[Research & Fieldwork - October 2001]

Masirah Island Fieldwork

Below is a summary of the Masirah Island fieldwork. For further details and photographs please see the team's preliminary report.

- The team on their research boat -	- Rob analysing data -

Summary of Masirah Island fieldwork, September - November 2001:

The Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Team spent the last week in September through to the first week of November studying humpback whales and other aspects of the marine and coastal environment in the region between Masirah Island and R'as Madrakah (see map). The survey coincided with the SAIF SAREEA II joint Omani-British Military Exercises and the group received support from the British Government to gather much-needed data about the local cetacean populations. The survey team also worked with troops involved in Saif Sareea II to minimise the impact of the military manoeuvres on the cetacean populations.

- Map of research area - click "Study Area" to zoom in -

The 6 week long survey started and finished with surveys of the coast between R'as Madrakah and Masirah Island. During this time the group examined whale and dolphin remains and collected specimens for the Oman Natural History Museum. The rest of the survey period (almost the whole month of October) focused on boat-based observations of humpback whales and other species of whales and dolphins. Main study techniques included the use of photo-identification to expand the catalogue of recognisable individual whales, the collection of skin samples (biopsies) for genetic analysis, and the use of a video camera and hydrophone to record and study whale behaviour.

The study team was based on the southern tip of Masirah Island, and worked with staff from Oman's Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources throughout the survey period.