Environment Authority (EA) has launched the final phase of its marine mammal survey in Musandam Governorate, continuing until October 31. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to monitor and protect the marine environment within the Musandam National Nature Park.

The project seeks to build a scientific database to support the conservation and management of Oman’s marine ecosystems. It focuses on identifying marine mammal species, recording their distribution and seasonal presence, and developing an accurate map of marine biodiversity across the sultanate.

Surveys conducted in 2023, 2024 and early 2025 documented five marine mammal species – four types of dolphins and one whale species. These include the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, spinner dolphin, long-beaked common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and Bryde’s whale.

Eng Noura Abdullah al Shehhiya, a member of the Musandam Marine Mammal Survey Project team, said the survey is being conducted along longitudinal lines of 10km each, spaced 4km apart, parallel to the park’s boundaries. Fieldwork is undertaken using a research vessel.

“The team recorded 46 sightings of marine mammals along a total route of 4,195km, covering 264 hours of fieldwork,” she said. At each site, the team measures seawater properties such as temperature, salinity, acidity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids using a multi-parameter device.

Noura added that this data allows for a more accurate understanding of the animals’ behaviour, feeding patterns and movements. She noted that the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and that the survey’s findings will help identify its habitats and guide regulations on tourism, fishing and vessel movement.

She said the Environment Authority continues regular monitoring and surveys within Musandam National Nature Park under its management plan, aimed at strengthening marine biodiversity conservation in Oman.