Introducing the Arabian Marine Species Observer (AMSO) Course

INTRODUCING THE ARABIAN MARINE SPECIES OBSERVER (AMSO) COURSE

FEATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHY REBEKKA PENTTI AND OLIVER FARRELL

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata)

Rebekka Pentti

Dugong (Dugong dugon)

Oliver Farrell

Indian Ocean Humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea)

Rebekka Pentti

The rapidly developing Arabian Peninsula hosts a rich diversity of marine megafauna, including marine mammals, turtles and sharks that are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities. Many species, in particular marine mammals, are heavily impacted by the noise created during coastal development, seismic exploration, and mere commercial shipping.

Globally, the presence of trained marine mammal observers onboard is a regulatory requirement for many large offshore developments. This is now increasingly enforced in the Arabian Peninsula region, which encompasses the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Previously, most regionally employed observers had international qualifications, focusing primarily on the marine species of the UK or Gulf of Mexico. As a response to this regional knowledge gap, Nautica Environmental Associates and Five Oceans Environmental Services prepared The Arabian Marine Species Observer (AMSO) Course; the first fully regionally specialised marine species observer programme in the Arabian Peninsula.

The AMSO course introduces the marine species observer industry. It is aimed at acquisition of in-depth knowledge, attaining new skills, and achieving competencies in marine species identification, data recording, distance estimation and the implementation of impact mitigation protocols. It also helps experienced individuals broaden their knowledge on the site-specific legislative frameworks protecting Arabian marine species. The 2-3 day course involves both theory and practical elements, with online theory options available for experienced species observers with other international certifications, or those generally interested in the topic but not looking to work as full-time species observers.

The dorsal fin of a Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus).

Rebekka Pentti

So why do we need a dedicated course for the Arabian Peninsula? The Arabian Peninsula is very unique from a biogeographic point of view; seasonal upwelling in the Arabian Sea provides nutrients for a wide range of marine megafauna, including large whales all year round. The Arabian Peninsula is an isolated area compared to the rest of the world’s oceans; movement of animals towards the north is restricted due to the Asian continent. The Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea are further isolated and unique; the Arabian Gulf is shallow and relatively nutrient rich, whereas the Red Sea is deep and nutrient poor in comparison.

Spinner dolphin with calf (Stenella longirostris)

Rebekka Pentti

Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea)

Oliver Farrell

Due to these biogeographic factors, many marine species don’t migrate elsewhere from the Arabian Peninsula and are endemic or genetically isolated. Therefore, population declines here can lead to extirpation (local extinction). While marine megafauna elsewhere can migrate when faced with threats such as warming seawater temperatures, the marine wildlife of the Arabian Peninsula do not have many options out. AMSO trained personnel provide a platform of opportunity for the offshore industry and non-commercial entities to safeguard marine megafauna during offshore activities and to learn more about the unique adaptations of species here.

The AMSO programme content and design is a collaboration between Nautica Environmental Associates, headquartered in the UAE and Five Oceans Environmental Services in Oman, combining 30 years of experience in the region with leading scientists in the field of marine species identification.The course is accredited by the IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology) as well as ACTVET (Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training).

Please head over to www.amso.ae to learn more about the AMSO course!

AMSO Practical Sessions.

AMSO Practical Sessions.

AMSO Practical Sessions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Rebekka Pentti, I am a marine scientist and training manager at Nautica Environmental Associates LLC. Our AMSO course is increasingly acknowledged as the industry standard for maritime professionals working in sensitive offshore areas and it is the first fully regionally specialised marine species observer programme in the Arabian Peninsula!

I am very proud to have been involved in putting the AMSO course together as I now feel that our work has an increasingly widespread positive impact protecting marine megafauna from offshore activities while increasing environmental awareness amongst project crews. The UAE and the Arabian Peninsula have some incredible conservational organisations and groups, and I am truly grateful to have collaborated with many likeminded people on these shared goals.