different Land Classes and 12 Marine Habitats. Secondly, it should conserve populations of all threatened and endemic wildlife found in Oman, and other species judged to be of special interest: we identified 94 plant and 100 animal taxa that fell within this grouping. Thirdly, it should protect selected sites and areas, chosen because they had interesting biotic or abiotic features. We identified and described 89 such sites. The sites comprised desert pools and seepages, coastal lagoons, tidal inlets, marine sites, botanical sites, caves, geological and geomorphological sites and landscapes. The resultant system that we designed consists of 91 NCAs, dispersed widely throughout Oman, and covering a total area of 119,798 sq. km. We proposed that there should be three different categories of NCA: national nature reserve (NNR), 59 areas; national scenic reserve (NSR), 20 areas; and national resource reserve (NRR), 12 areas. NNRs are the most strictly managed category: permanent human settlement is not permitted. NSRs may contain human settlement but the laws provide mechanisms for controlling human activities in conformity with nature conservation objectives. NRR is a temporary category of NCA, given to areas that are clearly of interest but about which insufficient is known to justify delineating NCA boundaries. NRRs are identified as priority areas for further studies that may lead to their becoming NNRs or NSRs. We also provided for the protection of selected wildlife outside the NCA system. We recommended two categories of protected wildlife: those that should be granted full protection, and those that be partially protected to the extent that controlled, licensed taking could be permitted. (The only cetacean species mentioned in this list is the humpback whale, which is tentatively classified as endangered. This is probably due to the lack of information about any other species at that time. Marine sites proposed for protection were selected "ont he basis of their having interesting sublittoral features". Selection was on the basis of biological or scenic characteristics. The authors acknowledge that the survey was limited in its study of marine sites, but believe that their proposals include so many long stretches of coastline that important habitats will be included. Marine areas proposed for first priority in active management (NNRs) include Jazirat Umm al Fayyarin (Musandam), Ras Suwadi, Daymaniyat Islands, Qurm/Fahal, Bandar Jissah, Ras al Hadd, Ras al Junays, Barr al Hikmann, Hasikiyah, Qibliyah, Marbat, Khawr Rawri and Khawr Salalah. Sawda and Hallaniya are propsed as NSR's.},
keywords = {cetacean, conservation, endangered, habitat, Humpback Whale, management, marine, objectives, Oman, population, populations, survey, whale},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This report describes the outcome of a nature conservation project set up by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Oman is a state member of IUCN. The project was operational for almost 20 months, starting in October 1984. An IUCN consultant Project Leader and an Omani Assistant Project Leader were employed full time. Five other IUCN specialists were employed on short term consultancies. The project's goal was to prepare in-depth plans for a system of nature conservation areas (NCAs) in Oman. The resultant nature conservation programme would form part of Oman's total land use strategy. The plans were to include prescriptions for policy and law; the design of a NCA system; and proposals for the structure and operation of a Directorate General of Wildlife and Nature Conservation. This new Government entity is expected to be set up in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources . The specific requirements for the proposed NCA system were threefold. Firstly, it should be representative of Oman's varied wild habitats, terrestrial and marine: we identified, described and mapped 43 different Land Classes and 12 Marine Habitats. Secondly, it should conserve populations of all threatened and endemic wildlife found in Oman, and other species judged to be of special interest: we identified 94 plant and 100 animal taxa that fell within this grouping. Thirdly, it should protect selected sites and areas, chosen because they had interesting biotic or abiotic features. We identified and described 89 such sites. The sites comprised desert pools and seepages, coastal lagoons, tidal inlets, marine sites, botanical sites, caves, geological and geomorphological sites and landscapes. The resultant system that we designed consists of 91 NCAs, dispersed widely throughout Oman, and covering a total area of 119,798 sq. km. We proposed that there should be three different categories of NCA: national nature reserve (NNR), 59 areas; national scenic reserve (NSR), 20 areas; and national resource reserve (NRR), 12 areas. NNRs are the most strictly managed category: permanent human settlement is not permitted. NSRs may contain human settlement but the laws provide mechanisms for controlling human activities in conformity with nature conservation objectives. NRR is a temporary category of NCA, given to areas that are clearly of interest but about which insufficient is known to justify delineating NCA boundaries. NRRs are identified as priority areas for further studies that may lead to their becoming NNRs or NSRs. We also provided for the protection of selected wildlife outside the NCA system. We recommended two categories of protected wildlife: those that should be granted full protection, and those that be partially protected to the extent that controlled, licensed taking could be permitted. (The only cetacean species mentioned in this list is the humpback whale, which is tentatively classified as endangered. This is probably due to the lack of information about any other species at that time. Marine sites proposed for protection were selected "ont he basis of their having interesting sublittoral features". Selection was on the basis of biological or scenic characteristics. The authors acknowledge that the survey was limited in its study of marine sites, but believe that their proposals include so many long stretches of coastline that important habitats will be included. Marine areas proposed for first priority in active management (NNRs) include Jazirat Umm al Fayyarin (Musandam), Ras Suwadi, Daymaniyat Islands, Qurm/Fahal, Bandar Jissah, Ras al Hadd, Ras al Junays, Barr al Hikmann, Hasikiyah, Qibliyah, Marbat, Khawr Rawri and Khawr Salalah. Sawda and Hallaniya are propsed as NSR's.
Ross,J.P.
Recent marine mammal sightings in the Sultanate of Oman (1980-1981) Technical Report
no. 462, 1981.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: breeding grounds, cetacean, cetaceans, dugong, feeding, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, Oman, sanctuaries, Strandings, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Recent marine mammal sightings in the Sultanate of Oman (1980-1981)},
author = {Ross,J.P.},
year = {1981},
date = {1981-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the special meeting of the IWC to plan a programme of scientific research on cetaceans in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary, Zeist, Netherlands.},
volume = {Document 23},
number = {462},
abstract = {This brief report summarises observations of live cetaceans, strandings and interviews with local fishermen. The source of sighting and stranding information is not always clear - stranded specimens referred to in this report were curated at the Zoological Museum in Amsterdam and the ONHM are also summarised in Gallagher 1991. JPR describes one stranding of a Dugong near Barka. He also describes Masirah fishermen's observations of a large whale with "bumps on its head like coffee cups" and long white flippers that they slap on the surface. He concludes that these are almost certainly humpback whales "migrating between summer feeding and winter breeding grounds. He also suggests that they were feeding on sardines which were abundant in the region during "these months" (although months not specified). Although he indicates that Oman's coast is abundant in food, yet tropical and thus suitable for breeding, he does not explicitly suggest that the humpbacks are year-round residents.},
keywords = {breeding grounds, cetacean, cetaceans, dugong, feeding, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, Oman, sanctuaries, Strandings, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This brief report summarises observations of live cetaceans, strandings and interviews with local fishermen. The source of sighting and stranding information is not always clear - stranded specimens referred to in this report were curated at the Zoological Museum in Amsterdam and the ONHM are also summarised in Gallagher 1991. JPR describes one stranding of a Dugong near Barka. He also describes Masirah fishermen's observations of a large whale with "bumps on its head like coffee cups" and long white flippers that they slap on the surface. He concludes that these are almost certainly humpback whales "migrating between summer feeding and winter breeding grounds. He also suggests that they were feeding on sardines which were abundant in the region during "these months" (although months not specified). Although he indicates that Oman's coast is abundant in food, yet tropical and thus suitable for breeding, he does not explicitly suggest that the humpbacks are year-round residents.
Harwood,J.
Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, November - December 1980 Technical Report
no. 384, 1980.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, November - December 1980
},
author = {Harwood,J.},
year = {1980},
date = {1980-01-01},
number = {384},
pages = {1-7},
publisher = {Sea Mammal Research Unit, Cambridge},
abstract = {This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980. The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches. Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980. The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches. Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.
Harwood,J.
Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, November - December 1980 Technical Report
no. 384, 1980.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, November - December 1980
},
author = {Harwood,J.},
year = {1980},
date = {1980-01-01},
number = {384},
pages = {1-7},
publisher = {Sea Mammal Research Unit, Cambridge},
abstract = {This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980. The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches. Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980. The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches. Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.
Harwood,J.
Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, November - December 1980 Technical Report
no. 384, 1980.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, November - December 1980
},
author = {Harwood,J.},
year = {1980},
date = {1980-01-01},
number = {384},
pages = {1-7},
publisher = {Sea Mammal Research Unit, Cambridge},
abstract = {This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980. The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches. Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980. The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches. Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.
Harwood,J.
Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, November - December 1980 Technical Report
no. 384, 1980.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, November - December 1980
},
author = {Harwood,J.},
year = {1980},
date = {1980-01-01},
number = {384},
pages = {1-7},
publisher = {Sea Mammal Research Unit, Cambridge},
abstract = {This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980. The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches. Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980. The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches. Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.
Brown,S.G.
Whales observed in the Indian Ocean: notes on their distribution Journal Article
In: The Marine Observer, vol. 27, no. 339, pp. 157-165, 1957.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Australia, baleen whales, Central Indian Ocean, cetacean, density, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Oman, population, South Africa, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales
@article{,
title = {Whales observed in the Indian Ocean: notes on their distribution},
author = {Brown,S.G.},
year = {1957},
date = {1957-01-01},
journal = {The Marine Observer},
volume = {27},
number = {339},
pages = {157-165},
abstract = {The paper provides a summary of the results of a questionnaire put to merchant ships and other vessels, 80 of which provided their track data. These vessels apparently had someone on watch during all daylight hours and reported all their cetacean sightings. The authors feel confident that while some sightings could not be identified to species level, a distinction could be drawn between sperm, humpback and "rorqual" whales. The "search effort" and sightings of the ships are plotted in the paper, with the majority of search effort and a high concentration of sightings occurring in the Gulf of Aden and S coast of Oman. Only two humpback whale sightings are recorded for the Northern Arabian sea - one near the horn of Africa/Somalia, and one near Sharbitat/Likbe. An additional string 4 of humpback whale sightings are recorded off the SW coast of India in the region of the Laccadive Islands.The author himself concludes: "There is apparently no great difference in the overall density of the large whale populations per unit area north and south of the equator. The highest concentrations of whales in the Indian Ocean occur in the Gulf of Aden and its approaches, the Arabian Sea and in the zone between South Africa and Australia. The least concentration is found in the Central Indian Ocean. In summer the concentration of baleen whales in the Antarctic is very many times greater than in the Indian Ocean but there is much less difference in winter . The number of sperm whales in the ocean as a whole seems not to outnumber that of the different species of baleen whales combined. Humpback whales and rorquals are found unexpectedly far north, on the supposition that they all belong to the southern hemisphere populations. Rorquals have been observed right across the 30ø to 40ø S. zone between South Africa and Australia where ships might be expected to intercept them occasionally during their migrations."},
keywords = {Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Australia, baleen whales, Central Indian Ocean, cetacean, density, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Oman, population, South Africa, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The paper provides a summary of the results of a questionnaire put to merchant ships and other vessels, 80 of which provided their track data. These vessels apparently had someone on watch during all daylight hours and reported all their cetacean sightings. The authors feel confident that while some sightings could not be identified to species level, a distinction could be drawn between sperm, humpback and "rorqual" whales. The "search effort" and sightings of the ships are plotted in the paper, with the majority of search effort and a high concentration of sightings occurring in the Gulf of Aden and S coast of Oman. Only two humpback whale sightings are recorded for the Northern Arabian sea - one near the horn of Africa/Somalia, and one near Sharbitat/Likbe. An additional string 4 of humpback whale sightings are recorded off the SW coast of India in the region of the Laccadive Islands.The author himself concludes: "There is apparently no great difference in the overall density of the large whale populations per unit area north and south of the equator. The highest concentrations of whales in the Indian Ocean occur in the Gulf of Aden and its approaches, the Arabian Sea and in the zone between South Africa and Australia. The least concentration is found in the Central Indian Ocean. In summer the concentration of baleen whales in the Antarctic is very many times greater than in the Indian Ocean but there is much less difference in winter . The number of sperm whales in the ocean as a whole seems not to outnumber that of the different species of baleen whales combined. Humpback whales and rorquals are found unexpectedly far north, on the supposition that they all belong to the southern hemisphere populations. Rorquals have been observed right across the 30ø to 40ø S. zone between South Africa and Australia where ships might be expected to intercept them occasionally during their migrations."