Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Leroy, E.C.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,baldwin, R,Cholewiak, D.,Collins, T.,Minton, Gianna,Rasoloarijao, T.,Rogers, T.,Sarrouf Willson, M.
A new blue whale song-type described for the Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean Technical Report
no. 513, 2020.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, behaviour, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song
@techreport{,
title = {A new blue whale song-type described for the Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean },
author = {Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Leroy, E.C.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,baldwin, R,Cholewiak, D.,Collins, T.,Minton, Gianna,Rasoloarijao, T.,Rogers, T.,Sarrouf Willson, M.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sc_68b_info_28_-new-blue-whale-call-from-oman-2.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Report Presented to the Scientific Committee meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {513},
publisher = {IWC},
abstract = {Blue whales in the Indian Ocean (IO) are currently thought to represent two or three subspecies (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia, B. m. brevicauda, B. m. indica), and are structured into four populations with diagnostic song-types. Here we describe a previously unreported song-type that implies the existence of a population that has been undetected or conflated with another population. The song-type was recorded off Oman in the northern IO/Arabian Sea, off the western Chagos Archipelago in the equatorial central IO, and off Madagascar in the southwestern IO. As this is the only blue whale song that has been identified in the western Arabian Sea, we label it the “Oman” song-type to distinguish it from other regionally classified song-types. Spatiotemporal variation at the three sites suggested a distribution west of 70°E, with potential affinity for the northern IO/Arabian Sea, and only minor presence in the southwestern IO. Timing of presence off Oman suggests that intensive illegal Soviet whaling that took 1,294 blue whales in the 1960s likely targeted this population, as opposed to the more widely spread “Sri Lanka” acoustic population as previously assumed. Based upon geographic distribution and potential aseasonal reproduction found in the Soviet catch data, we suggest that if there is a northern Indian Ocean subspecies (B. m. c.f. indica), it is likely this population. Moreover, the potentially restricted range, intensive historic whaling, and the fact that the song-type has been previously undetected, suggests a small population that is in critical need of status assessment and conservation action. },
keywords = {acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, behaviour, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Blue whales in the Indian Ocean (IO) are currently thought to represent two or three subspecies (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia, B. m. brevicauda, B. m. indica), and are structured into four populations with diagnostic song-types. Here we describe a previously unreported song-type that implies the existence of a population that has been undetected or conflated with another population. The song-type was recorded off Oman in the northern IO/Arabian Sea, off the western Chagos Archipelago in the equatorial central IO, and off Madagascar in the southwestern IO. As this is the only blue whale song that has been identified in the western Arabian Sea, we label it the “Oman” song-type to distinguish it from other regionally classified song-types. Spatiotemporal variation at the three sites suggested a distribution west of 70°E, with potential affinity for the northern IO/Arabian Sea, and only minor presence in the southwestern IO. Timing of presence off Oman suggests that intensive illegal Soviet whaling that took 1,294 blue whales in the 1960s likely targeted this population, as opposed to the more widely spread “Sri Lanka” acoustic population as previously assumed. Based upon geographic distribution and potential aseasonal reproduction found in the Soviet catch data, we suggest that if there is a northern Indian Ocean subspecies (B. m. c.f. indica), it is likely this population. Moreover, the potentially restricted range, intensive historic whaling, and the fact that the song-type has been previously undetected, suggests a small population that is in critical need of status assessment and conservation action.
Sutaria, D.
A Report On Baleen Whale Records And Recent Developments In Marine Mammal Research And Conservation Policy - Update From India Technical Report
no. 240, 2019, ISSN: SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding
@techreport{,
title = {A Report On Baleen Whale Records And Recent Developments In Marine Mammal Research And Conservation Policy - Update From India},
author = {Sutaria, D.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sc_67a_cmp_03_rev1_baleen-whale-records-from-india-1.pdf},
issn = { SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {240},
pages = {6},
abstract = {Twelve baleen whale reports were collected from June 2018 to May 2019. Of these seven were of live sightings reported by participatory fisher and diver networks along the coast, including two Bryde’s whale groups, and two separate humpback whale sightings of one individual each. The rest were unidentified baleen whale sightings. These reports are summarised here. Five ‘hotspot areas’ of the west coast, were identified, where information was gathered by interviewing fishers and inviting them to be part of a growing participatory reporting network. . We plan to continue this work in 2019-20 with passive acoustic monitoring using SoundTraps in two of the five hotspots. At the National level the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New Delhi has developed a National Arabian Sea Humpback whale Research and Recovery program. National and State-level programs are being developed, with support from the author and a wider research network in India. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local teams, to carry out long term research and conservation, including a net disentanglement workshop. },
keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Twelve baleen whale reports were collected from June 2018 to May 2019. Of these seven were of live sightings reported by participatory fisher and diver networks along the coast, including two Bryde’s whale groups, and two separate humpback whale sightings of one individual each. The rest were unidentified baleen whale sightings. These reports are summarised here. Five ‘hotspot areas’ of the west coast, were identified, where information was gathered by interviewing fishers and inviting them to be part of a growing participatory reporting network. . We plan to continue this work in 2019-20 with passive acoustic monitoring using SoundTraps in two of the five hotspots. At the National level the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New Delhi has developed a National Arabian Sea Humpback whale Research and Recovery program. National and State-level programs are being developed, with support from the author and a wider research network in India. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with local teams, to carry out long term research and conservation, including a net disentanglement workshop.
Willson, A.,Minton, A. Gianna.,Collins, T. ,Al Harthi, S.,Sarrouf Willson, M.,Cerchio, S,Braulik, G.,Baldwin, R.
Oman Research Update; documenting cetacean diversity and blue whale feeding habitat in Dhofar, southern Oman Technical Report
no. 505, 2019.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acoustic, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Distribution, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, photo identification
@techreport{,
title = {Oman Research Update; documenting cetacean diversity and blue whale feeding habitat in Dhofar, southern Oman},
author = {Willson, A.,Minton, A. Gianna.,Collins, T. ,Al Harthi, S.,Sarrouf Willson, M.,Cerchio, S,Braulik, G.,Baldwin, R.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetworkdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/sc_68a_cmp_08_oman-research-update.pdf},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
urldate = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Paper presented to the 2019 meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {505},
pages = {14},
publisher = {IWC},
abstract = {Cetacean research has been conducted in Dhofar, southern Oman, since 2000 During this time efforts have been
primarily focused on documenting the distribution, abundance, and ecology of an Endangered population of
Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHWs). The research has revealed the Hallaniyats Bay (including our study
site measuring approximately 10,000km2
) to be a habitat of importance for reproductive and foraging related
behaviours. Simultaneously the field surveys have revealed high cetacean diversity in the area, with over 18
species documented at the site, out of a total of 22 species known for the Arabian peninsula between 2003 and
2016. Short opportunistic surveys conducted March 2018 to April 2019 continue to provide evidence of the
ecological importance of the area for a diverse array of species, including several species of large baleen whales
(including humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and blue whales) as well as a range of large, medium and small
odontocetes. Most recently, in April 2019, blue whales were observed over a three-day period, engaged in
behaviour associated with feeding. As well as documenting this important ecological event the team was able to
collect photographic, tissue and faecal samples that are expected to help resolve issues related to taxonomy and
population structure of blue whales in the northern Indian Ocean. The high levels of cetacean diversity and the
regular occurrence of species of scientific and conservation interest documented within a recent Important
Marine Mammal Area workshop suggest that the area warrants conservation management attention to maintain
its current ‘near-wilderness’ state. },
keywords = {acoustic, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Distribution, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, photo identification},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Cetacean research has been conducted in Dhofar, southern Oman, since 2000 During this time efforts have been
primarily focused on documenting the distribution, abundance, and ecology of an Endangered population of
Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHWs). The research has revealed the Hallaniyats Bay (including our study
site measuring approximately 10,000km2
) to be a habitat of importance for reproductive and foraging related
behaviours. Simultaneously the field surveys have revealed high cetacean diversity in the area, with over 18
species documented at the site, out of a total of 22 species known for the Arabian peninsula between 2003 and
2016. Short opportunistic surveys conducted March 2018 to April 2019 continue to provide evidence of the
ecological importance of the area for a diverse array of species, including several species of large baleen whales
(including humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and blue whales) as well as a range of large, medium and small
odontocetes. Most recently, in April 2019, blue whales were observed over a three-day period, engaged in
behaviour associated with feeding. As well as documenting this important ecological event the team was able to
collect photographic, tissue and faecal samples that are expected to help resolve issues related to taxonomy and
population structure of blue whales in the northern Indian Ocean. The high levels of cetacean diversity and the
regular occurrence of species of scientific and conservation interest documented within a recent Important
Marine Mammal Area workshop suggest that the area warrants conservation management attention to maintain
its current ‘near-wilderness’ state.
primarily focused on documenting the distribution, abundance, and ecology of an Endangered population of
Arabian Sea humpback whales (ASHWs). The research has revealed the Hallaniyats Bay (including our study
site measuring approximately 10,000km2
) to be a habitat of importance for reproductive and foraging related
behaviours. Simultaneously the field surveys have revealed high cetacean diversity in the area, with over 18
species documented at the site, out of a total of 22 species known for the Arabian peninsula between 2003 and
2016. Short opportunistic surveys conducted March 2018 to April 2019 continue to provide evidence of the
ecological importance of the area for a diverse array of species, including several species of large baleen whales
(including humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and blue whales) as well as a range of large, medium and small
odontocetes. Most recently, in April 2019, blue whales were observed over a three-day period, engaged in
behaviour associated with feeding. As well as documenting this important ecological event the team was able to
collect photographic, tissue and faecal samples that are expected to help resolve issues related to taxonomy and
population structure of blue whales in the northern Indian Ocean. The high levels of cetacean diversity and the
regular occurrence of species of scientific and conservation interest documented within a recent Important
Marine Mammal Area workshop suggest that the area warrants conservation management attention to maintain
its current ‘near-wilderness’ state.
Sutaria, D.
Baleen whale reports from the eastern Arabian Sea based on interview surveys and stranding reports - update from India Technical Report
no. 483, 2018, ISSN: SC/67B/CMP/15.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding
@techreport{,
title = {Baleen whale reports from the eastern Arabian Sea based on interview surveys and stranding reports - update from India},
author = {Sutaria, D.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sc_67b_cmp_15_baleen-whale-records-from-india-1.pdf},
issn = { SC/67B/CMP/15},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {483},
pages = {16},
abstract = {In 2017-18, seven unidentified baleen whales, two Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) and two
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been reported from the west coast of India (eastern
Arabian Sea). The stranding and sighting reports are summarised here. Fishers were interviewed from
south Gujarat to west Tamil Nadu, for baleen whale sighting events to identify hotspots, and to collect
community perceptions towards baleen whales. Based on these interviews, along with data on
strandings, opportunistic song recordings, and the recent presence of a satellite tagged whale from
Oman, seven regions have been identified as hotspots and habitats used by humpback whales.
Humpback whales in these areas seem to be common during the months of January to March. We
continue our work in 2018-20 with systematic vessel based surveys using dipping hydrophones in four
of the seven hotspots. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with
local and international teams, to carry out in-depth analyses of stranding events, and for a larger
coverage in visual surveys with the future use of static passive acoustic monitoring systems.},
keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
In 2017-18, seven unidentified baleen whales, two Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) and two
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been reported from the west coast of India (eastern
Arabian Sea). The stranding and sighting reports are summarised here. Fishers were interviewed from
south Gujarat to west Tamil Nadu, for baleen whale sighting events to identify hotspots, and to collect
community perceptions towards baleen whales. Based on these interviews, along with data on
strandings, opportunistic song recordings, and the recent presence of a satellite tagged whale from
Oman, seven regions have been identified as hotspots and habitats used by humpback whales.
Humpback whales in these areas seem to be common during the months of January to March. We
continue our work in 2018-20 with systematic vessel based surveys using dipping hydrophones in four
of the seven hotspots. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with
local and international teams, to carry out in-depth analyses of stranding events, and for a larger
coverage in visual surveys with the future use of static passive acoustic monitoring systems.
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been reported from the west coast of India (eastern
Arabian Sea). The stranding and sighting reports are summarised here. Fishers were interviewed from
south Gujarat to west Tamil Nadu, for baleen whale sighting events to identify hotspots, and to collect
community perceptions towards baleen whales. Based on these interviews, along with data on
strandings, opportunistic song recordings, and the recent presence of a satellite tagged whale from
Oman, seven regions have been identified as hotspots and habitats used by humpback whales.
Humpback whales in these areas seem to be common during the months of January to March. We
continue our work in 2018-20 with systematic vessel based surveys using dipping hydrophones in four
of the seven hotspots. We recommend dedicated baleen whale surveys and collaborative efforts with
local and international teams, to carry out in-depth analyses of stranding events, and for a larger
coverage in visual surveys with the future use of static passive acoustic monitoring systems.
Sutaria, D.,Sule, M.,Jog, K.,Bopardikar, I.,Jamalabad, A.,Panicker, D.
Baleen Whale Records from India Technical Report
no. 241, 2017, ISBN: SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding
@techreport{,
title = {Baleen Whale Records from India},
author = {Sutaria, D.,Sule, M.,Jog, K.,Bopardikar, I.,Jamalabad, A.,Panicker, D.},
issn = { SC/67A/CMP/03_Rev},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {241},
pages = {16},
abstract = {The current presence of three baleen whale species, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde’s
whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was assessed along
the Indian coastline via sighting and stranding records. The available literature was reviewed to
understand the frequency and distribution of stranding events along the coastline. Fisherfolk were
interviewed to obtain information on baleen whale sightings and community perceptions towards
whales. We found that blue and Bryde’s whales are recorded from both the east and west coasts and
humpback whales from the west coast only. During 2015-2016, the majority of strandings were
reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In March 2017, at least one humpback whale sighting was
confirmed from recorded vocalisations off the Goa coast. An investigation of the ongoing fisheries has
also revealed a steep decline in commercial fisheries and an 82% decline in the Sardines in 2015-16.
With this scenario in mind, we recommend continuation of dedicated baleen whale surveys and
collaborative efforts with local regional authorities to carry out in-depth analyses of strandings and
document the ecology of whales in Indian waters.},
keywords = {acoustics, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Entanglement, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Persian Gulf, ship strike, song, stranding},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The current presence of three baleen whale species, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde’s
whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was assessed along
the Indian coastline via sighting and stranding records. The available literature was reviewed to
understand the frequency and distribution of stranding events along the coastline. Fisherfolk were
interviewed to obtain information on baleen whale sightings and community perceptions towards
whales. We found that blue and Bryde’s whales are recorded from both the east and west coasts and
humpback whales from the west coast only. During 2015-2016, the majority of strandings were
reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In March 2017, at least one humpback whale sighting was
confirmed from recorded vocalisations off the Goa coast. An investigation of the ongoing fisheries has
also revealed a steep decline in commercial fisheries and an 82% decline in the Sardines in 2015-16.
With this scenario in mind, we recommend continuation of dedicated baleen whale surveys and
collaborative efforts with local regional authorities to carry out in-depth analyses of strandings and
document the ecology of whales in Indian waters.
whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was assessed along
the Indian coastline via sighting and stranding records. The available literature was reviewed to
understand the frequency and distribution of stranding events along the coastline. Fisherfolk were
interviewed to obtain information on baleen whale sightings and community perceptions towards
whales. We found that blue and Bryde’s whales are recorded from both the east and west coasts and
humpback whales from the west coast only. During 2015-2016, the majority of strandings were
reported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In March 2017, at least one humpback whale sighting was
confirmed from recorded vocalisations off the Goa coast. An investigation of the ongoing fisheries has
also revealed a steep decline in commercial fisheries and an 82% decline in the Sardines in 2015-16.
With this scenario in mind, we recommend continuation of dedicated baleen whale surveys and
collaborative efforts with local regional authorities to carry out in-depth analyses of strandings and
document the ecology of whales in Indian waters.
Allison, C.
IWC individual catch database Version 6.1 Journal Article
In: vol. Version 18 July, 2016, no. 6, 2016.
BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale, catch, Distribution, Humpback Whale, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, whaling
@article{,
title = {IWC individual catch database Version 6.1},
author = {Allison, C.},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
volume = {Version 18 July, 2016},
number = {6},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale, catch, Distribution, Humpback Whale, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Willson, A.,Kowalik, J.,Godley, B.J.,Baldwin, R.,Struck, A.,Struck, L.,Nawaz, Rab,Witt, M.J.
Priorities for addressing whale and ship co-occurrence off the coast of Oman and the wider North Indian Ocean. Technical Report
no. 503, 2016.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: AIS, Blue whale, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mitigation, Oman, ship strike, vessel traffic, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Priorities for addressing whale and ship co-occurrence off the coast of Oman and the wider North Indian Ocean.},
author = {Willson, A.,Kowalik, J.,Godley, B.J.,Baldwin, R.,Struck, A.,Struck, L.,Nawaz, Rab,Witt, M.J.},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {503},
pages = {13},
publisher = {IWC},
abstract = {Satellite telemetry studies and habitat density mapping of the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale
(Megaptera novaeangliae) has revealed overlap with shipping off the coast of Oman. To date the only other
Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) study to determine the risk of mortality to whales (Baleanoptera musculus)
from shipping was completed in Sri Lanka. A demonstration exercise reviewing vessel traffic (from AIS
data) passing through coarsely defined habitat reveals that container vessels may provide the highest risk to
whales based on speed of vessels, and given a three fold increase in container traffic in the NIO region
between 2004 and 2014. Traffic density heat maps show shipping routes are predominantly distributed
around the periphery of the NIO area in close proximity to the continental shelf showing overlap with
historical records of takes of blue, humpback, sperm (Physester macrocephalus) and Bryde’s whales
(Baleanoptridae edeni) during Soviet whaling between 1964 and 1966. The review presents a case for
immediately commencing risk assessment work on humpback and ship co-occurrence in Oman whilst
undertaking a wider spatial assessment of the region to at least determine priority areas for study. Given
overlapping habitat use between species in certain areas, a multi-species approach to reviewing mitigation
options is recommended.},
keywords = {AIS, Blue whale, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mitigation, Oman, ship strike, vessel traffic, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Satellite telemetry studies and habitat density mapping of the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale
(Megaptera novaeangliae) has revealed overlap with shipping off the coast of Oman. To date the only other
Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) study to determine the risk of mortality to whales (Baleanoptera musculus)
from shipping was completed in Sri Lanka. A demonstration exercise reviewing vessel traffic (from AIS
data) passing through coarsely defined habitat reveals that container vessels may provide the highest risk to
whales based on speed of vessels, and given a three fold increase in container traffic in the NIO region
between 2004 and 2014. Traffic density heat maps show shipping routes are predominantly distributed
around the periphery of the NIO area in close proximity to the continental shelf showing overlap with
historical records of takes of blue, humpback, sperm (Physester macrocephalus) and Bryde’s whales
(Baleanoptridae edeni) during Soviet whaling between 1964 and 1966. The review presents a case for
immediately commencing risk assessment work on humpback and ship co-occurrence in Oman whilst
undertaking a wider spatial assessment of the region to at least determine priority areas for study. Given
overlapping habitat use between species in certain areas, a multi-species approach to reviewing mitigation
options is recommended.
(Megaptera novaeangliae) has revealed overlap with shipping off the coast of Oman. To date the only other
Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) study to determine the risk of mortality to whales (Baleanoptera musculus)
from shipping was completed in Sri Lanka. A demonstration exercise reviewing vessel traffic (from AIS
data) passing through coarsely defined habitat reveals that container vessels may provide the highest risk to
whales based on speed of vessels, and given a three fold increase in container traffic in the NIO region
between 2004 and 2014. Traffic density heat maps show shipping routes are predominantly distributed
around the periphery of the NIO area in close proximity to the continental shelf showing overlap with
historical records of takes of blue, humpback, sperm (Physester macrocephalus) and Bryde’s whales
(Baleanoptridae edeni) during Soviet whaling between 1964 and 1966. The review presents a case for
immediately commencing risk assessment work on humpback and ship co-occurrence in Oman whilst
undertaking a wider spatial assessment of the region to at least determine priority areas for study. Given
overlapping habitat use between species in certain areas, a multi-species approach to reviewing mitigation
options is recommended.
Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Herath, H. M. J. C. B.,Mel, Ruvinda K. de,Kusuminda, T. G. Tharaka
Molecular Genetic Identification of Beached Whales in Sri Lanka from Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data Journal Article
In: Ceylon Journal of Science, vol. 43, no. 179, pp. 73, 2015.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, genetics, Indian Ocean, mtDNA, Sri Lanka
@article{,
title = {Molecular Genetic Identification of Beached Whales in Sri Lanka from Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data},
author = {Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Herath, H. M. J. C. B.,Mel, Ruvinda K. de,Kusuminda, T. G. Tharaka},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Ceylon Journal of Science},
volume = {43},
number = {179},
pages = {73},
abstract = {In the current study we attempt to identify eight baleen whale carcasses that were washed ashore to the Western, Northwestern and Southern coasts of Sri Lanka in 2010, using molecular phylogenetic techniques. Initial physical examination suggested that these carcasses belonged to blue whales ( Balaenoptera musculus ). Analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial control region from baleen whales confirmed that the samples belonged to blue whales ( Balaenoptera musculus ). However, it was impossible to identify the population of blue whales the individuals belonged to, due to the lack of strong population genetic signals in the mitochondrial control region sequences.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, genetics, Indian Ocean, mtDNA, Sri Lanka},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In the current study we attempt to identify eight baleen whale carcasses that were washed ashore to the Western, Northwestern and Southern coasts of Sri Lanka in 2010, using molecular phylogenetic techniques. Initial physical examination suggested that these carcasses belonged to blue whales ( Balaenoptera musculus ). Analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial control region from baleen whales confirmed that the samples belonged to blue whales ( Balaenoptera musculus ). However, it was impossible to identify the population of blue whales the individuals belonged to, due to the lack of strong population genetic signals in the mitochondrial control region sequences.
Nanayakkara, Ranil,de Mel, Ruvinda,Kusuminda, Tharaka,Cabral de Mel, Surendranie
Surface and dive times of the Blue Whale ( Journal Article
In: NeBIO I An international journal of environment and biodiversity, vol. Vol. 5, No. 4, no. 177, pp. 1-3, 2014.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, dive duration, dive time, feeding, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Surfacing behaviour
@article{,
title = {Surface and dive times of the Blue Whale (},
author = {Nanayakkara, Ranil,de Mel, Ruvinda,Kusuminda, Tharaka,Cabral de Mel, Surendranie},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {NeBIO I An international journal of environment and biodiversity},
volume = {Vol. 5, No. 4},
number = {177},
pages = {1-3},
abstract = {Dive times of a single Blue Whale observed in Trincomalee Bay, Sri Lanka, in relation to the abiotic parameters of the bay’s waters and its ability to support large densities of krill from May 2011 to July 2011. Thirty five total dives were observed and its mean dive time was 9.6 ± 0.31 min. The observed whale’s feeding dives lasted longer than what has been previously recorded for blue whales in the Pacific Ocean. The mean salinity, Mean Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and mean temperature of Trincomalee Bay was respectively 28.1± 4.8 ppt, 9.92 ± 0.3 mg/L and 28.81 ± 0.96 0 C. All studied abiotic parameters of Trincomalee Bay show that it is able to support large concentrations of krill. Trincomalee Bay thus seems to serve as a highly productive hunting ground for Blue Whales in the northern Indian Ocean.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, dive duration, dive time, feeding, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Surfacing behaviour},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Dive times of a single Blue Whale observed in Trincomalee Bay, Sri Lanka, in relation to the abiotic parameters of the bay’s waters and its ability to support large densities of krill from May 2011 to July 2011. Thirty five total dives were observed and its mean dive time was 9.6 ± 0.31 min. The observed whale’s feeding dives lasted longer than what has been previously recorded for blue whales in the Pacific Ocean. The mean salinity, Mean Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and mean temperature of Trincomalee Bay was respectively 28.1± 4.8 ppt, 9.92 ± 0.3 mg/L and 28.81 ± 0.96 0 C. All studied abiotic parameters of Trincomalee Bay show that it is able to support large concentrations of krill. Trincomalee Bay thus seems to serve as a highly productive hunting ground for Blue Whales in the northern Indian Ocean.
Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Herath, Jayampathi,de Mel, Ruvinda K.
Cetacean Presence in the Trincomalee Bay and Adjacent Waters, Sri Lanka Journal Article
In: Journal of Marine Biology, vol. 2014, no. 180, pp. 819263, 2014, ISBN: 2633-4666.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale, Distribution, diversity, Indian Ocean, Physeter macrocephalus, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, Sri Lanka, Stenella longirostris
@article{,
title = {Cetacean Presence in the Trincomalee Bay and Adjacent Waters, Sri Lanka},
author = {Nanayakkara, Ranil P.,Herath, Jayampathi,de Mel, Ruvinda K.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/819263},
issn = {2633-4666},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Marine Biology},
volume = {2014},
number = {180},
pages = {819263},
publisher = {Hindawi Publishing Corporation},
abstract = {In Sri Lanka thirty species of cetaceans have been recorded to date. The canyon at Trincomalee bay is a multiple submarine canyon complex and anecdotal reports suggest that the Trincomalee bay and its adjacent waters are utilised by a number of cetacean species. Though Cetaceans are known to be abundant in the waters off Trincomalee there is a dearth of research and data pertaining to the abundance and species frequenting the Trincomalee bay and its adjacent waters. As such the current study was initiated, to get a consensus of the abundance and occurrences of species in Trincomalee Bay and its adjacent waters. Field surveys were carried out for 19 months and the research platform was a 35-foot commercial fishing vessel. 177 cetacean encounters were recorded on 67 of the 75 field days. Remarkably a total of 11 species of cetaceans which composed of two species of Baleen Whales and nine species of Toothed Whales were recorded. Delphinidae was the most common family recorded, followed by Balaenopteridae, Ziphiidae, Physeteridae, and Kogiidae. Spinner Dolphins were the most abundant cetacean owing to the large pods observed and the regularity of the sightings. They were the only species seen feeding/traveling with birds and fish (tuna). Sperm Whales, Blue Whales, and Bryde’s Whales were also relatively common. Two records of interspecific association between cetaceans were recorded. The increase in the human population in the study area has resulted in the overexploitation of marine resources which has dire repercussions on the marine mammal communities found in these waters.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera edeni, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale, Distribution, diversity, Indian Ocean, Physeter macrocephalus, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, Sri Lanka, Stenella longirostris},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In Sri Lanka thirty species of cetaceans have been recorded to date. The canyon at Trincomalee bay is a multiple submarine canyon complex and anecdotal reports suggest that the Trincomalee bay and its adjacent waters are utilised by a number of cetacean species. Though Cetaceans are known to be abundant in the waters off Trincomalee there is a dearth of research and data pertaining to the abundance and species frequenting the Trincomalee bay and its adjacent waters. As such the current study was initiated, to get a consensus of the abundance and occurrences of species in Trincomalee Bay and its adjacent waters. Field surveys were carried out for 19 months and the research platform was a 35-foot commercial fishing vessel. 177 cetacean encounters were recorded on 67 of the 75 field days. Remarkably a total of 11 species of cetaceans which composed of two species of Baleen Whales and nine species of Toothed Whales were recorded. Delphinidae was the most common family recorded, followed by Balaenopteridae, Ziphiidae, Physeteridae, and Kogiidae. Spinner Dolphins were the most abundant cetacean owing to the large pods observed and the regularity of the sightings. They were the only species seen feeding/traveling with birds and fish (tuna). Sperm Whales, Blue Whales, and Bryde’s Whales were also relatively common. Two records of interspecific association between cetaceans were recorded. The increase in the human population in the study area has resulted in the overexploitation of marine resources which has dire repercussions on the marine mammal communities found in these waters.
de Vos, Asha,Christiansen, Fredrik,Harcourt, Robert G.,Pattiaratchi, Charitha B.
Surfacing characteristics and diving behaviour of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters Journal Article
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, vol. 449, no. 83, pp. 149-153, 2013, ISBN: 0022-0981.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, availability bias, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Markov chains, Monte Carlo, Northern Indian Ocean, ship strike, Surfacing behaviour, Whale watching
@article{,
title = {Surfacing characteristics and diving behaviour of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters},
author = {de Vos, Asha,Christiansen, Fredrik,Harcourt, Robert G.,Pattiaratchi, Charitha B.},
url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098113003298},
issn = {0022-0981},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology},
volume = {449},
number = {83},
pages = {149-153},
abstract = {Surfacing behaviour and dive characteristics were quantified from focal follows of individual blue whales between January–March 2012 and 2013. During this period individual whales were followed from small boats to observe their surfacing patterns and breathing behaviour. Data on time at first surface, length of surface interval, number of blows, final dive time and whether or not the whale ‘fluked up’ before a deep dive were recorded. A step-wise modelling approach was used to estimate a number of surfacing characteristics: mean Inter-Breath Interval (IBI), bout duration and the number of surfacings in a bout. First, dives were classified as either surface dives or deep dives based on the occurrence of arching or fluking behaviour at the surface prior to a deep dive. The mean IBI of surface dives was 17.6s (SD=26.14) and for deep dives, 640.3s (SD=214.38). To account for temporal dependence between dive types, a first-order Markov chain was used to estimate the transition probability between dive types. Time series of dive types were then simulated, using Monte Carlo methods, while accounting for heterogeneity in IBI of the different dive types. The mean IBI of blue whales in Sri Lanka, obtained from the Monte Carlo methods, was 84.7s (SD=11.17). The mean bout duration was 145s (SD=28.31), with the mean number of breaths per surface bout being 9.3 (SD=1.43). Whales also lifted their tail flukes out of the water on 55% of terminal dives, which is considerably more frequent than elsewhere in the world. These results significantly advance our understanding of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. More specifically, this information is essential for the calculation of precise abundance estimates as it informs the detection probability parameters for line transect surveys. In this way it will help formulate better management decisions related to the conservation of this population.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, availability bias, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Markov chains, Monte Carlo, Northern Indian Ocean, ship strike, Surfacing behaviour, Whale watching},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Surfacing behaviour and dive characteristics were quantified from focal follows of individual blue whales between January–March 2012 and 2013. During this period individual whales were followed from small boats to observe their surfacing patterns and breathing behaviour. Data on time at first surface, length of surface interval, number of blows, final dive time and whether or not the whale ‘fluked up’ before a deep dive were recorded. A step-wise modelling approach was used to estimate a number of surfacing characteristics: mean Inter-Breath Interval (IBI), bout duration and the number of surfacings in a bout. First, dives were classified as either surface dives or deep dives based on the occurrence of arching or fluking behaviour at the surface prior to a deep dive. The mean IBI of surface dives was 17.6s (SD=26.14) and for deep dives, 640.3s (SD=214.38). To account for temporal dependence between dive types, a first-order Markov chain was used to estimate the transition probability between dive types. Time series of dive types were then simulated, using Monte Carlo methods, while accounting for heterogeneity in IBI of the different dive types. The mean IBI of blue whales in Sri Lanka, obtained from the Monte Carlo methods, was 84.7s (SD=11.17). The mean bout duration was 145s (SD=28.31), with the mean number of breaths per surface bout being 9.3 (SD=1.43). Whales also lifted their tail flukes out of the water on 55% of terminal dives, which is considerably more frequent than elsewhere in the world. These results significantly advance our understanding of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. More specifically, this information is essential for the calculation of precise abundance estimates as it informs the detection probability parameters for line transect surveys. In this way it will help formulate better management decisions related to the conservation of this population.
Ilangakoon, A. D.
Impacts of Whale-Watching on Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Southern Sri Lanka Conference
no. 115, 2013.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, impact, management, Northern Indian Ocean, risk assessment, ship strike, shipping, Sri Lanka, tourism, Whale watching
@conference{,
title = {Impacts of Whale-Watching on Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Southern Sri Lanka},
author = {Ilangakoon, A. D. },
url = {https://repository.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2433/176191/1/12thseastar_045.pdf},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {PROCEEDINGS of the Design Symposium on Conservation of Ecosystem (2013) (The 12th SEASTAR2000 workshop)},
number = {115},
pages = {45-50},
abstract = {Blue whales inhabit the coastal waters off southern Sri Lanka throughout the year, due to a narrow
continental shelf and upwelling, related feeding opportunities. A busy, international shipping lane also
lies off the south coast. While blue whales are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the
subspecies status and genetic affinities of this northern Indian Ocean population is not well
understood. Since 2009 a rapidly expanding, boat-based, commercial whale-watching industry has
developed off the south coast, but remains unregulated due to the non-existence of national
regulations or codes of conduct. As a result, unethical practices are leading to harassment of the
targeted whales. Comparison of sightings data from before and after whale-watching began, shows a
shift in the area of occurrence and concentration of whales. Simultaneously there is an increase in the
number of stranding and vessel collision related mortality. These factors indicate that current whalewatching
practices are displacing whales from their preferred feeding areas and inadvertently pushing
them offshore into the shipping lane, causing an increase in fatal vessel collisions. It is recommended
that a precautionary principal is followed and whale-watching activities are regulated as a priority, in
order to mitigate any adverse impacts. },
keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, impact, management, Northern Indian Ocean, risk assessment, ship strike, shipping, Sri Lanka, tourism, Whale watching},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {conference}
}
Blue whales inhabit the coastal waters off southern Sri Lanka throughout the year, due to a narrow
continental shelf and upwelling, related feeding opportunities. A busy, international shipping lane also
lies off the south coast. While blue whales are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the
subspecies status and genetic affinities of this northern Indian Ocean population is not well
understood. Since 2009 a rapidly expanding, boat-based, commercial whale-watching industry has
developed off the south coast, but remains unregulated due to the non-existence of national
regulations or codes of conduct. As a result, unethical practices are leading to harassment of the
targeted whales. Comparison of sightings data from before and after whale-watching began, shows a
shift in the area of occurrence and concentration of whales. Simultaneously there is an increase in the
number of stranding and vessel collision related mortality. These factors indicate that current whalewatching
practices are displacing whales from their preferred feeding areas and inadvertently pushing
them offshore into the shipping lane, causing an increase in fatal vessel collisions. It is recommended
that a precautionary principal is followed and whale-watching activities are regulated as a priority, in
order to mitigate any adverse impacts.
continental shelf and upwelling, related feeding opportunities. A busy, international shipping lane also
lies off the south coast. While blue whales are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the
subspecies status and genetic affinities of this northern Indian Ocean population is not well
understood. Since 2009 a rapidly expanding, boat-based, commercial whale-watching industry has
developed off the south coast, but remains unregulated due to the non-existence of national
regulations or codes of conduct. As a result, unethical practices are leading to harassment of the
targeted whales. Comparison of sightings data from before and after whale-watching began, shows a
shift in the area of occurrence and concentration of whales. Simultaneously there is an increase in the
number of stranding and vessel collision related mortality. These factors indicate that current whalewatching
practices are displacing whales from their preferred feeding areas and inadvertently pushing
them offshore into the shipping lane, causing an increase in fatal vessel collisions. It is recommended
that a precautionary principal is followed and whale-watching activities are regulated as a priority, in
order to mitigate any adverse impacts.
Anderson, R.C.,Branch, T.A.,Alagiyawadu, A.,Baldwin, A.L.,Marsac, F.
Seasonal distribution, movements and taxonomic status of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the northern Indian Ocean Journal Article
In: Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol. 12, no. 291, pp. 203–218, 2012.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Movements, Oman, taxonomy
@article{,
title = {Seasonal distribution, movements and taxonomic status of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the northern Indian Ocean},
author = {Anderson, R.C.,Branch, T.A.,Alagiyawadu, A.,Baldwin, A.L.,Marsac, F.},
url = {https://hal.ird.fr/ird-00777313/document},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Cetacean Research and Management},
volume = {12},
number = {291},
pages = {203–218},
abstract = {There is a distinct population of blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus, in the northern Indian Ocean. The taxonomic status of these animals has long
been uncertain, with debate over whether this population represents a distinct subspecies, and if so which name should apply. They have most
frequently been assigned to B. musculus brevicauda, but are currently considered to be B. m. indica. The movements of these blue whales within
the northern Indian Ocean are poorly understood. This paper reviews catches (n = 1,288), sightings (n = 448, with a minimum of 783 animals),
strandings (n = 64) and acoustic detections (n = 6 locations); uses ocean colour data to estimate seasonality of primary productivity in different
areas of the northern Indian Ocean; and develops a migration hypothesis. It is suggested that most of these whales feed in the Arabian Sea off the
coasts of Somalia and the Arabian peninsula during the period of intense upwelling associated with the southwest monsoon (from about May to
October). At the same time some blue whales also feed in the area of upwelling off the southwest coast of India and west coast of Sri Lanka. When
the southwest monsoon dies down in about October–November these upwellings cease. The blue whales then disperse more widely to eke out the
leaner months of the northeast monsoon (during about December to March) in other localised areas with seasonally high productivity. These include
the east coast of Sri Lanka, the waters west of the Maldives, the vicinity of the Indus Canyon (at least historically), and some parts of the southern
Indian Ocean. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that at least some of the blue whales that feed off the east coast of Sri Lanka in the
northeast monsoon also feed in the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon. These whales appear to migrate eastwards past the north of Maldives
and south of Sri Lanka in about December–January, returning westwards in about April–May.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Movements, Oman, taxonomy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
There is a distinct population of blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus, in the northern Indian Ocean. The taxonomic status of these animals has long
been uncertain, with debate over whether this population represents a distinct subspecies, and if so which name should apply. They have most
frequently been assigned to B. musculus brevicauda, but are currently considered to be B. m. indica. The movements of these blue whales within
the northern Indian Ocean are poorly understood. This paper reviews catches (n = 1,288), sightings (n = 448, with a minimum of 783 animals),
strandings (n = 64) and acoustic detections (n = 6 locations); uses ocean colour data to estimate seasonality of primary productivity in different
areas of the northern Indian Ocean; and develops a migration hypothesis. It is suggested that most of these whales feed in the Arabian Sea off the
coasts of Somalia and the Arabian peninsula during the period of intense upwelling associated with the southwest monsoon (from about May to
October). At the same time some blue whales also feed in the area of upwelling off the southwest coast of India and west coast of Sri Lanka. When
the southwest monsoon dies down in about October–November these upwellings cease. The blue whales then disperse more widely to eke out the
leaner months of the northeast monsoon (during about December to March) in other localised areas with seasonally high productivity. These include
the east coast of Sri Lanka, the waters west of the Maldives, the vicinity of the Indus Canyon (at least historically), and some parts of the southern
Indian Ocean. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that at least some of the blue whales that feed off the east coast of Sri Lanka in the
northeast monsoon also feed in the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon. These whales appear to migrate eastwards past the north of Maldives
and south of Sri Lanka in about December–January, returning westwards in about April–May.
been uncertain, with debate over whether this population represents a distinct subspecies, and if so which name should apply. They have most
frequently been assigned to B. musculus brevicauda, but are currently considered to be B. m. indica. The movements of these blue whales within
the northern Indian Ocean are poorly understood. This paper reviews catches (n = 1,288), sightings (n = 448, with a minimum of 783 animals),
strandings (n = 64) and acoustic detections (n = 6 locations); uses ocean colour data to estimate seasonality of primary productivity in different
areas of the northern Indian Ocean; and develops a migration hypothesis. It is suggested that most of these whales feed in the Arabian Sea off the
coasts of Somalia and the Arabian peninsula during the period of intense upwelling associated with the southwest monsoon (from about May to
October). At the same time some blue whales also feed in the area of upwelling off the southwest coast of India and west coast of Sri Lanka. When
the southwest monsoon dies down in about October–November these upwellings cease. The blue whales then disperse more widely to eke out the
leaner months of the northeast monsoon (during about December to March) in other localised areas with seasonally high productivity. These include
the east coast of Sri Lanka, the waters west of the Maldives, the vicinity of the Indus Canyon (at least historically), and some parts of the southern
Indian Ocean. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that at least some of the blue whales that feed off the east coast of Sri Lanka in the
northeast monsoon also feed in the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon. These whales appear to migrate eastwards past the north of Maldives
and south of Sri Lanka in about December–January, returning westwards in about April–May.
Ilangakoon, A. D.
Exploring anthropogenic activities that threaten endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Sri Lanka Journal Article
In: Journal of Marine Animals and their Ecology, vol. 5, no. 114, pp. 3-7, 2012.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, impacts, Northern Indian Ocean, shipping, Sri Lanka, Whale watching
@article{,
title = {Exploring anthropogenic activities that threaten endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Sri Lanka},
author = {Ilangakoon, A. D.},
url = {http://www.oers.ca/journal/volume5/issue1/Ilangakoon_Gallery.pdf},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Marine Animals and their Ecology},
volume = {5},
number = {114},
pages = {3-7},
abstract = {The waters off Sri Lanka, an island in the northern Indian
Ocean, are an important habitat for blue whales, a species listed as
Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The
subspecies status, genetic affinities and movement patterns of this
northern Indian Ocean population of blue whales is not yet clearly
understood but off Sri Lanka they can be found throughout the
year. Sri Lanka also lies on a busy international shipping lane. Since
2009 a boat-based commercial whale-watching industry targeting
the blue whale, has been developing off the south coast, with
annual growth in numbers of boats and visitors. This industry
however remains unregulated in any formal or informal manner due
to the absence of regulatory mechanisms in this small, developing,
island nation. Consequently unethical practices are leading to
harassment resulting in direct and indirect impacts on the targeted
whales. Sighting and stranding data from before and after the
inception of whale watching activities indicate a spatial shift in the
area of occurrence and concentration of whales and a corresponding
increase in fatal vessel collisions along the southwest coastline of
the island. There are clear indications of displacement from
preferred near-shore feeding areas to the vicinity of the adjacent
shipping lane, causing an increase in collision risk. Although these
findings are based on limited data, it is recommended that a
precautionary principal is followed and anthropogenic activities are
quickly regulated to mitigate adverse impacts on these endangered
blue whales. },
keywords = {Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, impacts, Northern Indian Ocean, shipping, Sri Lanka, Whale watching},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The waters off Sri Lanka, an island in the northern Indian
Ocean, are an important habitat for blue whales, a species listed as
Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The
subspecies status, genetic affinities and movement patterns of this
northern Indian Ocean population of blue whales is not yet clearly
understood but off Sri Lanka they can be found throughout the
year. Sri Lanka also lies on a busy international shipping lane. Since
2009 a boat-based commercial whale-watching industry targeting
the blue whale, has been developing off the south coast, with
annual growth in numbers of boats and visitors. This industry
however remains unregulated in any formal or informal manner due
to the absence of regulatory mechanisms in this small, developing,
island nation. Consequently unethical practices are leading to
harassment resulting in direct and indirect impacts on the targeted
whales. Sighting and stranding data from before and after the
inception of whale watching activities indicate a spatial shift in the
area of occurrence and concentration of whales and a corresponding
increase in fatal vessel collisions along the southwest coastline of
the island. There are clear indications of displacement from
preferred near-shore feeding areas to the vicinity of the adjacent
shipping lane, causing an increase in collision risk. Although these
findings are based on limited data, it is recommended that a
precautionary principal is followed and anthropogenic activities are
quickly regulated to mitigate adverse impacts on these endangered
blue whales.
Ocean, are an important habitat for blue whales, a species listed as
Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The
subspecies status, genetic affinities and movement patterns of this
northern Indian Ocean population of blue whales is not yet clearly
understood but off Sri Lanka they can be found throughout the
year. Sri Lanka also lies on a busy international shipping lane. Since
2009 a boat-based commercial whale-watching industry targeting
the blue whale, has been developing off the south coast, with
annual growth in numbers of boats and visitors. This industry
however remains unregulated in any formal or informal manner due
to the absence of regulatory mechanisms in this small, developing,
island nation. Consequently unethical practices are leading to
harassment resulting in direct and indirect impacts on the targeted
whales. Sighting and stranding data from before and after the
inception of whale watching activities indicate a spatial shift in the
area of occurrence and concentration of whales and a corresponding
increase in fatal vessel collisions along the southwest coastline of
the island. There are clear indications of displacement from
preferred near-shore feeding areas to the vicinity of the adjacent
shipping lane, causing an increase in collision risk. Although these
findings are based on limited data, it is recommended that a
precautionary principal is followed and anthropogenic activities are
quickly regulated to mitigate adverse impacts on these endangered
blue whales.
Branch, T.A.,Stafford, K.M.,Palacios, D. M.,Allison, C.,Bannister, J.L,Burton, C.L.K.,Cabrera, E.,Carlson, C.A.,Galletti Vernazzani, B.,Gill, P.C.,Hucke-Gaete, R.,Jenner, K.C.S.,Jenner, M-N.,Matsuoka, K.,Mikhalev, Y.A.,Miyashita, T.,Morrice, M.G.,Nishiwaki, S.,Sturrock, V.J.,Tormosov, D.D.,Anderson, R.C.,Baker, A. N.,Best, P.B.,Borsa, P.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Childerhouse, S.,Findlay, K.,Gerrodette, T.,Ilangakoon, A.,Joergensen, M.,Khan, B.,Ljungblad, D.K.,Maughan, B.,McCauley, R.D.,McKay, S.,Norris, T.F.,Oman Whale; Dolphin Research Group,Rankin, S.,Samaran, F.,Thiele, D.,Van Waerebeek, K.,Warneke, R.M.
Past and present distribution, densities and movements of blue whales Journal Article
In: Mammal Review, vol. 37, no. 332, pp. 116-175, 2007.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Distribution, feeding grounds, Indian Ocean, Oman, Southern Hemispher
@article{,
title = {Past and present distribution, densities and movements of blue whales },
author = {Branch, T.A.,Stafford, K.M.,Palacios, D. M.,Allison, C.,Bannister, J.L,Burton, C.L.K.,Cabrera, E.,Carlson, C.A.,Galletti Vernazzani, B.,Gill, P.C.,Hucke-Gaete, R.,Jenner, K.C.S.,Jenner, M-N.,Matsuoka, K.,Mikhalev, Y.A.,Miyashita, T.,Morrice, M.G.,Nishiwaki, S.,Sturrock, V.J.,Tormosov, D.D.,Anderson, R.C.,Baker, A. N.,Best, P.B.,Borsa, P.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Childerhouse, S.,Findlay, K.,Gerrodette, T.,Ilangakoon, A.,Joergensen, M.,Khan, B.,Ljungblad, D.K.,Maughan, B.,McCauley, R.D.,McKay, S.,Norris, T.F.,Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group,Rankin, S.,Samaran, F.,Thiele, D.,Van Waerebeek, K.,Warneke, R.M.},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Mammal Review},
volume = {37},
number = {332},
pages = {116-175},
abstract = {1. Blue whale locations in the Southern Hemisphere and northern Indian Ocean were
obtained from catches (303 239), sightings (4383 records of 8058 whales), strandings (103),
Discovery marks (2191) and recoveries (95), and acoustic recordings.
2. Sighting surveys included 7 480 450 km of effort plus 14 676 days with unmeasured effort.
Groups usually consisted of solitary whales (65.2%) or pairs (24.6%); larger feeding aggregations
of unassociated individuals were only rarely observed. Sighting rates (groups per
1000 km from many platform types) varied by four orders of magnitude and were lowest in
the waters of Brazil, South Africa, the eastern tropical Pacific, Antarctica and South Georgia;
higher in the Subantarctic and Peru; and highest around Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Chile,
southern Australia and south of Madagascar.
3. Blue whales avoid the oligotrophic central gyres of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans, but are more common where phytoplankton densities are high, and where there are
dynamic oceanographic processes like upwelling and frontal meandering.
4. Compared with historical catches, the Antarctic (‘true’) subspecies is exceedingly rare and
usually concentrated closer to the summer pack ice. In summer they are found throughout the
Antarctic; in winter they migrate to southern Africa (although recent sightings there are rare)
and to other northerly locations (based on acoustics), although some overwinter in the
Antarctic.
5. Pygmy blue whales are found around the Indian Ocean and from southern Australia to
New Zealand. At least four groupings are evident: northern Indian Ocean, from Madagascar
to the Subantarctic, Indonesia to western and southern Australia, and from New Zealand
northwards to the equator. Sighting rates are typically much higher than for Antarctic blue
whales.},
keywords = {balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Distribution, feeding grounds, Indian Ocean, Oman, Southern Hemispher},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
1. Blue whale locations in the Southern Hemisphere and northern Indian Ocean were
obtained from catches (303 239), sightings (4383 records of 8058 whales), strandings (103),
Discovery marks (2191) and recoveries (95), and acoustic recordings.
2. Sighting surveys included 7 480 450 km of effort plus 14 676 days with unmeasured effort.
Groups usually consisted of solitary whales (65.2%) or pairs (24.6%); larger feeding aggregations
of unassociated individuals were only rarely observed. Sighting rates (groups per
1000 km from many platform types) varied by four orders of magnitude and were lowest in
the waters of Brazil, South Africa, the eastern tropical Pacific, Antarctica and South Georgia;
higher in the Subantarctic and Peru; and highest around Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Chile,
southern Australia and south of Madagascar.
3. Blue whales avoid the oligotrophic central gyres of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans, but are more common where phytoplankton densities are high, and where there are
dynamic oceanographic processes like upwelling and frontal meandering.
4. Compared with historical catches, the Antarctic (‘true’) subspecies is exceedingly rare and
usually concentrated closer to the summer pack ice. In summer they are found throughout the
Antarctic; in winter they migrate to southern Africa (although recent sightings there are rare)
and to other northerly locations (based on acoustics), although some overwinter in the
Antarctic.
5. Pygmy blue whales are found around the Indian Ocean and from southern Australia to
New Zealand. At least four groupings are evident: northern Indian Ocean, from Madagascar
to the Subantarctic, Indonesia to western and southern Australia, and from New Zealand
northwards to the equator. Sighting rates are typically much higher than for Antarctic blue
whales.
obtained from catches (303 239), sightings (4383 records of 8058 whales), strandings (103),
Discovery marks (2191) and recoveries (95), and acoustic recordings.
2. Sighting surveys included 7 480 450 km of effort plus 14 676 days with unmeasured effort.
Groups usually consisted of solitary whales (65.2%) or pairs (24.6%); larger feeding aggregations
of unassociated individuals were only rarely observed. Sighting rates (groups per
1000 km from many platform types) varied by four orders of magnitude and were lowest in
the waters of Brazil, South Africa, the eastern tropical Pacific, Antarctica and South Georgia;
higher in the Subantarctic and Peru; and highest around Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Chile,
southern Australia and south of Madagascar.
3. Blue whales avoid the oligotrophic central gyres of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans, but are more common where phytoplankton densities are high, and where there are
dynamic oceanographic processes like upwelling and frontal meandering.
4. Compared with historical catches, the Antarctic (‘true’) subspecies is exceedingly rare and
usually concentrated closer to the summer pack ice. In summer they are found throughout the
Antarctic; in winter they migrate to southern Africa (although recent sightings there are rare)
and to other northerly locations (based on acoustics), although some overwinter in the
Antarctic.
5. Pygmy blue whales are found around the Indian Ocean and from southern Australia to
New Zealand. At least four groupings are evident: northern Indian Ocean, from Madagascar
to the Subantarctic, Indonesia to western and southern Australia, and from New Zealand
northwards to the equator. Sighting rates are typically much higher than for Antarctic blue
whales.
Mehta,A.V.
How important are baleen whales as prey for killer whales (Orcinus orca) in high-latitude waters? PhD Thesis
2004.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Alaska, Antarctic, Atlantic, Australia, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Gulf of Maine, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, killer whale, killer whales, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Atlantic, North Atlantic right whale, North Pacific, Oman, Orca, Orcinus orca, population, prey, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, right whale, right whales, whale, whales, whaling
@phdthesis{,
title = {How important are baleen whales as prey for killer whales (Orcinus orca) in high-latitude waters?},
author = {Mehta,A.V.},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
number = {403},
pages = {1-15},
publisher = {Boston University},
abstract = {Data on humpback whales were collected from twenty-one regions: eleven in the North Atlantic and three in the North Pacific, as well as American Samoa, Vava'u (Tonga), New Zealand, New Caledonia, western Australia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Oman. The other species and subspecies included in this project were sampled from a single population each (Fig. 1): North Atlantic right whales, blue whales off southeastern Australia, and pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) off western Australia. The proportion of whales in different sampling regions bearing rake marks ranged from 0% to over 40%. The Gulf of Maine population had a scarring rate of 9.9-11%, while SW Alaska had a rate of 21.1 to 21.9%. Oman had a rate of 9.1% (3 of 33 animals). The highest rate of scarring was the "Mexico" population with a scarring rate of over 40%. Of those scarred animals with multi-year sighting histories, 82.8% to 100% had those scars the first time they were sighted. Of the total number of whales sampled from these regions, 0% to only 4.8% acquired new or additional rake marks after their first sighting, supporting the hypothesis that most whales aquire their scars as calves, and that adult baleen whales do not constitute a major prey source for killer whales.Overall, the present study suggests that the hypothesis presented by Springer et al. (2003) - that killer whales in the North Pacific were forced by industrial whaling to switch prey from baleen whales to pinnipeds and sea otters - is untenable.},
keywords = {Alaska, Antarctic, Atlantic, Australia, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Gulf of Maine, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, killer whale, killer whales, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Atlantic, North Atlantic right whale, North Pacific, Oman, Orca, Orcinus orca, population, prey, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, right whale, right whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Data on humpback whales were collected from twenty-one regions: eleven in the North Atlantic and three in the North Pacific, as well as American Samoa, Vava'u (Tonga), New Zealand, New Caledonia, western Australia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Oman. The other species and subspecies included in this project were sampled from a single population each (Fig. 1): North Atlantic right whales, blue whales off southeastern Australia, and pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) off western Australia. The proportion of whales in different sampling regions bearing rake marks ranged from 0% to over 40%. The Gulf of Maine population had a scarring rate of 9.9-11%, while SW Alaska had a rate of 21.1 to 21.9%. Oman had a rate of 9.1% (3 of 33 animals). The highest rate of scarring was the "Mexico" population with a scarring rate of over 40%. Of those scarred animals with multi-year sighting histories, 82.8% to 100% had those scars the first time they were sighted. Of the total number of whales sampled from these regions, 0% to only 4.8% acquired new or additional rake marks after their first sighting, supporting the hypothesis that most whales aquire their scars as calves, and that adult baleen whales do not constitute a major prey source for killer whales.Overall, the present study suggests that the hypothesis presented by Springer et al. (2003) - that killer whales in the North Pacific were forced by industrial whaling to switch prey from baleen whales to pinnipeds and sea otters - is untenable.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Bryde's whales of the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters Technical Report
no. 157, 2002, ISBN: SC/49/035.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Distribution, IWC, marine, Soviet whaling, stomach contents, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Bryde's whales of the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
issn = {SC/49/035},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/49/035},
number = {157},
pages = {1-10},
abstract = {Zemsky and Sazhinov (1982) reported that the Soviet Union continued to take blue whales long after they were protected by the IWC. It became possible to pulish the data about this illegal whaling only after the disintegration of the Soviet Union (Tormosov 1993 - Report on 10th Biennial Meeting of the Society of Marine Mammalogy in Galveston, Texas; Yablokov 1994; Doroshenko 1996; Mikhalev 1997). The most complete available data on Soviet whaling were presented at the 45th and 46th meetings of the IWC and were discussed by the Scientific Committee (Zemsky et al 1995; Tormosov 1995; Zemsky et al 1996). A more detailed comparison between the accurate data and falsified data, which were submitted to the IWC by Soviet whaling fleets, for the period from 1947 to 1972 was published in a separate volume (Zemsky et al 1995, 1996). As a continuation of the recent publication of actual Soviet whaling data, this report presents data on illegal catches of Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters up to 5§ - 10§S. Data are presented on sex, size, distribution, stomach contents of whales taken as well as the reproductive state of females and the sizes of fetuses.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Distribution, IWC, marine, Soviet whaling, stomach contents, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Zemsky and Sazhinov (1982) reported that the Soviet Union continued to take blue whales long after they were protected by the IWC. It became possible to pulish the data about this illegal whaling only after the disintegration of the Soviet Union (Tormosov 1993 - Report on 10th Biennial Meeting of the Society of Marine Mammalogy in Galveston, Texas; Yablokov 1994; Doroshenko 1996; Mikhalev 1997). The most complete available data on Soviet whaling were presented at the 45th and 46th meetings of the IWC and were discussed by the Scientific Committee (Zemsky et al 1995; Tormosov 1995; Zemsky et al 1996). A more detailed comparison between the accurate data and falsified data, which were submitted to the IWC by Soviet whaling fleets, for the period from 1947 to 1972 was published in a separate volume (Zemsky et al 1995, 1996). As a continuation of the recent publication of actual Soviet whaling data, this report presents data on illegal catches of Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters up to 5§ - 10§S. Data are presented on sex, size, distribution, stomach contents of whales taken as well as the reproductive state of females and the sizes of fetuses.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Whaling in the Arabian Sea by the whaling fleets Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina Book
Center for Russian Environmental Policy, Marine Mammal Council, 2000.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling
@book{,
title = {Whaling in the Arabian Sea by the whaling fleets Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {2000},
date = {2000-01-01},
journal = {Soviet Whaling Data [1949-1979]},
number = {156},
pages = {141-181},
publisher = {Center for Russian Environmental Policy, Marine Mammal Council},
abstract = {Thus, each of the two fleets, Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina, operated in the Arabian Sea during three cruises. Their operations covered the period from 23 October to 15 December taking into account all the years of whaling in the Arabian Sea. In total these fleets took 1294 pygmy blue whales, 849 Bryde's whales, 242 humpback whales, and 954 sperm whales.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Thus, each of the two fleets, Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina, operated in the Arabian Sea during three cruises. Their operations covered the period from 23 October to 15 December taking into account all the years of whaling in the Arabian Sea. In total these fleets took 1294 pygmy blue whales, 849 Bryde's whales, 242 humpback whales, and 954 sperm whales.
Anderson,R.C.,Shaan,A.,Waheed,Z.
Records of cetacean "strandings" from the Maldives Journal Article
In: Journal of South Asian Natural History, vol. 4, no. 12, pp. 187-202, 1999.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Central Indian Ocean, Indian Ocean, Maldives, sperm whales, Strandings
@article{,
title = {Records of cetacean "strandings" from the Maldives},
author = {Anderson,R.C.,Shaan,A.,Waheed,Z.},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Journal of South Asian Natural History},
volume = {4},
number = {12},
pages = {187-202},
abstract = {Published records of 26 cetacean strandings are reviewed, and an additional 56 records are presented. the sperm whale is the most frequently reported species, accounting for about half of all reported strandings. Blue whales most often strand on Maldivian and other south Asian coasts during January to April; we suggest that they migrate from the central Indian Ocean to the western Arabian Sea to feed on upwelling-associated plankton during July to October. Eight other species are positively identified, including the gingko-toothed beaked whale. Floating carcasses of dead cetaceans drift with the monsoon currents and so are found most commonly off the west coast during the southwest monsoon season, and off the east coast during the northeast monsoon season. Cetaceans are not hunted in the Maldives, but there is evidence that some cetaceans killed by the fishing activities of other countries drift into Maldivian waters.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Central Indian Ocean, Indian Ocean, Maldives, sperm whales, Strandings},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Published records of 26 cetacean strandings are reviewed, and an additional 56 records are presented. the sperm whale is the most frequently reported species, accounting for about half of all reported strandings. Blue whales most often strand on Maldivian and other south Asian coasts during January to April; we suggest that they migrate from the central Indian Ocean to the western Arabian Sea to feed on upwelling-associated plankton during July to October. Eight other species are positively identified, including the gingko-toothed beaked whale. Floating carcasses of dead cetaceans drift with the monsoon currents and so are found most commonly off the west coast during the southwest monsoon season, and off the east coast during the northeast monsoon season. Cetaceans are not hunted in the Maldives, but there is evidence that some cetaceans killed by the fishing activities of other countries drift into Maldivian waters.
Phillip Clapham, Sharon Young, Robert L. Brownell Jr
Baleen whales: conservation issues and the status of the most endangered populations Journal Article
In: Mammal Review, vol. 29 , no. 69, pp. 35-60, 1999.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, Arctic, Balaena mysticetus, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, bowhead whale, bowhead whales, conservation, contaminants, disease, endangered, Entanglement, Eubalaena glacialis, fishing gear, gray whales, habitat degradation, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, mortality, Okhotsk Sea, population, populations, right whale, right whales, ship-strike, southern right whales, status, stocks, whale, whales, whaling
@article{,
title = {Baleen whales: conservation issues and the status of the most endangered populations },
author = {Phillip Clapham, Sharon Young, Robert L. Brownell Jr},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2907.1999.00035.x},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
urldate = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Mammal Review},
volume = {29 },
number = {69},
pages = {35-60},
abstract = {Most species of baleen whales were subject to intensive overexploitation by commercial whaling in this and previous centuries, and many populations were reduced to small fractions of their original sizes. Here, we review the status of baleen whale stocks, with an emphasis on those that are known or thought to be critically endangered. Current data suggest that, of the various threats potentially affecting baleen whales, only entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes may be significant at the population level, and then only in those populations which are already at critically low abundance. The impact of some problems (vessel harassment, and commercial or aboriginal whaling) is at present probably minor. For others (contaminants, habitat degradation, disease), existing data either indicate no immediate cause for concern, or are insufficient to permit an assessment. While the prospect for many baleen whales appears good, there are notable exceptions: populations that are of greatest concern are those suffering from low abundance and associated problems, including (in some cases) anthropogenic mortality. These include: all Northern Right N hales Eubalaena glacialis. Bowhead Whales Balaena mysticetus of the Okhotsk Sea and various eastern Arctic populations. western Gray Whales Eschrichtius robustus, and probably many Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus populations. We review the status of these populations and. where known, the issues potentially affecting their recovery. Although Humpback Whales Megaptera novaeangliae and Southern Right Whales Eubalaena australis were also heavily exploited by whaling. existing data indicate strong recovery in most studied populations of these species.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, Arctic, Balaena mysticetus, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, bowhead whale, bowhead whales, conservation, contaminants, disease, endangered, Entanglement, Eubalaena glacialis, fishing gear, gray whales, habitat degradation, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, mortality, Okhotsk Sea, population, populations, right whale, right whales, ship-strike, southern right whales, status, stocks, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Most species of baleen whales were subject to intensive overexploitation by commercial whaling in this and previous centuries, and many populations were reduced to small fractions of their original sizes. Here, we review the status of baleen whale stocks, with an emphasis on those that are known or thought to be critically endangered. Current data suggest that, of the various threats potentially affecting baleen whales, only entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes may be significant at the population level, and then only in those populations which are already at critically low abundance. The impact of some problems (vessel harassment, and commercial or aboriginal whaling) is at present probably minor. For others (contaminants, habitat degradation, disease), existing data either indicate no immediate cause for concern, or are insufficient to permit an assessment. While the prospect for many baleen whales appears good, there are notable exceptions: populations that are of greatest concern are those suffering from low abundance and associated problems, including (in some cases) anthropogenic mortality. These include: all Northern Right N hales Eubalaena glacialis. Bowhead Whales Balaena mysticetus of the Okhotsk Sea and various eastern Arctic populations. western Gray Whales Eschrichtius robustus, and probably many Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus populations. We review the status of these populations and. where known, the issues potentially affecting their recovery. Although Humpback Whales Megaptera novaeangliae and Southern Right Whales Eubalaena australis were also heavily exploited by whaling. existing data indicate strong recovery in most studied populations of these species.
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.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Pygmy blue whales of the Northern-Western Indian Ocean Technical Report
no. 405, 1996.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Blue whale, blue whales, Distribution, embryo growth rate, Indian Ocean, length, maturity coming, Northern-Western Indian Ocean, population, pregnancy duration, productivity, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Pygmy blue whales of the Northern-Western Indian Ocean},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {1996},
date = {1996-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 48th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/48/SH30},
number = {405},
pages = {1-30},
abstract = {The biological characteristic of pygmy blue whale population of the northern-western Indian Ocean according data of whaling results of Slava for seasons 1963/66 and Sovetskaya Ukraina for seasons 1964/67 is given. During period from the end of October to the second half of December pygmy blue whales form in this region four accumulations: Aden-Oman;Pakistan-India; Lacshadweep-Maldives and Equator-Seychelles. The life of the population is provided by high feed productivity of the region. 1294 whales with length from 12.5 m to 24.0 m were taken. The mean length of males was 19.3 m; females - 19.4 m. The males tend to become mature at length 19.0 m and width of testicles 18 - 20 kg; females - at length 21.0 m. The pregnant females form 41.3% from mature ones. The rate of embryo growth is satisfactory described by monoparabola L = 5.98(t - 20.5)1.90The mean new born whale length is 5.5 - 5.6 m. The peak of two seasons of mating are at May and November, the peaks of births - at April and October. The pregnancy is 10.5 - 11.0 months long. The re productivity of pygmy blue whales are low - one new born whales per 2.5 year.},
keywords = {Blue whale, blue whales, Distribution, embryo growth rate, Indian Ocean, length, maturity coming, Northern-Western Indian Ocean, population, pregnancy duration, productivity, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The biological characteristic of pygmy blue whale population of the northern-western Indian Ocean according data of whaling results of Slava for seasons 1963/66 and Sovetskaya Ukraina for seasons 1964/67 is given. During period from the end of October to the second half of December pygmy blue whales form in this region four accumulations: Aden-Oman;Pakistan-India; Lacshadweep-Maldives and Equator-Seychelles. The life of the population is provided by high feed productivity of the region. 1294 whales with length from 12.5 m to 24.0 m were taken. The mean length of males was 19.3 m; females - 19.4 m. The males tend to become mature at length 19.0 m and width of testicles 18 - 20 kg; females - at length 21.0 m. The pregnant females form 41.3% from mature ones. The rate of embryo growth is satisfactory described by monoparabola L = 5.98(t - 20.5)1.90The mean new born whale length is 5.5 - 5.6 m. The peak of two seasons of mating are at May and November, the peaks of births - at April and October. The pregnancy is 10.5 - 11.0 months long. The re productivity of pygmy blue whales are low - one new born whales per 2.5 year.
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.
Wray,P.,Martin,K.R.
Historical Whaling Records from the Western Indian Ocean Book
International Whaling Commission, 1980.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: 19th century, Arabian region, Blue whale, blue whales, historical whaling, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Oman, sperm whales, whaling, Yankee whaling
@book{,
title = {Historical Whaling Records from the Western Indian Ocean},
author = {Wray,P.,Martin,K.R.},
year = {1980},
date = {1980-01-01},
journal = {Report to the International Whaling Commission, Special issue 5: Special Issue on Historical Whaling Records.},
number = {511},
pages = {213-241},
publisher = {International Whaling Commission},
abstract = {Preliminary data from 19th century whaling in the western Indian Ocean is presented, including summary of effort by whaling grounds and by species. Catch data from 27 voyages (1800-88) is summarised with comments on the possibility of overfishing of sperm and right whales in the region. Humpback whales were taken opportunistically in Madagascar and Mozambique but were not reported for the Northern Arabian Sea. Sperm whales were taken between September and January in the "Arabian Grounds" (including Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and Yemen). Blue whales were seen on the Arabian grounds from September through November. One blue whale was taken from the Kuria Muria Islands in Dec 1868.},
keywords = {19th century, Arabian region, Blue whale, blue whales, historical whaling, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Oman, sperm whales, whaling, Yankee whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Preliminary data from 19th century whaling in the western Indian Ocean is presented, including summary of effort by whaling grounds and by species. Catch data from 27 voyages (1800-88) is summarised with comments on the possibility of overfishing of sperm and right whales in the region. Humpback whales were taken opportunistically in Madagascar and Mozambique but were not reported for the Northern Arabian Sea. Sperm whales were taken between September and January in the "Arabian Grounds" (including Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and Yemen). Blue whales were seen on the Arabian grounds from September through November. One blue whale was taken from the Kuria Muria Islands in Dec 1868.
Yukhov,V.L.
Observations of cetaceans in the Gulf of Aden and the northwestern part of the Arabian Sea Technical Report
no. 512, 1969.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, Soviet whaling, sperm whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Gulf of Aden and the northwestern part of the Arabian Sea},
author = {Yukhov,V.L.},
year = {1969},
date = {1969-01-01},
journal = {Morskie Mlekopitayashchie},
number = {512},
pages = {1-6},
publisher = {Izd-vo "Nauka"},
abstract = {This is a brief report of sightings in the Arabian Sea made from a whale catcher of the Sovetskaya Ukraina fleet in the 1964-65 whaling seasons (Oct-Dec). In very general terms it describes sightings of female and juvenile sperm whales in groups of 6-10 throughout the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. This was the most frequently sighted species. Pygmy blue whales and Bryde's whales were also observed in both the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and specific mention is made of nearshore areas of the coasts of Somalia and the Oman. These species were both observed feeding (on their sides?). Small groups of humpback whales were observed East of Ras Fartak. Huge schools of small cetaceans were also observed feeding and the author concludes that the area provides an adequate supply of food for a variety of species.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, Soviet whaling, sperm whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This is a brief report of sightings in the Arabian Sea made from a whale catcher of the Sovetskaya Ukraina fleet in the 1964-65 whaling seasons (Oct-Dec). In very general terms it describes sightings of female and juvenile sperm whales in groups of 6-10 throughout the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. This was the most frequently sighted species. Pygmy blue whales and Bryde's whales were also observed in both the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and specific mention is made of nearshore areas of the coasts of Somalia and the Oman. These species were both observed feeding (on their sides?). Small groups of humpback whales were observed East of Ras Fartak. Huge schools of small cetaceans were also observed feeding and the author concludes that the area provides an adequate supply of food for a variety of species.