English
Français
العربية
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 10 April 2026 - Underwater explosions and military sonar don’t just scare whales, they can physically blind them, leading to stranding and death. The Arabian humpback whale, unlike its cousins in the Atlantic, does not migrate. For them, the Gulf is not a corridor but home, a permanent habitat.
Dr. Olivier Adam, a researcher at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, says that the Gulf’s resident cetaceans – better known as marine mammals – have limited options: either abandon their habitat or remain and endure prolonged exposure to noise.
In the case of Arabian humpback whales, relocation is not realistic as they are one of the only populations that do not migrate between feeding and breeding areas. “These baleen whales have no way to escape,” he says.
This article was published on 9 April 2026 on WIRED Middle East. Read more through the link.
Contact Us
Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram