- A humpback whale's fluke just before it dives -
Contents
Introduction
The Year of the Environment
The Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group
Projects and accomplishments in past two years
Boat surveys
Beach Surveys
Humpback whales
Photo-Identification
Collection of samples for genetic analysis
Acoustic surveys
Collection of data on other forms of marine life and coastal habitats
Participation and training of Omani nationals
Research plans for Autumn 2002
Budget and equipment needs
Benefits to the sponsor
Further details(Use ^^ to jump back to the contents)
Introduction ^^
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- A humpback whale's fluke just before it dives - |
There can be few places in the world that match the Sultanate of Oman for the sheer dazzling diversity of its marine ecosystems and resources. Although situated mainly within the tropics, Oman's waters are extremely productive and it is believed that seasonal upwelling of cold, nutrient rich water associated with the monsoon or khareef provides a mechanism for sustaining a year-round food supply for a variety of marine life. The variety extends along and beyond Oman's entire 1700km of coastline and incorporates mangroves, coastal lagoons, tidal and coral communities and open ocean systems that are shared by a wide range of invertebrates, fishes, birds, reptiles and of course a stunning array of whales and dolphins. In an age when global marine resources are at risk of drastic change from a variety of threats, the Sultanate can be proud indeed of the pristine state of its seas.
The diversity of marine habitats and the unique oceanographic conditions of the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, provide ideal habitats for at least 21 species of whales and dolphins. Some of these species display characteristics that are unique on a global scale. This proposal outlines the Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group's plans to study these amazing creatures in the 2002/2003 field season. Details of the budget and equipment required to conduct this work are provided on pages 5-7. We hope that sponsors of our past work will find a way to continue providing valuable support, and that new sponsors will be motivated to join the effort to study and protect Oman's whales and dolphins.
The Year of the Environment ^^
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said declared the years 2001 and 2002 as years of the environment. The declarations reinforced the already widely acknowledged conservation policies enacted by His Majesty and encouraged businesses, schools and other institutions to actively participate in the conservation of Oman's environment. The study of Oman's marine habitats and the whales and dolphins found in them provides some of the basic information needed to adequately plan for the conservation of some of Oman's most impressive natural resources.
The Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group ^^
The Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group (OWDRG) is a non-profit team of volunteer scientists who actively research and promote awareness of whales and dolphins found within Oman's waters. The group works with approval from Oman's Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, and cooperates closely with the Oman Natural History Museum (ONHM), Ministry of Heritage and Culture and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Over the past three years the OWDRG has carried out a number of boat and shore based surveys with the primary aim of collecting baseline data on Oman's cetacean species, particularly humpback whales and coastal dolphins. Information on other forms of marine and coastal life is also routinely collected, especially when this can benefit other research aims within the Sultanate or when requested by Government institutions. Scientific and popular publications are the principle route for dissemination of the information collected, and a database of all information is shared with the ONHM. The Group also endeavours to accommodate and train interested Omani researchers and to enhance environmental education throughout the Sultanate. Details of members of the team can be found at the end of this proposal.
Projects and accomplishments in past two years ^^
The OWDRG has conducted several boat and beach surveys over the past two years, and further information about these surveys is available in the annual reports written for the 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 field seasons (available on request), or from the group's website: www.whalecoastoman.com. The summary of projects below is intended to highlight the importance of future planned work in relation to work that has been completed to date.
Boat surveys ^^
One of the group's main aims is to learn where each species of whale or dolphin can be found in Oman, and perhaps more importantly, which areas are critical for these species' survival. Learning where different species feed, breed and migrate, will allow the group to provide relevant government agencies with the information necessary to develop effective policies to protect and conserve whales and dolphins and their habitat. This information is gathered primarily through Boat-based surveys and the group has conducted six major surveys between Muscat and Salalah in the past two years. Include map of survey areas?
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- Humpback whales at bow of research boat - |
Much of the research is carried out from the team's 6.5 meter long rigid inflatable boat (RIB), which was donated by PDO and Salalah Port Services, and is maintained by OHI Marine. Pre-determined tracks are searched using accepted statistical methodology. All sightings of cetaceans encountered on these track lines are recorded, allowing the researchers to learn about relative abundance of different species in the areas searched. Careful observations of behaviour and the presence of small calves in some groups provide indications of how different habitats are used.
Boat surveys in the past two years have revealed interesting patterns in the distribution of various species. Common and spinner dolphins seem to occur in fairly large numbers in many of the areas surveyed. Bottlenose and humpback dolphins are often observed closer to shore, and initial analysis of their distribution indicates that they may not overlap much in their inshore habitats, something that the group hopes to further investigate using both boat based and beach survey methodologies. The group has also recorded several sightings of rare and unusual species such as the blue whale and beaked whales. The regularity with which these animals occur in the Sultanate remains an intriguing mystery.
Beach Surveys ^^
Beach surveys allow the group to collect additional data on distribution of species, as well as causes of mortality, diets and genetic make-up. Stomach contents and skin samples are routinely collected from beach-cast specimens for later laboratory analysis, and skeletal material is collected for curation at the Oman Natural History Museum (ONHM).
To date the ONHM holds over 330 specimens of skeletal material from a variety of cetacean species and was recently described by a visiting expert as one of the best collections in the Indo-Pacific region. Of these specimens, 185 were collected by members of the OWDRG within the past two years and highlight the extraordinary amount of work completed with the assistance of recent sponsorship support.
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- Beachcombing for whale and dolphin remains - |
The group also routinely collects tissues samples for genetic analysis whenever feasible. Recent advances in molecular techniques have made it possible to extract DNA from even the most weathered of remains, a development that the group has taken full advantage of. Results of some recent genetic analyses of humpback dolphin samples collected from Oman and many other sites within the Indian and Pacific oceans were presented at the 54th meeting of the IWC scientific committee in Japan in April 2002. The data show that humpback dolphins in Oman stem from two different lineages, one from the western Indian Ocean and the other from the Pacific, and Oman may well represent the boundary between these two major populations. Further samples are required to better investigate this hypothesis and the group hopes to include some biopsy sampling of coastal dolphins in the new seasons fieldwork.
Although beached and dead cetaceans provide an excellent source of information, their very presence on beaches is a cause for concern and something that the group actively investigates. Data presented by the group at the recent IWC meeting revealed that a high percentage of dead cetaceans recovered within Oman had suffered fisheries related mortality. Many were entangled in nets or bore signs (rope marks and distinctive cuts and scrapes) that indicated interaction with fishing gears. Other less obvious factors are considered and recorded and through careful assessment the group is able to define where and why certain species are at risk. The sporadic nature of beach surveys, which until now have been conducted opportunistically whenever funds allow, is limiting the coverage the group ideally needs in order to best assess threats. More regular surveys with wider geographical coverage in the 2002-2003 season would provide valuable information.
Humpback whales ^^
Over the last 2 years much of the group's research has focused on humpback whales, particularly investigations of their distribution within Oman's waters, their behaviour and their relationships to other humpback whale populations in the Indian Ocean.
Scientists have known for many years that humpback whales inhabit the waters of the Arabian Sea. Some had speculated that humpbacks might reside in these waters year-round - a possibly unique situation as other populations of humpback whales undertake long seasonal migrations between polar feeding areas and tropical breeding areas. This suspicion was reinforced when recently released data from an illegal Soviet whaling expedition in the mid 1960s revealed that humpback whales were abundant in Oman during the time of year when they were expected to have migrated. This finding is exciting for many reasons and includes the possibility that humpback whales living off Oman are genuinely 'Arabic' and that there may even be genetic and behavioural differences between these whales and those elsewhere.
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- Photo-identification of a humpback fluke - |
Boat-based surveys conducted by the OWDRG in the past two years have shown that the gulf of Masirah and the Kuria Muria Bay are important areas for humpback whales at different times of year. However, the survey effort has been limited to these two areas in two seasons, and more survey effort is required throughout the year and between regions, in order to more accurately understand the range of their distribution and habitat needs in the Sultanate of Oman. Insert map showing two main survey areas with distribution of sightings - include months of surveys to show bias (and subsequent need for more even survey effort - perhaps place question marks in the area between Duqm and Kuria Muria Bay)
Photo-Identification ^^
The team uses SLR cameras with telephoto lenses to take photographs and a digital video camera to catalogue distinctive features of individual whales so that they can be recognised when re-sighted and monitored over time. The group has now identified 36 individual humpback whales, two of which have been re-sighted across surveys. The first was photographed in October 2000, and again in February 2002. The second, affectionately called "Chomp" because of a bite-shaped scar on his tail fluke, has been seen four times between Muscat and Dhofar in a period of 15 months. These re-sights give some insight into the seasonal movements of whales in the Sultanate of Oman.
Collection of samples for genetic analysis ^^
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- Examining a dead Risso's dolphin - |
Skin samples are collected from both live and stranded animals for genetic analysis. 28 samples have been collected from humpback whales to date and initial genetic analysis shows some important differences between Omani whales and the nearest studied populations in Mayotte and Madagascar. While some whales seem to have uniquely Omani genetic traits, others share maternal lineages with other populations in the Indian Ocean. Further study is needed to learn whether this indicates recent migration between the groups, or an ancestral link.
Acoustic surveys ^^
In areas where humpback whales have been sighted, regular acoustic watches are held in order to detect and record males singing, a behaviour linked to breeding activity. Surveys to date have revealed many singing whales in the Kuria Muria Bay in the months of February and March, but more research is needed to determine the full extent of the whales' breeding area and season.
Collection of data on other forms of marine life and coastal habitats ^^
In the course of the research described above, the OWDRG has many opportunities to collect valuable data on other aspects of marine and coastal habitats. During boat surveys, careful records are made of all bird and turtle sightings, as well as any other unusual phenomenon, such as red tides or algal blooms. During beach surveys, a great deal of data is collected on the distribution of dead fish and turtles, as well as cetaceans. This information is routinely shared with the relevant government bodies, and in November and December 2001, the OWDRG cooperated extensively with the MRMEWR, MAF and SQU to monitor and investigate the causes of a mass mortality of fish and turtles along the central coast of Oman.
Participation and training of Omani nationals ^^
The major stated objective of the OWDRG is the long-term conservation and management of marine resources in the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean. In order to most effectively achieve these aims within Oman the OWDRG endeavours whenever possible to actively participate and share information with local scientists, managers, rangers, students, and enthusiasts that are either active in environmental research and management or simply eager to learn. Projects already initiated include:
The group hopes to further these kinds of links and hopes to actively seek more opportunities to further collaborative and interactive ties.
Research plans for Autumn 2002 ^^
Over the past two years, the OWDRG has designed surveys to target those areas of known humpback whale abundance at certain times of year. This means that survey effort has been directed toward the Gulf of Masirah in the autumn and Dhofar in the early spring. This has provided a great deal of useful data, but there is now a need to expand survey effort to cover wider geographical areas across seasons. In the 2002-2003 field season, the OWDRG would like to survey as much of the coastline between Ras al Hadd and Dalkhut as possible. This has previously been difficult to achieve due to the logistical difficulties of moving the team's 6.5m RIB along remote stretches of coastline where fuel supplies and sheltered anchorages cannot be guaranteed.
To overcome these logistical difficulties, the team would like to run two live-aboard line-transect surveys, in which a larger vessel would sail the planned track line, and the RIB could be towed behind to approach and sample whales. This would allow for more even coverage of the Arabian Sea waters of Oman and would also enable researchers to obtain more rigorous population estimates, which are critical for future management and conservation efforts.
This extended coverage of coastline, across seasons could alternatively be achieved through repeated aerial surveys of the Arabian Sea waters.
The proposed time frame for the 2002/2003 surveys are as follows:
| Time frame | Activity |
| September 2002 - June 2003 | Beach surveys in Muscat and Batinah |
| October 2002 | Beach survey in Mahoot |
| End Oct-Beg. Dec 2002 | Line transect survey between Sur and Dalkhut - either live-aboard or small-boat (or aerials) |
| December 2002 | Beach surveys in Muscat and Batinah |
| January 2003 | Beach survey in Mahoot |
| mid-February - mid-March 2003 | Line transect survey between Sur and Dalkhut - either live-aboard or small-boat (or aerials) |
| April 2003 | Beach surveys in Muscat, and Batinah and Mahoot |
Budget and equipment needs ^^
With the support of sponsors over the past two years, the OWDRG has obtained a great deal of valuable sampling and research equipment, ranging from a hydrophone to a rigid-hulled inflatable boat with twin outboard engines. However, boat and beach surveys are logistically complicated, and involve a great deal of consumable expenses, the funds for which must be raised for each survey. The proposed budgets for surveys planned in 2002/2003 are subdivided into three main sections below:
Full research proposals with detailed budget and equipment needs are available on request - please email Gianna Minton
Benefits to the sponsor ^^
The potential benefits to sponsors of this research are many. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos declared 2001 and 2002 years of the environment, and businesses in the Sultanate of Oman can demonstrate their commitment to this cause by supporting research into one of Oman's most inspiring natural resources. In addition to the satisfaction of supporting a worthy cause, businesses will benefit from several forms of media coverage that will highlight their role as sponsors of the research. Oman's whales and dolphins, and study of them have been covered extensively in local, regional and international newspapers and journals, as well as Oman English FM and Oman TV. Coverage in the past year has almost invariably included mention of sponsors' support. Supporters of the 2001/2002 season of fieldwork will continue to be mentioned in media coverage, and for differing degrees of support the Research Group can offer a range of publicity options including:
The research will also have wider benefits for businesses in the Sultanate of Oman. The involvement of internationally renowned researchers and media coverage in internationally distributed journals like Arabian Wildlife and WWF's "Living Planet" magazine will draw global attention to Oman and it's natural resources. This will help to boost tourism in Oman and draw international attention to those businesses that have supported the research.
Further details ^^
The Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal in more detail. A more extensive "scientific" version of this proposal is available for those who are interested.
For further information, please log on to the group's website: www.whalecoastoman.com or contact a member of our group:
Gianna Minton: kgminton@omantel.net.om GSM (968) 9329634