MASIRAH: Specialists from the Environment Centre in the Wilayat of Masirah have recorded the sighting of two blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the waters north of the island — a notably rare occurrence for the species in this area.
Qasi bin Hamad al Farsi, Environmental Control Supervisor at the Environment Centre in Masirah, stated, "This sighting represents a significant ecological and scientific event. It highlights the vital role played by Omani seas as a natural habitat and migratory corridor for numerous large whale species, both resident and migratory, and reinforces the importance of national efforts aimed at monitoring, protecting, and conserving marine mammals and their natural habitats." He added that this observation holds additional research significance, as scientific studies indicate that blue whales in the northwestern Indian Ocean — including marine areas adjacent to the Sultanate of Oman — may constitute a distinct population in terms of acoustic and ecological characteristics. Consequently, documenting their appearance and tracking their movements serves as a crucial source of scientific data regarding the distribution, behaviour, and migration patterns of these species.
Al Farsi explained that documenting such sightings contributes to updating national databases on marine mammals and supports environmental planning, management efforts, and decision-making related to the protection of sensitive marine habitats, particularly in areas with high maritime traffic or diverse fishing activities.
He further noted that regional studies and reports indicate that large whales face numerous threats, most notably ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear and nets. This makes continuous monitoring and documentation efforts an essential tool for identifying their presence, tracking their movement routes, and mitigating future risks.
He affirmed that the Environment Centre in Masirah continues to implement field monitoring programmes and scientific documentation of marine mammals and threatened wildlife species, thereby contributing to the enhancement of national knowledge regarding marine biodiversity and supporting efforts aimed at the conservation of natural resources in the Sultanate of Oman. - ONA
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