Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

ESO, Renaissance continue Arabian Sea Humpback Whale conservation

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The Environment Society of Oman (ESO) and Renaissance Services SAOG signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cover the costs of the organisation’s continuous Arabian Sea Humpback Whale research and conservation project.


Under the agreement, Renaissance Services SAOG will fund field surveys in Oman, with a special emphasis on the Arabian Sea Humpback Whales, to help researchers better understand and conserve these endangered species.


Suaad Al Harthi, Programs Director at ESO, said, “I would like to thank Renaissance Services SAOG for providing us with the support we have needed to continue this program over the years. Since we began our satellite tagging program, they have sponsored every expedition conducted to improve our knowledge of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales. As a result of their ongoing support, we are well positioned to boost our research efforts to help protect these wonderful creatures and preserve them for the future.”


In a study published in 2014, the Arabian Sea humpback whale has been identified as the most genetically distinct species of humpbacks in the world and may be the most isolated whale population on earth. Understanding their movement and habitat utilization is, therefore, crucial for their protection from human induced threats.


Stephen Thomas, CEO of Renaissance Services said, “We are proud to be part of this initiative, in order to improve conservation methods as it is essential that we gain even more insight into the lives of these amazing creatures. The seas of Oman are one of the most unique marine treasures in the regionand are home to many Arabian Sea Humpback Whales.


They, and many other species, are now facing threats such as overdevelopment, entanglement, and noise pollution.


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