@article{,

title = {Whale Distribution in the Northern Arabian Sea along Coast of Pakistan in 2019 based on the information obtained through Fisheries Crew-Based Observer Programme},

author = {Moazzam Khan ,Rab Nawaz, Babar Khan, Sudheer Ahmed. },

url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341776439_Whale_Distribution_in_the_Northern_Arabian_Sea_along_Coast_of_Pakistan_in_2019_based_on_the_information_obtained_through_Fisheries_Crew-Based_Observer_Programme},

isbn = { SC/67A/CMP/05},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

urldate = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},

volume = {SC/68B/CMP/08},

number = {170},

pages = {11},

institution = {Document presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},

abstract = {In 2012 WWF-Pakistan initiated an observer programme to monitor tuna gillnet operations in the coastal and offshore waters of Pakistan. Among other things, these observers were assigned to report observations of whales encountered during fishing operations. These vessels (with onboard observers) provided a platform of opportunity for recording the spatial and temporal distribution of whales in the Northern Arabian Sea. During 2019 a total of 7 sightings of Arabian Sea humpback whales, 1 sighting each of blue whales and Bryde’s whales, 6 sightings of sperm whales,8 sightings of baleen whales (that could not be identified to species level due to lack of adequate photographic or video evidence) and 3 records of entanglement and mortality of Cuvier’s beaked whales..

Fewer whales were recorded through the programme in 2019  than 2018 and 2017 when a total of 35 and 95 sightings of whale were recorded respectively. This decrease in sightings is attributed to many factors, including early closure of the fishing season in early April 2019 because of  low catches and unreliable prices of tuna in the market. As such the fishery was closed for four months from mid-April to mid-August instead of the usual two months of June and July.

Extremely high sea surface temperatures during September to October 2019 (possibly an oceanic heat wave) were believed to be the cause of reduced tuna catches. Therefore, only a few tuna boats remained operational  during this period. An unprecedented jellyfish bloom of Crambionella orsini  from September 2019 onward forced fishermen to stop fishing operations during this period. Furthermore, the observer programme was completed on September, 2019, after which only 45 out of 75 observers voluntarily continued to provide information about sightings. The paper also reports on two baleen whale strandings - a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) stranded on the rocky shore at Gunz, western coast of Pakistan and a blue whale in Pushukan, Gwadar (West Bay).},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, Bryde's whale, Bycatch, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Observer programmes, Pakistan},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Confirmed sightings of the Killer Whale, Orcinus orca, in Iranian waters (Mammalia: Cetacea)},

author = {Mohsenian, Nazanin,Moshiri, Hamed,Tollab, Amin,Bargahi, Hamid Reza,Braulik, Gill T.,Gemmell, Georgina L.,Collins, Tim},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/09397140.2019.1596590},

issn = {0939-7140},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Zoology in the Middle East},

volume = {65},

number = {171},

pages = {280-282},

publisher = {Taylor & Francis},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Iran, killer whale, Orcinus orca, Persian Gulf},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Risk of biodiversity collapse under climate change in the Afro-Arabian region},

author = {Soultan, Alaaeldin,Wikelski, Martin,Safi, Kamran},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-37851-6},

issn = {2045-2322},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Scientific Reports},

volume = {9},

number = {236},

pages = {955},

abstract = {For 107 endemic mammal species in the Afro-Arabian region, Sahara-Sahel and Arabian Desert, we used ensemble species distribution models to: (1) identify the hotspot areas for conservation, (2) assess the potential impact of the projected climate change on the distribution of the focal species, and (3) assign IUCN threat categories for the focal species according to the predicted changes in their potential distribution range. We identified two main hotspot areas for endemic mammals: the Sinai and its surrounding coastal area in the East, and the Mediterranean Coast around Morocco in the West. Alarmingly, our results indicate that about 17% of the endemic mammals in the Afro-Arabian region under the current climate change scenarios could go extinct before 2050. Overall, a substantial number of the endemic species will change from the IUCN threat category “Least Concern” to “Critically Endangered” or “Extinct” in the coming decades. Accordingly, we call for implementing an urgent proactive conservation action for these endemic species, particularly those that face a high risk of extinction in the next few years. The results of our study provide conservation managers and practitioners with the required information for implementing an effective conservation plan to protect the biodiversity of the Afro-Arabian region.},

keywords = {Arabia, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, biodiversity, Climate change, conservation status, extinction, IUCN Red List, Threat assessment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Climate change impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries and society in the Arabian Gulf},

author = {Wabnitz, Colette C. C.,Lam, Vicky W. Y.,Reygondeau, Gabriel,Teh, Lydia C. L.,Al-Abdulrazzak, Dalal,Khalfallah, Myriam,Pauly, Daniel,Palomares, Maria L. Deng,Zeller, Dirk,Cheung, William W. L.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194537},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {PLOS ONE},

volume = {13},

number = {494},

pages = {e0194537},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {Climate change–reflected in significant environmental changes such as warming, sea level rise, shifts in salinity, oxygen and other ocean conditions–is expected to impact marine organisms and associated fisheries. This study provides an assessment of the potential impacts on, and the vulnerability of, marine biodiversity and fisheries catches in the Arabian Gulf under climate change. To this end, using three separate niche modelling approaches under a ‘business-as-usual’ climate change scenario, we projected the future habitat suitability of the Arabian Gulf (also known as the Persian Gulf) for 55 expert-identified priority species, including charismatic and non-fish species. Second, we conducted a vulnerability assessment of national economies to climate change impacts on fisheries. The modelling outputs suggested a high rate of local extinction (up to 35% of initial species richness) by 2090 relative to 2010. Spatially, projected local extinctions are highest in the southwestern part of the Gulf, off the coast of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the projected patterns provided useful indicators of potential climate change impacts on the region’s diversity, the magnitude of changes in habitat suitability are more uncertain. Fisheries-specific results suggested reduced future catch potential for several countries on the western side of the Gulf, with projections differing only slightly among models. Qatar and the UAE were particularly affected, with more than a 26% drop in future fish catch potential. Integrating changes in catch potential with socio-economic indicators suggested the fisheries of Bahrain and Iran may be most vulnerable to climate change. We discuss limitations of the indicators and the methods used, as well as the implications of our overall findings for conservation and fisheries management policies in the region.},

keywords = {Arabia, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, biodiversity, Climate change, diversity, economic impact, Fisheries, Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Turtles and other marine megafauna bycatch in artisanal fisheries in the Saudi waters of the Arabian Gulf},

author = {Abdulqader, Ebrahim A. A.,Miller, Jeff,Al-Mansi, Ahmed,Al-Abdulkader, Khaled,Fita, Nabil,Al-Nadhiri, Hussein,Rabaoui, Lotfi},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783617302229},

issn = {0165-7836},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Fisheries Research},

volume = {196},

number = {1},

pages = {75-84},

abstract = {Fisheries impacts on marine megafauna have received global attention and are recognized as a serious problem. In Saudi waters of the Arabian Gulf, the artisanal fishery is responsible for 99.6% of landings. It uses a range of boat sizes and various types of fishing gears and operates in all accessible areas from shallow coastal bays to deep offshore waters. The objective of this work is to assess the captures and the impact of all fishing gear types used by the Saudi artisanal fishery on four marine megafauna groups: turtles, birds, dolphins, and dugongs (Dugong dugon). Nine questionnaire surveys were carried out from May 2013 to November 2014, covering a two-month period each. Ten main gear types were found to be used by 25 directed fisheries, including shrimp trawl, wire trap, hand line, troll, pelagic and demersal longline, and drift, surrounding, fixed, and set gillnets. Turtles were captured in relatively high numbers (4726 captures year−1) in nine directed fisheries, among which shrimp trawl fishery was responsible for 86.3% of the captures. The lowest capture rates were found with birds (13.1 captures year−1) and dolphins (7.4 captures year−1), related mainly with the Spanish mackerel longline and Indian mackerel surrounding gillnet fisheries. No dugong captures were recorded. In all, the Saudi artisanal fishery operating in the Arabian Gulf has a high impact on turtles and low impact on birds and dolphins. No impact on dugongs was reported during this study.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, marine turtles, Megafauna, Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea Humpback whale population},

author = {Dakhteh, Seyed M. H.,Ranjbar, Sharif,Moazeni, Mostafa,Mohsenian, Nazanin,Delshab, Hossein,Moshiri, Hamed,Nabavi, Seyed M. B.,Van Waerebeek, Koen},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Marine Biology & Oceanography},

volume = {6},

number = {77},

pages = {1-6},

abstract = {The humpback whale has long been considered a rare straggler into the Persian Gulf, however new evidence contradicts this concept. We here critically review published and new records for Megaptera novaeangliae occurrence in the Gulf for the period 1883-2017. Of eight authenticated records (6 specimens, 2 live-sightings), seven are contemporary cases while one is a mid-Holocene specimen from UAE. An additional four are possible but unsubstantiated reports. Four regional, current, range states are confirmed, i.e. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. Four of the five newly reported cases are from Iran's coastal waters. We conclude that the Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea humpback whale population, and has been since at least the mid-Holocene. It is unknown whether frequent passage occurs through the Strait of Hormuz or whether whales are (semi)resident. The low abundance of this endangered population and frequent deleterious anthropogenic events, particularly ship strikes and net entanglements, are cause for major concern. In view of its historical and taxonomic relevance, the formal description of Megaptera indica Gervais, 1883, from Iraq, now thought to be a subspecies M. novaeangliae indica, is here translated from French.%U http://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2017/09/06/185033.full.pdf},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The distribution, abundance and group dynamics of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (},

author = {Díaz López, Bruno,Grandcourt, Edwin,Methion, Séverine,Das, Himansu,Bugla, Ibrahim,Al Hameli, Maitha,Al Ameri, Hind,Abdulla, Mohamed,Al Blooshi, Ayesha,Al Dhaheri, Shaikha},

url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/article/distribution-abundance-and-group-dynamics-of-indian-ocean-humpback-dolphins-sousa-plumbea-in-the-emirate-of-abu-dhabi-uae/9FB6BE811A329C1A0BA57F0BDFC65AB3},

issn = {0025-3154},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

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

number = {88},

pages = {1-9},

publisher = {Cambridge University Press},

abstract = {The Arabian Gulf is one of the most heavily impacted water bodies raising serious concerns about the conservation status of many marine species. A limited coastal range and near-shore distribution make Indian Ocean humpback dolphins particularly vulnerable to mortality and traumatic injuries from heavy maritime traffic and gill-netting practices. Prior to the present study, no research had focused on the ecology of this species in the Arabian Gulf, despite the potential for human impacts. The mark–recapture method of photo-identification, undertaken during 55 boat-based surveys conducted between 2014 and 2015, was used to assess the occurrence, abundance and use of habitat of this endangered species along the coast of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE). In all, 368 h and 6703 km of observation were carried out over a period of 5 months, and 54 encounters were made with humpback dolphins. The group size ranged from 1 to 24 individuals and group composition showed that 79% of the observed dolphins were adults. Abundance estimates were calculated and fitted with open population models. A review of all available data indicates that the studied population is the largest reported in the world with 701 (95% CI = 473–845) individuals. While their occurrence within Abu Dhabi near-shore waters is frequent, the survey area appears to be only a part of a much larger home range for this humpback dolphin population. The observation of multiple threats derived from anthropogenic activities increases our concerns regarding the conservation of this important dolphin population.},

keywords = {abundance, Arabian Gulf, coastal environment, conservation, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, Persian Gulf, photo-identification, sousa},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

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

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {PLOS ONE},

volume = {12},

number = {446},

pages = {e0185360},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Omura's whale (Balaenoptera omurai) stranding on Qeshm Island, Iran: further evidence for a wide (sub)tropical distribution, including the Persian Gulf},

author = {Ranjbar, Sharif,Dakhteh, Mohammad Sayed,Van Waerebeek, Koen},

url = {http://biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2016/03/07/042614.full.pdf},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {bioRxiv},

number = {202},

abstract = {A small, juvenile rorqual live-stranded on Qeshm Island, Iran, in the northern Strait of Hormuz (Persian Gulf) in September 2007. Cause of stranding remains unknown but the whale (QE22.09.2007) showed no severe traumatic injuries nor was emaciated. Based on at least seven morphological features, considered diagnostic in combination, allowed a positive identification as Omura's whale Balaenoptera omurai. Features included diminutive body size (397 cm), a large number of ventral grooves (n=82) extending caudad of the umbilicus, a strongly falcate dorsal fin, asymmetric colouration of the head (especially lower jaws) reminiscent of fin whale, including three unilateral dark stripes, faint/incomplete lateral rostral ridges, record low number of short, broad baleen plates (204 in right jaw). The likelihood for the existence of a local B. omurai population in the eastern Persian Gulf or northern Arabian Sea seems higher than the wandering of a very young animal or mother/calf pair from any of the known distant distribution areas in the eastern Indian Ocean or SW Indian Ocean (Madagascar). This is the first record of B. omurai in the NW Indian Ocean.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera omurai, Distribution, Iran, Persian Gulf, stranding},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

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

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {PLoS ONE},

volume = {11},

number = {445},

pages = {e0158593},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Identification of Important Sea Turtle Areas (ITAs) for hawksbill turtles in the Arabian Region},

author = {Pilcher, Nicolas J.,Antonopoulou, Marina,Perry, Lisa,Abdel-Moati, Mohamed A.,Al Abdessalaam, Thabit Zahran,Albeldawi, Mohammad,Al Ansi, Mehsin,Al-Mohannadi, Salman Fahad,Al Zahlawi, Nessrine,Baldwin, Robert,Chikhi, Ahmed,Das, Himansu Sekhar,Hamza, Shafeeq,Kerr, Oliver J.,Al Kiyumi, Ali,Mobaraki, Asghar,Al Suwaidi, Hana Saif,Al Suweidi, Ali Saqar,Sawaf, Moaz,Tourenq, Christophe,Williams, James,Willson, Andrew},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098114001816},

issn = {0022-0981},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology},

volume = {460},

number = {428},

pages = {89-99},

abstract = {We present the first data on hawksbill turtle post-nesting migrations and behaviour in the Arabian region. Tracks from 90 post-nesting turtles (65 in the Gulf and 25 from Oman) revealed that hawksbills in the Arabian region may nest up to 6 times in a season with an average of 3 nests per turtle. Turtles from Qatar, Iran and the UAE generally migrated south and southwest to waters shared by the UAE and Qatar. A smaller number of turtles migrated northward towards Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and one reached Kuwait. Omani turtles migrated south towards Masirah island and to Quwayrah, staying close to the mainland and over the continental shelf. The widespread dispersal of hawksbill foraging grounds across the SW Gulf may limit habitat protection options available to managers, and we suggest these be linked to preservation of shallow water habitats and fishery management. In contrast, the two main foraging areas in Oman were small and could be candidates for protected area consideration. Critical migration bottlenecks were identified at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula as turtles from Daymaniyat Islands migrate southward, and between Qatar and Bahrain. Overall, Gulf turtles spent 68% of the time in foraging ground with home ranges of 40–60 km2 and small core areas of 6 km2. Adult female turtles from Oman were significantly larger than Gulf turtles by ~ 11 cm x ¯ = 81.4 CCL and spent 83% of their time foraging in smaller home ranges with even smaller core areas (~ 3 km2), likely due to better habitat quality and food availability. Gulf turtles were among the smallest in the world x ¯ = 70.3 CCL and spent an average of 20% of time undertaking summer migration loops, a thermoregulatory response to avoid elevated sea surface temperatures, as the Gulf regularly experiences sustained sea surface temperatures > 30 °C. Fishery bycatch was determined for two of the 90 turtles. These spatio-temporal findings on habitat use will enable risk assessments for turtles in the face of multiple threats including oil and gas industries, urban and industrial development, fishery pressure, and shipping. They also improve our overall understanding of hawksbill habitat use and behaviour in the Arabian region, and will support sea turtle conservation-related policy decision-making at national and regional levels.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Conservation and management, Eretmochelys imbricata, habitat use, Persian Gulf, Satellite tracking},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Biotically constrained palaeoenvironmental conditions of a mid-Holocene intertidal lagoon on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf: evidence associated with a whale skeleton at Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, UAE},

author = {Stewart, J. R.,Aspinall, S.,Beech, M.,Fenberg, P.,Hellyer, P.,Larkin, N.,Lokier, S. W.,Marx, F. G.,Meyer, M.,Miller, R.,Rainbow, P. S.,Taylor, J. D.,Whittaker, J. E.,Al-Mehsin, K.,Strohmenger, C. J.},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277379111002836},

issn = {0277-3791},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Quaternary Science Reviews},

volume = {30},

number = {238},

pages = {3675-3690},

abstract = {Whale remains (a left and right mandible, scapula, humerus and fragmentary radius and ulna as well as parts of the cranium and rostrum) belonging to a probable humpback whale (Megaptera cf. novaeangliae) were found in the well-described sabkha sequence exposed in the Musaffah Industrial Channel, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. More precisely, the whale remains were found in a series of sediments representing a range of lagoonal facies. The sediments surrounding the whale bones were age-dated at approximately 5200 14C yrsBP and are therefore interpreted to correspond to the previously documented late Flandrian sea-level peak, preceding a fall in sea-level which culminated in the supratidal sabkha overprint of the carbonates. Associated with the whale remains is an assemblage of molluscs, foraminifera and ostracods. Together with the inferred presence of sea grass and algae, these facies are interpreted to indicate a very shallow subtidal to intertidal lagoonal environment. Cirripede remains found associated with the skeleton were identified as those of the whale barnacle Coronula diadema and hence had their origins with the whale. Significantly, the low species diversity of microfossils suggests that higher salinities existed in the mid-Holocene lagoon than are present in modern counterparts. This is here inferred to be related to the onset of continental aridity in Arabia during the mid-Holocene.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, United Arab Emirates},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Zoology in the Middle East},

volume = {49},

number = {335},

pages = {13-26},

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {The Gulf: a young sea in decline},

author = {Sheppard, Charles,Al-Husiani, Mohsen,Al-Jamali, F,Al-Yamani, Faiza,Baldwin, Rob,Bishop, James,Benzoni, Francesca,Dutrieux, Eric,Dulvy, Nicholas K,Durvasula, Subba Rao V},

issn = {0025-326X},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin},

volume = {60},

number = {223},

pages = {13-38},

abstract = {This review examines the substantial changes that have taken place in marine habitats and resources of

the Gulf over the past decade. The habitats are especially interesting because of the naturally high levels

of temperature and salinity stress they experience, which is important in a changing world climate. However,

the extent of all natural habitats is changing and their condition deteriorating because of the rapid

development of the region and, in some cases from severe, episodic warming episodes.

Major impacts come from numerous industrial, infrastructure-based, and residential and tourism

development activities, which together combine, synergistically in some cases, to cause the observed

deterioration in most benthic habitats. Substantial sea bottom dredging for material and its deposition

in shallow water to extend land or to form a basis for huge developments, directly removes large areas

of shallow, productive habitat, though in some cases the most important effect is the accompanying sedimentation

or changes to water flows and conditions. The large scale of the activities compared to the

relatively shallow and small size of the water body is a particularly important issue.

Important from the perspective of controlling damaging effects is the limited cross-border collaboration

and even intra-country collaboration among government agencies and large projects. Along with

the accumulative nature of impacts that occur, even where each project receives environmental assessment

or attention, each is treated more or less alone, rarely in combination. However, their combination

in such a small, biologically interacting sea exacerbates the overall deterioration. Very few similar areas exist which face such a high concentration of disturbance, and the prognosis for the Gulf continuing to

provide abundant natural resources is poor.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, conservation, habitat degradation, Persian Gulf},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

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

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {Aquatic Mammals},

volume = {30},

number = {319},

pages = {111-124},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Hydrology and circulation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman—Results from the GOGP99 Experiment: 1. Strait of Hormuz},

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

issn = {2156-2202},

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans},

volume = {109},

number = {437},

abstract = {In October and early November 1999, the GOGP99 experiment collected hydrological,

currentmeter, tide recorder, thermistor and drifting buoy data near the Strait of Hormuz. Data

analysis provides the water mass structure in the Strait: Persian Gulf Water (PGW) core is

banked against the Omani coast, while Indian Ocean Surface Water (IOSW) lies near the

Iranian coast. These water masses are most often covered by a homogeneous surface layer.

Thermohaline characteristics of the PGW core decrease substantially downstream, from the

Persian/Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. PGWand IOSW thermohaline characteristics

and distribution also exhibit notable changes at periods shorter than a month as shown by

repeated hydrological sections. The tidal signal measured south of the Strait by moored

ADCP and thermistor chains has predominant semi-diurnal M2 and S2 and diurnal K1

components and possesses a complex vertical structure. Tidal intensification near the surface

pycnocline is associated with noticeable internal waves. At subtidal timescale, mooring

recordings confirm the water mass variability observed in the repeated hydrological sections.

The mixed layer also deepens substantially during the 1-month period. Finally, trajectories of

surface buoys drogued at 15 m exhibit reversals over periods characteristic of changes in

wind direction},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, hydrology, Musandam, oceanography, Oman, Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

year  = {1999},

date = {1999-01-01},

journal = {Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science},

volume = {49},

number = {474},

pages = {87-97},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {A note on sightings of sperm whales off the coasts of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, October 1994 to October 1997},

author = {Baldwin, Robert.},

year  = {1998},

date = {1998-01-01},

journal = {International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee Document SC/50/CAWS22.  Cambridge, UK.},

number = {301},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Oman, Persian Gulf, sperm whales, UAE},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Les types de cétacés actuels du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. I: Balaenopteridae, Kogiidae, Ziphiidae, Iniidae, Pontoporiidae},

author = {Robineau, D.},

issn = {0181-0626},

year  = {1989},

date = {1989-01-01},

journal = {Bulletin du Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Section A, Zoologie, biologie et écologie animales},

volume = {11},

number = {207},

pages = {271-289},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, museum, Persian Gulf},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

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

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

year  = {1987},

date = {1987-01-01},

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

volume = {84 },

number = {357},

pages = {505-525},

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

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

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Neophocaena phocaenoides},

author = {al-Robaae, Khalaf.},

year  = {1975},

date = {1975-01-01},

journal = {Bulletin of the Basrah Natural History Museum},

volume = {2},

number = {286},

pages = {47-49},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Finless Porpoise, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Remarks on the distribution and migration of whales},

author = {Slijper,E.J.,Van Utrecht,W.L.,Naaktgeboren,C.},

year  = {1964},

date = {1964-01-01},

journal = {Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde},

volume = {34},

number = {475},

pages = {4-86},

abstract = {The authors gained the cooperation of the Netherlands Association of Ship Owners and the Royal Netherlands Navy in a project to collect all whale sightings from vessels sailing around the globe between 1954 and 1957. A total of 4500 reports of 11,000 animals were received, with the majority of observations coming from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Vessels were given identification guides and all reported observations were scored on the perceived reliability of the identification.  All Rorqual whales were grouped together, and a further distinction was made between humpback, sperm, right whales and "little piked whales" (minke whales).  Sightings were plotted in 10 degree squares according to number of whales observed per 1000 hours steamed in daylight.  Special attention is given to the observations of Captain W.F.J. Morzer Bruins, who the authors describe as a keen naturalist whose observations hold more credibility than those of others.  His observations in the Indian Ocean include a high number of sperm whales off the southern coast of Oman and the Gulf of Aden in January-March and April-June, a scattering of stranded blue and fin whales along the W coast of India, and only 2 stranded and 2 live humpback whales (strandings both in India, and live sightings near Yemen/Oman border? and off S tip of India (near Maldives?).  The larger number of compiled sightings from vessels are presented by species.  Rorqual sightings were plentiful in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and Pakistan, and in the Arabian Gulf (but not as plentiful as they were in the area between 30 and 40 degrees S.  The author concludes that the majority of the whales observed in the NIO do not belong to the Southern Hemisphere stock, but suggests that they migrate from the North Pacific through the Indonesian Archipelago and the Strait Malaya (despite very few observations here).  He briefly considers, but discards as unlikely, the hypothesis of a resident NIO stock.The total number of humpback whale sightings in the IO amounted to 500 (compared to 1618 rorqual sightings and 799 "whale" sightings).  The majority of animals were observed in coastal waters, and NIO sightings were generally concentrated in the months of Aug-Nov and Jan-April.  some of the highest recorded densities in the NIO are off of Pakistan  in the months of March, Aug, Oct, and December, but it is not clear how closely related this is to observer effort.  Observations are very few in May, June, July and September, and the authors do not link this to the monsoon -but rather conclude that the whales are not present at that time. Although few calves were observed in the NIO, those that were observed, were all observed in November, January or September (but no indication is given of calf size). The authors conclude that this is evidence that the observed whales do not belong to the S. Hem stock, but are more likely from the N.Pacific, despite the fact that there are "no sightings of humpbacks in the south China Sea or the Indonesian Archipelago that could support this assumption".  Sperm whales were observed with regularity throughout the year in the NIO, but in lower densities than Rorquals.  A low number of sightings in the NIO during summer months again leads the author to conclude that the animals either migrate South or to the N. Pacific.  This species, according to the authors is always associated with areas of high productivity.Minke whales were recorded in low densities in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Pakistan, but not in the central or Northern coasts of Oman.},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Atlantic, density, Distribution, fin whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Maldives, migration, minke whale, minke whales, North Pacific, Oman, Pakistan, productivity, right whale, right whales, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, Strandings, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{,

title = {Sur une Nouvelle Espèce de Mégaptère (Megaptera indica) Provenant du Golfe Persique},

author = {Gervais,H.P.},

year  = {1888},

date = {1888-01-01},

journal = {Nouvelles archives du Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris},

volume = {10},

number = {99},

pages = {199-218},

keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, taxonomy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}