Launch of "Whales and Dolphins of Fujairah and the Arabian Region" Marks a Milestone in Marine Conservation
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Fujairah Environment Authority has unveiled the book Whales and Dolphins of Fujairah and the Arabian Region. Authored by Robert Baldwin, CEO of 5 Oceans, and wildlife consultant Balazs Buzas, this publication is the third in the series on the Natural History of Fujairah. It combines global research on marine mammals with the unique characteristics of the marine life in Fujairah, aiming to enhance understanding and conservation efforts in the region.
The book, which represents the culmination of nearly five years of scientific research, including extensive field studies conducted under the Fujairah Whale and Dolphin Research Project, provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity of whales and dolphins in the Arabian region. Richly illustrated with photographs, drawings by Uko Gorter and Samuel Baldwin, and distribution maps by Edith Shum, it explores the lives of these marine mammals in the context of human activities such as fishing, shipping, and tourism.
Her Excellency Aseela Abdullah Al Mualla, Acting Director of the Fujairah Environment Authority, emphasized the book’s significance in promoting marine conservation and raising public awareness about the region’s rich marine biodiversity. Dr. Fouad Lamghari, Director of Fujairah Research Centre, highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the research, which have significantly advanced the understanding of cetacean species in the region.
The book features eight chapters that delve into the oceanography of Fujairah, the diversity and behavior of cetaceans, and the conservation challenges they face. Baldwin and Buzas noted that their research in Fujairah’s deep offshore waters revealed 12 species of whales and dolphins, representing nearly 15% of cetacean species globally—a remarkable achievement for the region.
The launch of this book underscores Fujairah’s commitment to marine conservation and marks another milestone in the environmental research initiatives spearheaded by the Emirate.
