Fourth sighting of blue whale in Oman
By Ebby Chacko George
MUSCAT — Valuable new information has been gathered in a research study on Oman's whales and dolphins, which frequent the sea near Dhofar region.The study conducted by the Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group, a non-profit-making team of Muscat-based volunteer scientists, surveyed 1,000 km in the sea, leading to 30 separate encounters with whales and dolphins.
The researchers stumbled upon a new revelation as contrary to normal behavioural patterns, humpback whales were seen breeding and feeding in the same area.
The scientists also sighted a blue whale, the world's largest animal, in what is only the fourth confirmed sighting of a blue whale in Oman in this century.
Almost all the objectives of the field research were achieved, according to Gianna Minton, spokesperson of the research group.
The study focused on humpback whales in an effort to better understand the habits and seasonal movements of this species, which is believed to comprise a unique, resident and possibly genetically isolated population in the Arabian region.
The research recorded humpback whales breeding and feeding in the same area. The usual migratory behaviour of this species normally results in the separation of these two acts by many months and several thousand kilometres.
Humpback whales were recorded by means of a hydrophone donated by students from the Sultan School, Muscat. This is the first time that humpback whales have been recorded in song associated with breeding whilst feeding in the same area.
The team also collected a number of skin samples from live whales to be used for genetic analysis. The results of the analysis will help to learn more about Oman's humpback whale and to compare them with known populations in other parts of the world.
Several individual humpback whales were captured on video film and photographed. These photographs of recognisable features such as tail flukes and dorsal fins, will be carefully catalogued, and will allow researchers to identify individuals and monitor their movements over time.
During the boat-based surveys, data were recorded on common spinner, bottlenose, humpback and Risso's dolphins. A group of over 20 sperm whales was also observed in the deep waters off the rocky coast of Mirbat.
When rough weather prevented boast-based surveys, the team carried out beach surveys to collect skeletal material and skin samples from stranded dolphins.
The two-week fieldwork represents a continuation of the efforts of the Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group to collect data on Oman's cetaceans. These data will be used to better understand and ultimately protect whales and dolphins and their habitats in Oman.
All of the information and samples collected during the survey will be deposited with the Oman Natural History Museum and the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment, both of whom support the team's work.
Over the next few months, the team will begin to process the results of the data already collected in collaboration with scientists from South Africa, the US and Europe.
Research work will also continue in the Muscat and Sharqiyah regions of northern Oman, where long-term research is already under way.
Those interested in more information on Oman's whales and dolphins can log on to the group's dedicated web site www.whalecoastoman.com.