Khasab – The fifth phase of the marine mammal survey in Musandam Governorate has commenced in the Wilayat of Khasab. Led by the Environment Authority in collaboration with several government entities, the initiative runs from April 13 to 24 and is part of ongoing efforts to conserve wildlife and protect Oman’s marine biodiversity.
The project aims to establish a comprehensive database of marine mammal species within the Musandam National Nature Reserve and to develop a detailed distribution map. The data collected will support evidence-based environmental management and long-term policy planning.

Engineer Aida bint Khalaf al Jabriya, head of the project team, said the survey is conducted as part of the reserve’s management plan. Fieldwork involves visual monitoring — using binoculars or the naked eye — to detect signs of marine mammal activity such as surface disturbances or bird behavior that signals the presence of fish. Research vessels follow pre-defined routes, capturing sightings with high-resolution cameras and logging observations through ‘Spinner,’ a dedicated digital application developed for the
project.

“Each sighting is carefully documented with details such as species, group size, behavior, time, and geographic location,” said Jabriya. “We also gather aerial footage using drones and GoPro cameras, and collect environmental data including movement patterns, water depth, wind speed, and acoustic recordings of marine mammal vocalizations — all of which enhance the scientific value of the survey.”

Oman’s unique marine geography — spanning the Arabian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Arabian Sea — provides a habitat for a wide range of dolphin and whale species. These marine mammals play a vital role in ecosystem balance, including disease control, food chain stability, and climate regulation through carbon cycling. Engineer Noora bint Abdullah al Shehhi, Head of the Environmental Conservation Section
in Musandam, highlighted the importance of community participation. Local fishermen are actively contributing to the project by sharing photographs, videos, and location data through a dedicated hotline and the survey’s social media platforms. “Community engagement strengthens the quality and reach of the project while fostering environmental awareness,” said Shehhi. “It’s a model of citizen science in action.”

Earlier phases of the project recorded 38 marine mammal sightings, including Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, spinner dolphins, long-beaked common dolphins, and pantropical spotted dolphins. The humpback dolphins were predominantly observed in the western parts of the reserve, while larger groups of other species were noted in eastern areas such as Ras Shas, Khasab, and Khawr Najd — reinforcing the ecological value of these coastal zones.