Aryo barzan
the
Marzban
GULF OF OMAN
KEY FACTS
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
The Gulf of Oman is a relatively small body of water that is located in the north-eastern part of the Indian Ocean, bordered by Iran to the north, Pakistan to the west, and Oman to the south and east. It is an arm of the Arabian Sea and is connected to the Strait of Hormuz to the east.
Some of the key geographical features of the Gulf of Oman include:
Coastal Plains: The Gulf of Oman is surrounded by coastal plains that are relatively flat and narrow in some areas, particularly along the southern coast of Iran.
Islands: There are several islands located within the Gulf of Oman, including Hormuz Island, Qeshm Island, and the Musandam Peninsula.
THE ISLANDS
There are several islands located in the Gulf of Oman. Some of the notable ones are:
Masirah Island - located off the east coast of Oman, it is the largest island in the Gulf of Oman.
Hormuz Island - located in the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf of Oman to the Persian Gulf. It is part of Iran.
Qeshm Island - located in the Strait of Hormuz, it is the largest island in the Persian Gulf. It is also part of Iran.
Siri Island - Located off the coast of Iran, it is one of the most important oil-producing islands in the Gulf of Oman
Abu Musa Island - located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Oman,
Tunb Islands - two small islands located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Oman, they are also claimed by both Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Sir Abu Nu'ayr Island - located off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, it is a small island that is home to a lighthouse.
ENDEMIC PLANTS
The Gulf of Oman is a region known for its unique and diverse flora, including many endemic plant species. Some of the endemic plant species found in the Gulf of Oman region are:
Boswellia sacra (Sacred Frankincense): This tree is native to the Dhofar region of Oman and is known for its aromatic resin, which is used in incense and perfume production.
Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh): This shrub is native to the Arabian Peninsula and is known for its resin, which has been used for medicinal and religious purposes for thousands of years.
Euphorbia cuneata (Wadi Watir Spurge): This succulent plant is endemic to the Wadi Watir region in Oman and is known for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in arid conditions.
MARINE LIFE
The Gulf of Oman is a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, with a wide variety of marine life inhabiting its waters. Some of the marine species found in the Gulf of Oman include:
Arabian Humpback Whale: The Arabian humpback whale is a critically endangered species that can be found in the Gulf of Oman. They are known for their distinctive hump and long pectoral fins.
Green Turtle: The Gulf of Oman is home to a significant population of green turtles, which can often be seen nesting on the beaches of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Whale Shark: The Gulf of Oman is also home to the largest fish in the world, the whale shark. These gentle giants can grow up to 12 meters in length and are known for their distinctive spotted pattern.
Spinner Dolphin: The spinner dolphin is a common sight in the Gulf of Oman and is known for its acrobatic displays, including spinning in the air.
WILD LIFE
The Gulf of Oman is home to a variety of wild animals, both on land and in the sea. Here are some of the most common wild animals found in this region:
Arabian Leopard - This is a rare and endangered species of leopard that is found in the rocky areas of the Hajar Mountains near the Gulf of Oman.
Arabian Oryx - These antelopes are native to the Arabian Peninsula and can be found in the desert areas near the Gulf of Oman.
Caracal - This medium-sized wild cat is found in the rocky areas near the Gulf of Oman and is known for its hunting ability.
Arabian Wolf - This subspecies of grey wolf is found in the desert areas near the Gulf of Oman and feeds on small mammals.
Indian Crested Porcupine - This large rodent can be found in the rocky areas near the Gulf of Oman and feeds on vegetation.
MINERAL RESOURCES
The Iranian Department of Environment is a governmental organization, under the supervision of the president. It is responsible for matters related to safeguarding the environment.
The origins of the department can be traced back to the Hunting Club of Iran, established in 1956. Years later, it developed into an organization overseeing hunting and fishing activities in the country. In 1971 the organization changed its name to its current one, and notably has hosted the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in the city of Ramsar on the same year.
OIL & GAS
RESERVES & Production
Oil and gas in Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman is an important region for the production of oil and gas. Here are some key facts about oil and gas in the Gulf of Oman:
Reserves: The Gulf of Oman is estimated to have significant reserves of oil and gas. According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), the region has approximately 56 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 108 trillion cubic feet of proven
Oil and gas in Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman is an important region for the production of oil and gas. Here are some key facts about oil and gas in the Gulf of Oman:
Reserves: The Gulf of Oman is estimated to have significant reserves of oil and gas. According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), the region has approximately 56 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 108 trillion cubic feet of proven
Gulf of Oman
A BRIEF OVERVIEW
Welcome to the Gulf of Oman, a pristine paradise where turquoise waters meet golden shores, and rich biodiversity thrives beneath the surface. Situated at the eastern entrance of the Arabian Sea, this enchanting body of water is not only a haven for marine life but also a treasure trove of cultural heritage and natural wonders. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the Gulf of Oman's unique ecosystems, diverse habitats, and the efforts underway to protect and preserve its beauty for generations to come.
The Gulf of Oman is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from rugged coastlines and secluded coves to vibrant coral reefs and mangrove forests. Beneath the waves, a kaleidoscope of marine life awaits, from colourful reef fish and graceful sea turtles to majestic whale sharks and playful dolphins. These rich ecosystems provide essential habitat for countless species and support the livelihoods of coastal communities.
But the Gulf of Oman is not just a sanctuary for marine biodiversity—it is also steeped in history and culture. For centuries, the shores of the Gulf have been home to thriving maritime trade routes, ancient civilizations, and diverse coastal communities. Traces of this rich heritage can be found in historic ports, traditional fishing villages, and archaeological sites dotted along the coastline.
In this section, we invite you to delve into the wonders of the Gulf of Oman and learn about the environmental challenges it faces. From pollution and habitat degradation to overfishing and climate change, the Gulf is not immune to the pressures of human activity and global environmental change.
But amidst these challenges lies hope and opportunity. Through conservation efforts, sustainable development initiatives, and community engagement, we can work together to safeguard the Gulf of Oman's natural beauty and cultural heritage. By raising awareness, promoting responsible tourism, and advocating for marine protection, we can ensure that this precious ecosystem thrives for generations to come.
Join us as we celebrate the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the Gulf of Oman, and discover how each of us can play a role in protecting and preserving this extraordinary treasure of nature. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for the Gulf of Oman and all who call it home.
Environmental Challenges
Environmental Challenges
The Gulf of Oman faces several environmental challenges that threaten its marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and overall health. These challenges arise from a combination of natural processes, human activities, and regional dynamics. Some of the key environmental problems facing the Gulf of Oman include:
1. **Marine Pollution:** Pollution from various sources, including industrial discharge, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and oil spills, poses a significant threat to water quality in the Gulf of Oman. This pollution can harm marine life, degrade habitats, and impact human health.
2. **Oil Pollution:** The Gulf of Oman is a major shipping route for oil tankers, increasing the risk of oil spills due to accidents or deliberate discharge. Oil pollution can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems, including contamination of water, beaches, and marine life.
3. **Marine Debris:** Plastic pollution and marine debris are pervasive in the Gulf of Oman, posing threats to marine animals through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat degradation. Plastic pollution can persist in the marine environment for decades, impacting ecosystems and human activities such as fishing and tourism.
4. **Overfishing:** Overfishing and destructive fishing practices, including bottom trawling and dynamite fishing, threaten the sustainability of fish stocks and marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Oman. Unsustainable fishing practices can lead to the depletion of fish populations, disrupt marine food webs, and impact the livelihoods of coastal communities.
5. **Coastal Development:** Rapid coastal development, urbanization, and infrastructure projects along the coastline of the Gulf of Oman can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. Land reclamation, dredging, and construction activities can disrupt natural ecosystems, alter coastal dynamics, and increase vulnerability to erosion and storm damage.
6. **Desalination:** Desalination plants, which are used to meet the growing demand for freshwater in coastal areas, produce large volumes of brine that are discharged back into the Gulf of Oman. Brine discharge can increase salinity levels, alter water chemistry, and negatively impact marine life and habitats near the discharge points.
7. **Climate Change:** Climate change poses significant threats to the Gulf of Oman's marine environment, including rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and changes in weather patterns. These impacts can lead to coral bleaching, habitat loss, shifts in species distributions, and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as cyclones and heatwaves.
8. **Habitat Destruction:** Destruction and degradation of critical marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and wetlands, threaten the biodiversity and resilience of the Gulf of Oman's ecosystems. Habitat loss reduces the availability of essential nursery grounds, feeding areas, and shelter for marine species.
9. **Transboundary Pollution:** Pollution originating from neighboring countries and transported by ocean currents can impact the Gulf of Oman's environment. Collaborative efforts among Gulf countries are needed to address shared environmental challenges and mitigate transboundary pollution.
10. **Lack of Data and Monitoring:** Limited data and monitoring capacity hinder efforts to fully understand and effectively manage environmental problems in the Gulf of Oman. Enhanced scientific research, data collection, and monitoring initiatives are essential for informed decision-making and conservation efforts.
Addressing these environmental challenges requires coordinated efforts at the local, national, and regional levels, including improved pollution control measures, sustainable fisheries management, ecosystem-based coastal planning, conservation of critical habitats, investment in renewable energy, and adaptation to climate change. Collaboration among governments, stakeholders, and the international community is essential to safeguarding the Gulf of Oman's marine environment for future generations.
How the clean water and sanitation in neighbouring countries affect the quality of water in Gulf of Oman.
-
Clean water and sanitation
-
Life below water
-
Life on Land
-
Sustainable cities and communities
-
Responsible consumption and production
-
Climate action
-
Partnerships for the Goals
STATES BORDERING THE GULF OF OMAN
The Iranian Department of Environment is a governmental organization, under the supervision of the president. It is responsible for matters related to safeguarding the environment.
The origins of the department can be traced back to the Hunting Club of Iran, established in 1956. Years later, it developed into an organization overseeing hunting and fishing activities in the country. In 1971 the organization changed its name to its current one, and notably has hosted the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in the city of Ramsar on the same year.
The Environment Authority
The Environment authority is considered one of the government agencies responsible for developing plans and programs to protect the environment and preserve its natural resources through the application of its policy to ensure the safety of the environment, combat pollution and preserve the various environmental systems.
Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination
The Ministry of Climate Change is a Cabinet level ministry of the Government of Pakistan concerned with climate change in Pakistan.
The ministry has multiple wings under it, as described below@
-
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
-
Global Change Impacts Studies Centre.
-
Zoological Survey of Pakistan
-
Islamabad Wildlife Management Board
-
National Disaster Risk Management Fund
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is the federal authority for environmental planning and action in UAE.
The ministry, in collaboration with the competent local authorities concerned with environment, work on developing environmental programmes and initiatives that aim to contribute to the sustainability of water, enhance food security, raise the rates of bio-security and enhance environmental security. The action plans of the ministry emerge from its vision to ensure sustainable environment for life.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of climate change on the Gulf of Oman region. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and changes in weather patterns are among the potential consequences of climate change that could affect the region. These changes could have significant implications for the ecosystems, coastal communities, and economies in the area. Efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change are important to safeguard the Gulf of Oman and its surrounding regions.
The sea or gulf, which divides Iran and the Arabian peninsula and forms the link between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. It is 560 km long and at its widest point is 320 km wide. From a hydrological point of view it is just a northern protuberance on the Indian Ocean.
However, the coastal configuration has resulted in a particular system of currents. During wintertime (November-March) the winds are not strong. One or two turbulences occur, with changing directions, but navigation is not seriously encumbered.
However, during summertime (May-September) a very strong and continuous southwestern wind blows (speeds above force 7 Beaufort in more than half of the observations) that produces a regular movement of the sea with a one-way turbulence in the sense of the hand of the watch. It is during that season that navigation is very difficult.
Unregulated and commercial Fishing
In recent years, report of
A new image of seven trawlers in the port of Konarak in Sistan and Baluchestan (South East of Iran by the Gulf of Oman) published by Mohammad Javad Omrani ( (September 2020). These seven trawlers were recently licensed directly by Parviz Mohebbi, Deputy Director of Fisheries and Fishing Ports at Iran Ministry of Agriculture Jihad. The authenticity of the above information is confirmed by the recent twit posted by Ali Khezrian, member of the parliament from Tehran constituency. In his recent twit Ali Khezrian has criticized the Iranian government for refusing to issue the local resident licencing the Trawlers to conduct fishing in Iran southern territorial water.
A fishing trawler is a commercial fishing vessel designed to operate fishing trawls. Trawling is a method of fishing that involves actively dragging or pulling a trawl through the water behind one or more trawlers. Trawls are fishing nets that are pulled along the bottom of the sea or in mid-water at a specified depth. In contrast, the traditional fishing
It is important to note that the extraction and use of oil and gas as well as other mineral resources can have environmental and social impacts including habitat destruction and pollution. sustainable practices are needed to ensure that these resources are used in a responsible manner. It is important to balance economic development with environmental protection to ensure the sustainable use of these resources.
Join us as we celebrate the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the Gulf of Oman, and discover how each of us can play a role in protecting and preserving this extraordinary treasure of nature. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for the Gulf of Oman and all who call it home.
It is important to note that the extraction and use of oil and gas as well as other mineral resources can have environmental and social impacts including habitat destruction and pollution. Sustainable practices are needed to ensure that these resources are used in a responsible manner. It is important to balance economic development with environmental protection to ensure the sustainable use of these resources.
Environmental Policies
Islamic Republic of Iran
Being the northern neighbour of the Gulf of Oman, Iran has a substantial coastline along the Gulf. As a result, Iran's environmental policies have significant implications for the Gulf of Oman due to its geographical location and the region's ecological sensitivity. Here are some key impacts:
Sultanate of Oman
The State of Oman’s environmental policies play a crucial role in the health and sustainability of the Gulf of Oman. As a coastal nation, Oman’s initiatives and regulations have direct and significant impacts on this important body of water. Here are key areas where Oman’s environmental policies affect the Gulf of Oman:
Join us as we celebrate the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the Gulf of Oman, and discover how each of us can play a role in protecting and preserving this extraordinary treasure of nature. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for the Gulf of Oman and all who call it home It is important to note that the extraction and use of oil and gas as well as other mineral resources can have environmental and social impacts including habitat destruction and pollution.
Policy Recommendation
Iran, as a significant littoral state of the Gulf of Oman, has a crucial role to play in addressing and resolving the environmental challenges in the region. Iran's involvement is essential due to its extensive coastline along the Gulf and its economic and strategic interests in the area. Here are specific actions and roles that Iran can undertake
