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Bryde's Whale Makes Rare First Appearance in Musandam
Spotted for the first time ever in the governorate, this elusive whale marks a big win for Oman’s marine biodiversity efforts.
- Publish date: Tuesday، 22 April 2025
In a rare and exciting twist for Oman’s wildlife watchers, a Bryde’s whale has been spotted for the very first time in the waters off Musandam Governorate.
The sighting, confirmed by the Environment Authority as part of the Marine Mammal Species Project, marks a major milestone in the ongoing effort to map marine biodiversity across the Sultanate.
According to Aida bint Khalaf Al Jabri, the project’s lead researcher, the sighting highlights “the importance of continuing environmental surveys to protect biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman.”
The project, which blends on-ground fieldwork with academic research, is helping build a national database of marine species — a resource Al Jabri says is vital to “enhancing Oman’s efforts to protect marine species and sustain them for future generations.”
Bryde’s whales — often called the "stealthy giants" of the sea — are medium-sized baleen whales with sleek blue-gray bodies and a trio of ridges on their heads, which make them stand out from their relatives. Known for their elusive nature and fast swimming, they usually prefer warm waters and feed on plankton and small fish using a dramatic "surge and swallow" feeding technique.
While it’s common to spot these whales solo or in small pods, this sighting is anything but ordinary. Experts say monitoring the Bryde’s whale population is crucial, as their presence (or absence) can serve as a powerful indicator of marine ecosystem health — especially in areas increasingly impacted by climate change and ocean pollution.
Oman’s Environment Authority continues to make waves with its science-driven approach to conservation, and if this sighting is any clue, the deep waters of Musandam may be home to more surprises yet.
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