Muscat – The project, which will continue until April 24, comes as part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity in the Omani marine environment.

The project aims to create a comprehensive database on marine mammals in the National Natural Park Reserve in Governorate of Musandam, as well as to prepare an accurate distribution map of species within the reserve, so as to strengthen the foundations of scientifically based environmental management.

Engineer Aida bint Khalaf Al Jabriya, head of the project team, pointed out that the project is being implemented as part of the survey and monitoring programmes included in the management plan of the National Nature Park Reserve. It includes a number of basic field tasks distributed among the team, including visual monitoring to detect marine mammals using the naked eye or binoculars, by tracking spots or disturbances on the sea surface, monitoring dark objects or the flight of birds in specific locations that indicate the presence of fish, which in turn attract these marine creatures.

She added that the project team is responsible for piloting the research boat along designated routes, photographing and documenting the observations using high-quality professional cameras, and recording data in the field using a project-specific electronic application (Spinner). This device was specifically developed to accurately document all observations and accompanying information.
She stressed that the Sultanate of Oman is a natural habitat rich in marine mammals, thanks to its unique geographical location overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Arabian Sea, which provides a nurturing environment for various species of dolphins and whales.

She pointed out that these marine organisms play a crucial environmental role in maintaining the health of ecosystems, as they contribute to combating diseases and ensuring the stability of the food chain, in addition to contributing to climate balance by absorbing carbon through whale waste.