Endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale found dead off Oman’s coast
Authorities cite illegal fishing practices as growing threat to rare marine species
Dubai: Oman’s Environment Authority has confirmed the discovery of a dead Arabian Sea humpback whale along the country’s coastline, after it was washed ashore off Al Ashkharah beach. The whale was found entangled in fishing nets.
In a statement on its Instagram page, the authority noted that the incident was handled systematically and scientifically, in accordance with established environmental protocols. The whale was reportedly trapped in abandoned fishing gear—a practice often linked to negligent and illegal fishing activity.
The Arabian Sea humpback whale is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with its population already facing serious threats due to limited numbers, habitat degradation, and human-induced hazards.
Such occurrences, officials warned, are becoming increasingly common in international waters due to unregulated and excessive fishing, as well as mounting competition between commercial fleets—many of which disregard international environmental guidelines in pursuit of profits.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
