Abu Dhabi identified as key habitat for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins

A survey of dolphins off the coast of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has identified the area as a key habitat for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the Indian Ocean. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) began studying the dolphins in 2014 and has estimated the local population to be around 701, much larger than has been recorded anywhere else.

Over 1800 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are also thought to inhabit the coastal waters around the city as well as around 50 finless porpoises.

With numerous threats to the dolphins including boat traffic, net entanglement, pollution and habitat loss, the findings provide vital information that will help with developing conservation initiatives in the region.

Full report:
The distribution, abundance and group dynamics of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Bruno Díaz López, Edwin Grandcourt, Séverine Methion, Himansu Das, Ibrahim Bugla, Maitha Al Hameli,Hind Al Ameri, Mohamed Abdulla, Ayesha Al Blooshi, Shaikha Al Dhaheri
Journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , First View
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315417001205