The Environment Society of Oman is raising awareness about the Arabian Sea humpback Whale as a way to celebrate World Whale Day (20 February). ESO will initiate two projects in 2022 that support the conservation of the Arabian Sea-humpback whale. The first project is to create a Conservation Management Plan. This plan will work with local authorities in order to develop alternative solutions for harmful marine practices that could endanger the whales’ survival. ESO will also launch a 2-year capacity building program to develop the next generation cetacean activists and researchers.
The Arabian Sea Humpback Whale is one of 20 species found in Omans waters. It is the world’s most endangered and vulnerable whale population. The IUCN Red List of endangered species listed it as less than 100 individuals in 2008. ESO supported research also proved that Oman’s humpback whales are the only known population of the species not to migrate between high- and low latitudes. Instead, they breed and eat in the waters around Oman.
ESO was established in 2004 and has been working to improve our understanding of the ecology and distribution of the various whales that are found in Oman’s waters. The Marine Mammal Atlas of Oman was published by the country’s only non profit organization dedicated to environmental preservation. It is the culmination of more than 20 years of scientific research.
While research and monitoring of the Arabian Sea humpback will continue, ESO’s long history in research means that sufficient scientific information is available to inform meaningful conservation actions. ESO’s future work will be focused on providing more advocacy and mitigation options to protect endangered whales. ESO, a non-profit organization relies on the generous support of its members and sponsors to carry out this work. Visit eso.org.om for more information about how to support, make donations, and other ways to get involved.
