Unique whales of Arabia: History, mystery, current study and an uncertain future

About the speaker:

Dr. Rob Baldwin has over 35 years of experience in the Arabian region in a wide variety of marine ecological and conservation work. He has been a key figure in marine mammal and sea turtle conservation programmes and initiatives and is recognised by numerous international organisations for this work. He plays an active role in IUCN’s Species Survival Commission as a member of both the Sea Turtle Specialist Group and the Cetacean Specialist Group. He is involved in the CMS Scientific Council Aquatic Mammals Working Group, the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee, the Convention on Migratory Species IOSEA Turtle MOU Advisory Committee and is a member of the IUCN/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas Joint Task Force. Rob has a particular passion for detailed research towards the conservation and protection of endangered species and passing on this knowledge to anyone who will listen!

About the talk:

The talk will present research in Oman that resulted in the discovery of unique populations of large baleen whales in Arabian Seas. This was achieved through pioneering work on humpback whales which led to re-classification of the Arabian sea population as a geographically, demographically and genetically isolated subspecies, and the subsequent realisation that other whales in the region, such as blue whales and Bryde's whales, are similarly isolated. These whales are, however, in danger of extinction and urgent action is required to save them.

Location!

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