Scientific Literature: Searchable Database

The emerging whale watching industry in Oman includes one small-scale tour operator targeting Endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales, as well as other operators that opportunistically encounter this species. Guidelines for whale watching in Oman were developed in 2013/14 as part of an IWC-supported project that also included awareness-raising and initial training of tour operators and vessel captains in key locations. This formed the basis of the current study which aims to identify requirements to minimise the potentially negative impacts of whale watching on Arabian Sea humpback whales specifically, whilst also highlighting some key business approaches for achieving responsibly-managed whale watching in Oman. The whale watching industry in Oman has potential for growth and should be appropriately guided in advance of expansion. A road map of actions towards this goal is outlined, aimed at government and private sector stakeholders. Recommendations are also made for monitoring and controlling whale watching activities pending further research. Further training of operators (especially vessel captains) is still required to ensure responsible boat handling around whales and improved planning towards a more sustainable industry. The use of whale watching vessel as a platform for collection of scientific data has been initiated at one location. Draft regulations to help govern the industry in Oman have been prepared and are under review by Oman’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs. Although focused on humpback whales, the study also recommends that results are applied to other species and identifies priorities for data collection to fill existing knowledge gaps.