MUSCAT : The concluding phase of the project engaged the local community and volunteers, with Asyad Shipping Company lending active support by involving its employees in awareness programs and an introductory workshop held on Basah Beach in Khasab.

The project team also brought marine education to schools through an interactive game titled “Searching for Treasure with the Whale Sabour,” blending fun and learning for young students. Additionally, interactive workshops were organized for rural women under the “Zari Khasab” initiative to inspire marine-themed artwork and products. A dialogue session also gathered fishermen, students, and environmental activists to exchange ideas on safeguarding Oman’s marine life.

Haitham bin Sulaiman Al-Rawahi, Head of the Wildlife Management Department at the Environment Authority, reported that 12 sightings were recorded during this final phase, including the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin, Long-beaked General Dolphin, and Yellow Spot species. Nine sea trips were carried out, adding to a total of 41 expeditions since the project began, covering 5,367.8 kilometers, 1,173 km of which were during this phase.

A total of 33 participants joined the final stage, including 15 specialists from the Environment Authority, one participant from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, one from the Student Environmental Council, 10 volunteers from Asyad Shipping Company, and five representatives from various media outlets. The survey employed advanced tools such as the “Spinner Spinner” data app, sound-recording devices for marine mammals, and chemical and physical monitoring instruments.

Engineer Aida bint Khalaf Al Jabri, head of the project team, noted that this phase included a deep-water survey conducted more than 11 kilometers off the coast—an unprecedented step within the project. The survey covered the coastline from Ras Musandam to Lima district, documenting vital data on marine species while enhancing community awareness about their ecological importance.

Al Jabri highlighted that the project was carried out with extensive inter-agency cooperation, including the Office of the Governor of Musandam, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Musandam Naval Base, the ship Shinas, the Coast Guard in Khasab, the Royal Air Force of Oman, and the Directorate General of Education in the governorate, among others.

The team will now analyze the collected data and ensure continuity through reports from the local community and fishermen via a dedicated hotline and electronic portal. The Environment Authority also plans to expand similar surveys to other coastal governorates, with future locations to be announced following a review of priorities.

Project results will be unveiled in an upcoming press conference, and scientific papers detailing its findings will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

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