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DOLPHIN WATCH
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 Close
encounters with whales are not unusual along Oman's rich and
varied shores. Together with their cousins, the dolphins,
there may be as many as 22 species that inhabit or pass
through the seas of the Sultanate. In some areas, it is
possible to regularly encounter hundreds of spinner dolphins
mixed with schools of common dolphins. Boats become surrounded
by a sea alive with dolphins, leaping, spinning, somersaulting
and generally frolicking around. Risso's dolphins, false
killer whales and perhaps pilot whales may race past, or come
in close to bowride. Bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback
dolphins are regularly seen and exciting, close up views of
humpback , Bryde's, sei, minke and sperm whales have thrilled
many an avid observer. Fortunate whale watchers could also
come across striped and pantropical spotted dolphins, killer
whales, pygmy killer whales, blue and fin whales, even dwarf
and pygmy sperm whales of the shy Cuvier's beaked whale. There
are surely others, such as the finless porpoise, waiting for
the first lucky viewer.
Relatively little is known about any of the whales and
dolphins
around Oman, or for that matter the whole of Arabia. Recent
sightings have even suggested the possibility of two species
new to science. The reason for the lack of information is,
quite simply, that few people are aware of the wealth of
whales and dolphins (or cetaceans, as they are collectively
called) in the region and fewer still have attempted any
serious study. The chance of seeing a dolphin that is yet to
be described by science or a whale that is yet to be recorded
in the area is an experience that few other locations around
the world can offer.
Watch Out for Whale -Watching
Despite this, there are plans to implement whale -watching on
a small scale in the near future. This will be done with the
initial help of scientists and students who will count,
photograph, map and generally gather data on any whales and
dolphins that are sighted. Gradually a picture will emerge not
only of where the greatest number of whales are, but also of
what they are doing and when they are doing it. If, for
example, whales are breeding during summer months then to
approach them closely at sea may disturb them. This has clear
repercussions for the whales and any negative impact on them
is deflected directly back to those who are trying to watch
them. There is certainly little doubt that Oman has the
potential to attract a share of the industry's annual global
revenue of over US $ 317 million and to add to the four
million people world-wide that venture out to sea every year
to watch whales.
 Prior
to the development of organized whale-watching in Oman,
enthusiasts can still join in on the secret. Whales can be
seen from land along much of Oman's beautiful coastline. Good
vantage points are common where mountains reach the shore as
cliffs, and in many areas headlands jut far out to sea.
Humpback and minke whales are the most likely to be sighted
feeding in shallow waters, and humpback and bottlenose
dolphins habitually spend most or all of their time inshore.
Far better, however, is to venture out to sea by boat. As
there are no commercial whale-watching companies in Oman, this
means either joining friends in a privately owned vessel or
hiring a fishing boat from one of many opportunistic fishermen
in any fishing village along the coast.
Where and When to Watch
Early mornings and evenings are usually the best times to look
for cetaceans, as the sea is often calmer and the light
better. They can be found any distance offshore, the majority
of sightings so far being close to land. However, small boats
rarely venture any distance out to sea and trips further
offshore could prove extremely worthwhile. Recently, a pod of
sperm whales, numbering over 24 individuals, including young,
was sighted in deepwater some distance off Muscat. Fishermen
report numerous sightings of what are thought to be false
killer whales at a similar distance from land, which, they
say, sometimes follow their boats for several hours leaping
into the air and riding the bow wave.
Dolphins are easier to find than the bigger whales as they
tend to swim in larger groups and surface more frequently.
Splashes made by performing dolphins are often the first thing
you will see. Some, such as the commonly encountered spinner
dolphin, leap over 3 m into the air, before slapping back down
onto the water's surface. Fleets of fishing boats may also
betray the presence of dolphins as fishermen are known to
follow the dolphins in search of tuna (see Vol. 1 No.1).
Similarly, flocking seabirds may be an indication of dolphins
or whales feeding nearby. You will certainly notice a large
whale jumping out of the water, or breaching, as if in joyful
mood. The thunderous splash made as it re-enters the sea
cannot only be seen but may also be heard, several kilometres
away.
There is no single location at which you are most likely to
see cetaceans in Oman. Patient observers anywhere at sea may
eventually be rewarded. However, as an initial guide, many are
seen in Dhofar and around its offshore islands, which seems to
be the area of greatest potential for whale -watching. The
waters immediately off Muscat, however, are where the majority
of whales have been seen. This is probably more a reflection
of the number of whale enthusiasts in the area than the
abundance of whales, but the fact remains that here too there
are unique opportunities for hours of pleasurable and exciting
whale -watching. Other relatively unexplored areas where
whales are to be found - and who is to say how many and of
which species - are the seas off the easternmost point of
Arabia at the Ra's al Hadd headland, the rich and intriguing
waters around Masirah Island, and the fascinating Musandam
region in the extreme north.
Watching Out for the Future
The future of whales and those wishing to watch them in Oman
looks bright. A cetacean action team has been established that
will not only ascertain information of value to tourism
industries, but will also benefit the benevolent giants
themselves. Direct action is being taken in Oman to reduce the
number of whales and dolphins accidentally caught in fishing
nets every year. In the public eye, a team of volunteer divers
is on 24 hour standby, ready to react to reports of cetaceans
in distress. Their reward is simply the privilege of close
contact with a mysterious and lovable animal and a log book
entry that will be the envy of many a diver. Below the
surface, scientific research and negotiations in government
offices are beginning to show results. An office, assigned
solely to the task of conducting research and controlling
rescue operations, has recently been established that will
continue to create awareness and instigate government support
for Oman's whales and dolphins.
Whale-watchers are encouraged to report their sightings to the
new office and already, with the launch of a book that guides
whale-watchers in their search, progress has been made. In
addition, concerned companies such as Shell Marketing, Swiss
Air, Inter-Continental Hotels, Taylor Woodrow-Towell,
Truckoman, Arabian Mapping, Sabco, Family Bookshop and the
Arabian Seas Expedition are providing support that will enable
aims to be achieved and ensure that future generations, both
nationally and throughout the world, will be able to
experience the thrill of Oman's whales and dolphins first
hand, and not just learn about them in history books. It is a
lesson in conservation of which Oman has just cause to be
proud and for which whale -watchers will be thankful. |
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All
materials in this site is subject to the views and opinion of the
developers who cannot be held responsible towards any misconception
and misinterpretation. All information on this site is only for
general use and in the interest of the public
