Oman’s EA completes first phase of Musandam’s marine mammal species survey

Khasab: Preliminary results of the first phase of the project to survey marine mammal species in Musandam Governorate showed that 7 sightings were monitored with different numbers of species of dolphins, namely: spinner dolphin, striped dolphin, Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, and common dolphin with long and spotted beak. bile.

Engineer Aida bint Khalaf Al Jabriya, head of the project team from the Environment Agency, said that the research project will continue for a period of three years, starting from 2023, to find out the number of marine mammal species in Musandam Governorate, their locations and seasons, in addition to establishing a database of marine mammal viewing sites.

Al-Jabriya indicated that a survey was conducted during the first phase of the project for about 621.255 kilometers, as the field surveys relied on the mechanism of applying parallel lines surrounding the National Natural Park Reserve in Musandam, and the length of each line was about 10 kilometers, with a total of 21 lines completed, with the participation of a number of specialists from the departments. Environment departments at the Environment Agency, and a number of official agencies and civil society institutions.

She stated that the second phase is scheduled to start during the last quarter of this year, and it will be preceded by the implementation of a workshop for fishermen, tourism companies and women’s associations to introduce them to the project and the results of the survey, in addition to involving them in reporting processes and monitoring the types and locations of marine mammals in the region.

Regarding the participation of a number of entities in the research project, Majid bin Ahmed Al Shehhi, a fish wealth development specialist from the Directorate General of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in Musandam Governorate, said: The role of the directorate is to educate fishermen on the importance of preserving marine mammals to ensure the sustainability and stability of marine ecosystems, and the need to inform specialists in If any kind of whales and dolphins are seen, as well as identifying fishing areas that fall within the targeted areas of the marine mammal survey project.

Ali bin Saeed Al Shehhi from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said: The ministry works, cooperates and contributes, along with other institutions, to the development of qualitative and developmental projects. Al-Shehhi believed that introducing tourists and educating them on the importance of preserving marine organisms and not harassing them is important, in addition to getting to know their behaviors and environments and enjoying recreational marine activities such as diving, swimming and kayaking.

Marine mammals are among the endangered species, as most of their species are mentioned in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Seen six species of marine mammals in the waters of the province.