Identifying critical habitat for threatened sharks and rays in the Gulf of Oman

Our key objective is to identify and map the remaining coastal hotspots in the south-western Gulf of Oman where endangered sharks and rays persist, helping to protect the critical habitats they need to recover.

The Arabian Sea is a globally important region for sharks and rays, supporting a remarkable diversity of species, many of which are found nowhere else. The southern and western Gulf of Oman, in particular, is home to Endangered and Critically Endangered species such as the whitespotted wedgefish, Indo-Pacific leopard shark and whitespotted whipray, alongside many other threatened species. These sharks and rays are under severe threat from overfishing and their populations are believed to be quickly declining.

Rapid coastal development in the area has destroyed large areas of mangroves, sea grass and coral reef, fragmenting the few remaining natural habitats these species rely on. For Critically Endangered wedgefish and guitarfish, protecting their last nursery, feeding and resting sites is critical to prevent local extinctions. Opportunistic sightings of wedgefish and guitarfish at certain sites suggest that small pockets of the habitat needed to support these species still remain, but without detailed documentation, such areas cannot be effectively protected.

This pilot project aims to change this situation by generating a benchmark understanding of where threatened sharks and rays still occur in the southern and western Gulf of Oman. Using citizen science, baited cameras and environmental DNA, we will identify remaining hotspots and provide evidence to inform stronger protection. By engaging local citizen scientists, such as recreational divers and conservation groups, we will build lasting capacity to monitor and conserve the populations at risk.

The results will provide the crucial information needed to safeguard these imperilled species before it is too late. This is a rare opportunity to protect the last surviving populations of endangered shark and ray species in a region where urgent action could mean the difference between recovery and local extinction.

The Arabian Sea is a globally important region for sharks and rays, supporting a remarkable diversity of species, many of which are found nowhere else. The southern and western Gulf of Oman, in particular, is home to Endangered and Critically Endangered species such as the whitespotted wedgefish, Indo-Pacific leopard shark and whitespotted whipray, alongside many other threatened species. These sharks and rays are under severe threat from overfishing and their populations are believed to be quickly declining.

Rapid coastal development in the area has destroyed large areas of mangroves, sea grass and coral reef, fragmenting the few remaining natural habitats these species rely on. For Critically Endangered wedgefish and guitarfish, protecting their last nursery, feeding and resting sites is critical to prevent local extinctions. Opportunistic sightings of wedgefish and guitarfish at certain sites suggest that small pockets of the habitat needed to support these species still remain, but without detailed documentation, such areas cannot be effectively protected.

This pilot project aims to change this situation by generating a benchmark understanding of where threatened sharks and rays still occur in the southern and western Gulf of Oman. Using citizen science, baited cameras and environmental DNA, we will identify remaining hotspots and provide evidence to inform stronger protection. By engaging local citizen scientists, such as recreational divers and conservation groups, we will build lasting capacity to monitor and conserve the populations at risk.

The results will provide the crucial information needed to safeguard these imperilled species before it is too late. This is a rare opportunity to protect the last surviving populations of endangered shark and ray species in a region where urgent action could mean the difference between recovery and local extinction.

• To gather local knowledge from ocean users – such as recreational divers and fishers – along with records from social media to map where endangered sharks and rays are still being seen in the south-western Gulf of Oman. These observations will provide a vital first step in understanding which habitats still support priority species and will guide future research and management.
• To establish an easy-to-use online platform where citizen scientists can record new shark and ray sightings. This will create a lasting source of data for the region and help to identify seasonal and long-term trends in habitat use and migration.
• To combine this information and identify a small number of sites that should be prioritised for further research or possible conservation measures, potentially as marine protected areas.
• To conduct pilot ecological surveys at the most promising sites using non-invasive methods, including stereo baited underwater cameras and environmental DNA sampling. These surveys will confirm the presence of species, provide insights into behaviour and habitat use and deliver the scientific evidence decision-makers need to design effective conservation action.