Muscat – Environment Authority, in partnership with Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Musandam, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Environment Society of Oman, has started the third phase of a project to survey marine mammals in Khasab, Musandam.

Launched in 2023, this three-year project aims to extensively document the natural habitats and prevalence of marine mammals along the coast of Musandam’s National Natural Park. The primary objective is to compile a comprehensive national database detailing the habitat and health of the marine species, while also monitoring human activities such as fishing and shipping that might impact their natural habitat.

On the very first day of the project’s current phase, promising developments were observed. Aida bint Khalaf al Jabriya, head of the project team, reported a notable increase in the population of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, particularly around Khor Sham. 

The significance of marine mammals like dolphins and whales extends beyond their natural charm. “Dolphins are crucial for maintaining healthy fish populations by preying on the old and sick, while whales play a pivotal role in the food chain and contribute significantly to carbon sequestration,” Aida explained. 

It is estimated that whale activity helps remove about 400,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually, underscoring their critical role in combating climate change.

Noura bint Abdullah al Shehi, another team member, highlighted the advanced technologies deployed in this phase to ensure data precision and quality. “We are utilising sonar devices to map ocean depths, instruments to measure wind speed and specialised devices to record marine mammal sounds. Additionally, our team is equipped with state-of-the-art photographic gear to capture detailed images of these creatures,” she stated.