Muscat: For the first time since initiating the Marine Mammal Species Project, a Bryde's whale has been observed in Musandam Governorate, according to reports from the Environment Authority.
Aida bint Khalaf Al Jabri, the leader of the project, remarked that this observation marks a significant advancement in our knowledge regarding the occurrence of rare or unrecorded marine species within Musandam Governorate. She emphasized the necessity of ongoing environmental assessments to safeguard biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman.
Furthermore, Al Jabri explained that this initiative is a groundbreaking effort that connects practical fieldwork with scientific inquiry, aiding in the creation of a national database that bolsters the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to the protection and sustainability of marine life for generations to come.
The Bryde's whale is a medium-sized species, featuring a sleek body and a bluish-gray hue, characteristically distinguished by three noticeable ridges on its head, setting it apart from other whale species.
Renowned for its elusive nature and swift movements, this whale favors warmer waters and preys on small fish and plankton utilizing a technique known as “surge and swallow. ” It is typically observed either solitarily or in small pods.
Importantly, the observation of Bryde's whales serves as a delicate biological signifier of the health and equilibrium of marine ecosystems, which are directly influenced by changes in the environment and levels of marine pollution.
