Fujairah Environment Authority Unveils Book On Regional Whales And Dolphins

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Fujairah Environment Authority has launched a book titled "Whales and Dolphins of Fujairah and the Arabian Region". This book aims to merge global research insights on whales and dolphins with specific attributes of marine mammals in Fujairah.

The book also explores the relationship between these marine creatures and human activities such as fishing, shipping, and tourism in one of the world's fastest-growing regions. It is the third instalment in a series on the Natural History of Fujairah initiated by the Fujairah Environment Authority.

Aseela Abdullah Al Mualla, Acting Director of the Fujairah Environment Authority, emphasised the importance of marine life to Fujairah’s natural environment. She noted that diverse marine habitats are crucial for maintaining rich biodiversity. Dolphins, in particular, indicate a healthy marine environment and contribute to ecotourism and additional income for the emirate.

Al Mualla highlighted that understanding and protecting marine environments is vital. The book aims to raise public awareness about conservation efforts. Dr. Fouad Lamghari, Director of Fujairah Research Centre, echoed this sentiment by stating that collaboration is key to sustainable progress in preserving marine biodiversity.

The book's authors, Robert Baldwin and Balazs Buzas, explained that their detailed study began after a sperm whale stranded on Fujairah's shores in 2012. This incident was part of several cetacean records during the first IUCN Red List assessment for marine mammals in the UAE in 2016.

Baldwin and Buzas noted that despite heavy vessel traffic, recent studies revealed that Fujairah hosts a diverse range of dolphins, sea turtles, sea snakes, seabirds, fish, and other marine species. Occasionally, large whales also pass through its waters.

Detailed Chapters on Marine Life

The book features eight chapters covering various aspects of cetaceans in Fujairah. The first chapter introduces oceanography and cetacean habitats. Subsequent chapters explore cetacean diversity, taxonomy, systematics, evolution in the Arabian Sea, body form and behaviour.

Further chapters provide an overview of research conducted on cetaceans in Fujairah and detailed accounts of species known in the Arabian region. The final chapters discuss conservation challenges and threats faced by cetaceans.

Collaborative Research Initiatives

The research behind this book included specific studies on whales and dolphins in deep offshore waters. Baldwin mentioned that this area had not been previously studied extensively anywhere else in the Arabian region.

Baldwin elaborated that their team recorded 12 different species of whales and dolphins during their study. This represents almost 15 percent of global cetacean species and over half known to occur in the Arabian region.

Significant Contributions to Marine Conservation

Baldwin highlighted that their research was part of the Fujairah Whale and Dolphin Research Project launched under Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi's patronage in February 2017. Several years of detailed study followed using techniques like vessel surveys, photo-identification studies, acoustic research, and biopsy sampling for genetic analyses.

The project partners included Fujairah Research Centre (FRC), 5 Oceans, Port of Fujairah, Aero Gulf Services, Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN), UAE Dolphin Project Initiative, and other organisations involved in whale and dolphin conservation.

This collaborative effort has significantly contributed to understanding cetaceans' challenges and opportunities in the region. It has enhanced Fujairah’s ability to protect its unique natural heritage for future generations.

With inputs from WAM