Based at the Salalah Port in Raysut, the team used their research
vessel, a 6.5 meter long RIB to work their way along the coast of Dhofar to Hasik and to
venture as far as the Hallaniyat Islands, roughly 70km from the mainland. [Research & Fieldwork - Feb 2001]
In February the Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group spent over two weeks studying whales in Oman's Dhofar region. Although rough seas hampered progress on at least five of the planned working days, the trip was extremely successful with over 1000km surveyed resulting in over 30 separate encounters of whales and dolphins. Almost all of the objectives of the field research were filled, leading to the acquisition of valuable new information.
Based at the Salalah Port in Raysut, the team used their research
vessel, a 6.5 meter long RIB to work their way along the coast of Dhofar to Hasik and to
venture as far as the Hallaniyat Islands, roughly 70km from the mainland.
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. During the course of the research humpback whales were recorded feeding at the sea's surface using techniques that may represent a unique behavioural trait. Humpback whales were also recorded by means of a hydrophone donated by students from the Sultan School, Muscat. This is apparently the first time that humpback whales have been recorded in song associated with breeding whilst 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 kilometers.
Several individual humpback whales were successfully captured on video film and photographed. These photographs of recognizable 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. The team also collected a number of skin samples from live whales to be used for genetic analysis. The results of this analysis will help us to learn more about Oman's humpback whales and to compare them with known populations in other parts of the world.
In addition to these exciting findings on humpback whales, the team also
collected information on other cetacean species. 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, as well
as a blue whale, the world's largest animal. This is only the fourth confirmed sighting of
a blue whale in Oman this century. When rough weather prevented boat-based surveys, the
team carried out beach surveys to collect skeletal material and skin samples from stranded
dolphins.
The past two weeks of fieldwork represent 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.
Almost all of the equipment and facilities needed for this important period of fieldwork were provided with assistance from local businesses, including Cameron Inchcape, DHL, Elcome International, Emirates Airlines, Ford Motor Company, Muscat Pharmacy, OHI Marine, Oman Air, PDO, Tarmac Alawi, Tawoos, Truck Oman, Veritas and W.S. Atkins International & Co. The team is particularly grateful to Salalah Port Services, who provided accommodation and logistic support throughout the team's stay in Dhofar. Fieldwork in the next three months will also be supported by Oman LNG and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Over the next few months the team will begin to process the results of data already collected in collaboration with scientists from South Africa, the United States and Europe. Work will also continue in the Muscat and Sharqiyah regions of northern Oman, where long-term research is already underway.
Members of the public can contribute to research efforts by reporting their sightings of live or stranded whales and dolphins, or by purchasing merchandise with the "Whale Coast Oman" logo, available at Dive Eco or the Oman Dive Center. For more information log on to the group's dedicated website: http://www.whalecoastoman.com