Coast Of Oman Research Articles

The relationships between body and otolith size of the blueline snapper Lutjanus coeruleolineatus (Rüppell, 1838) collected from the coasts of Oman, Arabian Sea

Relationships between fish length and otolith length and width were examined in the blueline snapper Lutjanus coeruleolineatus (Lutjanidae) collected from the coasts of Oman, Arabian Sea. The values of exponent b from the relationships between fish total length and otolith length and total length and otolith width were estimated representing the close fitness of otolith size with fish size. Both relationships were statistically significant, which means both otolith length and width can be used to retrieve the fish original size. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the effect of the categorical factor of species in the fish length and otolith length relationship. This study represents the first reference available on the relationship of fish size and otolith size for L. coeruleolineatus in the Arabian Sea area. Results from this study will offer original data on quantitative biometric relationships between body and otolith measurements of fish species in Arabian Sea region. By obtaining the mathematical model showing the relationship of the otolith size and fish length will enable fisheries biologists to know the size of the fish that has been eaten an information which important for fish biologists.

Sailfin velifer, Velifer hypselopterus Bleeker, 1879 (Perciformes, Veliferidae) in Oman waters: a new substantiated record from the Arabian Sea coast of Oman

The first substantiated records of Sailfin velifer, Velifer hypselopterus Bleeker, 1879 in Omani waters are reported based on 10 specimens ranging in total length 300-430 mm, which have been collected by gill net on the coast of Al-Ashkharah City, 319 km south of Muscat City, Arabian Sea, Oman. Morphometric and meristic data are provided and compared with those of several specimens of this species from other parts of the world. This study reports on the largest specimen of this species ever being collected.

Geospatial modelling of tropical cyclone risk along the northeast coast of Oman: Marine hazard mitigation and management policies

Globally, an increasing and more dispersed population, as well as climate change, have led to growing impacts of environmental hazards, particularly across areas prone to extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones. Tropical cyclones frequently cause fatalities, damage to infrastructure, and disruption to economic activities. The north and northeast regions of Oman, particularly the Oman seacoast, are prone to the storm surges, windstorms and extreme precipitation events associated with these tropical storms. However, integrated spatial risk assessments, for the purpose of mapping cyclone risk at subnational geographic scales, have not yet been developed in this area. Here we evaluate and map cyclone risk using four independent components of risk: hazard, exposure, vulnerability and mitigation capacity. An integrated risk index was calculated using a geographical information system (GIS) and an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) technique, based on a geodatabase including 17 variables (i.e., GIS data layers) and criteria, with rank and weight scores for each criterion. The resulting risk assessment reveals the spatial variation in cyclone risk across the study area and highlights how this variation is controlled by variations in physical hazard, exposure, vulnerability and emergency preparedness. The risk maps reveal that, despite their perceived adaptive capacity for disaster mitigation, the population and assets in low-lying lands situated near the coastline in the east of Muscat, as well as the Al-Batnah south governorates, are at high risk due to cyclones. Furthermore, the coastal zones of the urban Wilayats of the Muscat governorate were also found to be at high, to very high, risk. This study has several policy implications and can provide effective guidelines for natural hazard preparedness and mitigation across the northern coasts of Oman.

A cluster of tetrodotoxin poisoning in Oman

Introduction Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent sodium channel blocker, with significant neurotoxicity, found in marine animals like pufferfish and blue-ringed octopus. The severity of toxicity depends on the amount of toxin ingested and the outcome depends on the time-lapse to appropriate medical care. Cases report We report five patients who presented with tetrodotoxin poisoning after consuming fried internal organs of local pufferfish from the coast of Oman. The patients’ clinical manifestations were consistent with the expected TTX toxidrome of perioral and generalized paresthesia, weakness of upper and lower extremities, gastrointestinal manifestations, dyspnea, dysarthria, ascending paralysis, hypotension, bradycardia and coma. The severity varied among the patients who recovered completely except one patient who developed a subarachnoid hemorrhage without underlying aneurysms on computed tomography-angiogram. This complication was potentially related to TTX poisoning and has not been previously reported. In addition to standard supportive management, patients with severe illness should potentially receive the intravenous acetylcholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine, and intermittent dialysis. Urine specimens were sent to CDC in Atlanta, where they were analyzed using online solid phase extraction (SPE) with LC-MS/MS and confirmed the diagnosis in all five cases. Discussion In general, the patients’ clinical manifestations were consistent with the expected TTX toxidrome except patient 3 who developed a subarachnoid hemorrhage early during his clinical course. Two patients received neostigmine and underwent dialysis with complete recovery.

A non-Egyptian «Egyptian» stone vessel from Ras Al-Jinz RJ-2, Sultanate of Oman: Critical review of an entrenched hypothesis

Abstract This short communication aims to re-discuss the proposed provenance of a reworked stone vessel fragment from the Early Bronze Age site Ras Al Jinz RJ-2 along the coast of central Oman. In the original publication ( Cleuziou and Tosi, 2000 ), it was linked with Egypt thus becoming the first and sole known connection between the Umm an-Nar communities of south-eastern Arabia and late Old Kingdom's Egypt. However, a reappraisal of the mineralogical texture of the stone used to manufacture the object seems to confidently exclude an Egyptian origin. Other possible sources are therefore discussed.

Atmospheric ice nucleating particle measurements and parameterization representative for Indian region

Atmospheric ice nucleating particle (INP) concentration measurements over the Indian region are very sparse; hence more observations are required to represent heterogeneous ice nucleation processes in the regional cloud models for better accuracy. In this work, the INP ability and size of ambient aerosol particles at a tropical high altitude station were studied. Ice nucleation experiments were conducted at temperatures between −25 and −34 °C and water supersaturation conditions up to 102%. The mean INP concentrations varied from 1.1 to 9.5 L−1 and correlated well with coarse mode aerosol particle concentration (> 1 μm). Higher INP concentrations were observed when the aerosol loading was influenced by the regions such as Mumbai metro city, Gujarat, Thar desert region, and the Arabian sea region close to the Oman coast. An empirical equation was formulated to represent the INP concentrations using supercooled temperature and coarse mode aerosol particle concentration. The sensitivity of new heterogeneous ice nucleation parameterization was tested against literature INP parameterizations using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The model results show that the new parameterization helped to simulate the rainfall amount better as compared to the old formulations. Better reproduction of convection and possible reduction of biases in the formation of cloud ice in the cloud-resolving model improved the model accuracy. These results show the importance of implementing new INP parameterization in a real-time forecast model to improve the regional climate model forecasting.

Evaluation and analysis of freshwater from atmospheric moisture as byproduct of air-cooling units in Oman

Providing water for different uses to maintain life activities is a target for many nations. So, managing the existing water resources and finding new water sources are essential for any nation's water security. In the present article, 4 years daily meteorological data, such as relative humidity, air-temperatures, and global solar irradiation were analyzed to support the explanation of high-level humidity in the coastal plains of Oman, and the effect of that on water production from atmospheric moisture. What applies to the coast of Oman is also valid on the coasts of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is found that the annual mean value of the RH% along the Omani coast is about 68% for 4 years (2016–2019). Also, the study of the air-temperatures data revealed very clear decreasing in the direction toward the south of Oman due to the geographical diversity. It is found that the lowest annual air- temperatures were in the far south city, Dhalkut (about Max., Mean, Min., 25, 22, 20 °C, respectively). Three years (2017–2019) of global solar irradiation data of Muscat International Airport showed a maximum value of around 7300 W/m2 in June. In addition, a part of the research work was to investigate the byproduct drain-water that comes out from big air-cooling units with a rate power of about 21.73 kW each. The result indicated that a Net Annual Rate of freshwater of about 1892 m3/year can be accumulated from one supermarket air-cooling units nearby the line coast of Oman. Also, the chemical, physical, and bacterial tests were carried out to find some parameters, such as TDS, EC, pH, and bacterial contamination. The results were encouraging towards the purity of the byproduct water, and the existing bacteria could be killed by solar energy.

Collapse of Holocene mangrove ecosystems along the coastline of Oman

AbstractSedimentological, geochemical, and paleontological investigations of the coastline of northeastern Oman have provided the authors with an in-depth insight into Holocene sea levels and climate conditions. The spatial distribution and species assemblage of mangrove ecosystems are analyzed. These ecosystems are sensitive to changes in sea level and precipitation and thus reflect ecological conditions. The close proximity to archaeological sites allows us to draw conclusions regarding human interaction with the mangrove ecosystems. Our interdisciplinary inquiry reveals that the mangrove ecosystems along the east coast of Oman collapsed ~6000 cal yr BP on a decadal scale. There is no sedimentological evidence for a mid-Holocene sea-level highstand. The ecosystem collapse was not caused by sea-level variation or anthropogenic interferences; rather, it was the consequence of reduced precipitation values related to a southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. This resulted in a decrease of freshwater input and an increase in soil salinity. Further, the aridification of the area caused increased deflation and silting up of the lagoons.

Variability of monsoon inversion over the Arabian Sea and its impact on rainfall

AbstractThis work investigates the spatial and temporal variability of the monsoon inversion (MI) over the Arabian Sea for the study of 37‐years period (1980–2016) using MERRA version2 (MERRA2) reanalysis and downscaled simulations generated with the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model. After validating the downscaled products with the observations from four radiosonde stations (Salalah, Mumbai, Goa and Mangalore), we analysed the variability of MI from diurnal to seasonal scales. The diurnal evolution of the MI suggests that radiative cooling over the Arabian Peninsula at night, together with the onset of boundary layer jets along the coast of Oman, play an important role in amplifying the intensity and spatial extent of the MI during night and into the early morning hours. A seasonal analysis of the simulated winds and MI reveals that WRF reproduced the monsoon characteristics as observed in MERRA2 reanalysis, including the spatial and vertical orientations of the MI. The downscaled winds are slightly overestimated (by 1–2 m⋅s−1) over the Arabian Sea, which resulted in an increased simulated wind shear over the western Arabian Sea, ultimately manifested in the form of an enhanced MI. We further investigated the variability of the lower tropospheric wind speed and associated changes in MI over the 37‐year period. This reveals a significant decreasing trend during the summer monsoon over the western Arabian Sea. We argue that this led to a decreasing trend in the lower tropospheric wind shear and advection of temperature and hence, reduced the frequency of occurrence of the MI (shown in graphical abstract).

Seasonal distribution, abundance, habitat use and population identity of humpback whales in Oman

Previously published data on the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Arabian Sea suggests that the region hosts anon-migratory population that adheres to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. In order to investigate the distribution and abundance of thispopulation, twelve small boat surveys were conducted in three main locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and November 2004.Humpback whales were observed during surveys in Dhofar and Gulf of Masirah on Oman’s Arabian Sea coast, but not during surveys in the Muscatregion in the Gulf of Oman. An even ratio of males to females was observed and sampled during surveys in the Gulf of Masirah, which was surveyedin October and November (n = 38), while almost all whales sampled in Dhofar in February/March were male (n = 28). Song was detected frequentlyin the bay surrounding the Halaniyat Islands (formerly known as the Kuria Muria Bay) in February/March, but observations of mother-calf pairswere sparse, and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was observed in both October/November and February/March, but behavioural andenvironmental observations indicate that the Gulf of Masirah is primarily an important feeding ground, while the Dhofar region, particularly theHalaniyat Bay, may be a breeding area. However, limited survey effort and a lack of recent observations of mother-calf pairs or competitive groupsraises the possibility that the primary mating, calving and nursing areas are yet to be identified. Sixty-four individual whales were identified usingphotographs of dorsal fins or tail flukes. A high rate of re-sightings between years and between survey areas at different times of the year indicatesyear-round residence off the coast of Oman. A Chapman’s modified Petersen estimator was applied to various data pairings to calculate abundance.All pairings yielded estimates of less than 100 individuals, but sample sizes were small and there were various sources of possible bias. Analysisof scarring on the caudal peduncle region of identified individuals in Oman indicates that between 30 and 40% are likely to have been involved inentanglements with fishing gear. Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue with those from Zanzibar, Antongil Bay (Madagascar)and Mayotte and the Geyser Atoll (Comoros Archipelago), yielded no photographic matches. These data are consistent with the hypothesis of adiscrete population. The distribution of fluke pigmentation rankings from the Oman catalogue, which varied significantly from those of Madagascarand Mayotte, provides further evidence for this theory. The evidence presented here provides a strong underpinning for the recent IUCN Red Listclassification of the Arabian Sea sub-population of humpback whales as Endangered. In light of ongoing coastal development and other threats tothis population’s habitat and future survival, urgent research and conservation measures are recommended.

Spatial-temporal analysis of net primary production (NPP) and its relationship with climatic factors in Iran.

Fluctuations of the climate variables have increased in the recent years. These fluctuations are different in each climatic region. Net primary production (NPP) indicating the plant growth and carbon stabilization over period of time is influenced by these fluctuations. Investigation of the variations in the NPP and analysis of its relationship with the climatic and environmental variables can play a key role in determining the effects of fluctuations of climatic variables on the NPP. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in the NPP and its correlation with precipitation rate and temperature during 2000-2014 based on the annual NPP estimates determined by the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor and precipitation and temperature data of the synoptic stations in eight climate regions in Iran. The slope of variations in the NPP was calculated in these climatic regions, and then, the changes in the NPP trend at two confidence levels of 95 and 99% were investigated based on the pixel-based method using the Mann-Kendall test. The sensitivity of NPP to climatic variables of temperature and precipitation was also estimated by calculating the correlation. The results showed the significant spatial distribution of NPP in the whole region under study indicating a declining trend from north to south and from west to east directions. The results also indicated the nonlinear variations in the temporal distribution of NPP. The annual mean NPP was found to follow the climatic boundaries in the climatic regions except for climate region 2, and region with the higher annual mean precipitation had higher annual mean NPP. Analysis of the trend by the Mann-Kendall method revealed that 3.2% of the pixels in the whole region followed a certain trend. Among the pixels, 70% of them followed a negative trend and the remaining 30% followed a positive trend. The greatest number of pixels with a certain trend was found in the Gulf of Oman coast climate region so that 93% of the pixels had a positive trend. The lowest number of pixels with a certain trend was observed in eastern Alborz foothills so that 87% of the pixels showed a negative trend. Slope variations of the NPP in the whole region varied from - 35 to 46 gC m2 year-1. The eastern plateau had the highest negative slope variations among the climate regions, and the highest positive slope variation of 42% was observed in the highlands climate region. In general, the precipitation rate and temperature showed a mean partial coefficient of 0.22 and 0.02, respectively, and the correlation between the NPP and temperature and precipitation was different in each climatic region. The temperature was negatively correlated with the NPP in four climatic regions with higher annual mean temperatures and in other climatic regions; it had a weak positive correlation. Therefore, the sensitivity of NPP to precipitation and temperature was different in each climatic region.

3D numerical simulation of tsunami generation and propagation, case study: Makran tsunami generation and penetrating in Chabahar Bay

The Makran subduction located at the northwest of the Indian ocean, at the Oman Sea mouth has been and is the source of massive tsunamis that threatens the coasts of Iran, Pakistan, India and Oman. The initial tsunami wave produced by the magnitude and focal depth of Makran submarine earthquake in 1945 is determined based on the Okada algorithm. 3D propagation of the generated mega wave in the Indian Ocean and Oman Sea is simulated by adopting OpenFOAM open source CFD software, in its global sense and verified vs. the available data. The wave characteristics are extracted from the global model at the mouth of Chabahar Bay are inserted as the input in a regional model which consist of precise geometry and bathymetry of the bay and finer mesh size. The wave run-up is predicted at the main ports at the Indian Ocean and Oman Sea coastline. The obtained results are implemented to assess the tsunami risk zone of Teess beach town, at Chabahar Bay coastline. The advanced procedure applied in this research consists of the accurate production of the original tsunami and three stages of global and regional 3D and local 2D propagation simulation, that provides reliable results in more accurate estimation of wave run up height and tsunami risk zone, for practical engineering applications.

Analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in the tissues of green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, (Linnaeus, 1758) from the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates

The level of contamination of selected priority pollutants consisting of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were investigated from the tissues of stranded green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, from the Gulf of Oman coast of the United Arab Emirates. Tissue samples - muscle and liver - were collected from 22 stranded green sea turtles from the coasts of Kalba and Khorfakkan from 2016 to 2018. Overall, we detected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 77% of the turtles. PAH's were the most frequently detected followed by high concentrations of OCP's (71% and 25% of the turtles, respectively). PCB's were not detected in any samples. Factors such as specimen size, mass of debris ingested and toxin hydrophobicity were not important factors affecting the concentrations of these compounds.

Exploring the potential of solar, tidal, and wind energy resources in Oman using an integrated climatic-socioeconomic approach

This study presents - for the first time-a comprehensive assessment of the potential renewable energy resources in Oman, with a particular focus on solar, wind, and tidal energy resources. This study adopts a novel approach to assess the potential of these energy resources, in which information from multiple climatic indicators is coupled with socioeconomic drivers of energy development. Specifically, based on a daily dataset of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), three climate indicators were employed to characterize the frequency, intensity and duration of solar radiation and wind speed. Then, we introduced a new overall assessment index (OAI) based on these three climatic indicators to explore the best localities – from a climatic perspective-for generating solar and wind energies. The validity of the recommended sites was discussed in the context of important physiographic, environmental, and socioeconomic constraints (e.g. population density, urban settlements, distance to water bodies, transportation network, etc.). Results demonstrate that both solar radiation and wind can be seen as promising and substantial alternative sources of fossil fuel resources in Oman, with almost 3.2% and 4.4% of the Omani territory being valid for a sustainable use of wind and solar radiation, respectively. The most recommended sites for wind generation are located mainly along Al-Jazir and Duqum coasts of southeastern Oman, where a promising wind energy center can be constructed. The best localities for the development of hybrid solar radiation generation centers are likely to be placed in Sohar and Thumrayt, where solar intensity approaches 8.1 kWh/m2, with a high frequency of occurrence throughout the year. In contrast, Oman showed low potential to generate tidal power, mainly due to a low tidal range (<2 m) along the majority of the Omani coastline. This study provides a solid base for national and local decision makers in Oman for a reliable assessment, monitoring, and sustainable exploitation of clean and renewable energy resources, especially with high population growth, accelerated urbanization, and rapid economic growth over the past few decades, which can pose more challenges to future energy demand in this country.

Pesticide Exposure: The Case of Open-field and Greenhouse Workers

A study was conducted among greenhouse and open field pesticide workers at the Batinah Coast of Oman in 2008 - 2009 to compare their level of pesticide exposure. A total of 74 greenhouse and 79 open field pesticide workers using pesticide mixtures consisting mostly of organophosphates were interviewed. Eighteen self-reported toxicity symptoms were recorded, with 9 and 3 of them being more prevalent among the greenhouse and open field workers, respectively. Although toxicity symptoms were generally higher among the greenhouse workers, it was observed that many of them indulged in smoking and gum chewing during pesticide application and these habits may have contributed to increased exposure. Most of the workers complained of discomfort when using protective devices, therefore it is recommended that protective materials adapted to the climate and socio-economic conditions of the pesticide workers be developed, and that they be encouraged to use them through appropriate educational efforts and incentives.

First record of Columbus crab Planes minutus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Grapsidae) Linnaeus, 1758 for the northwestern Indian Ocean

Planes minutus Linnaeus, 1758 is a species of grapsid crab that is known to be symbiotically associated with various species that include but are not limited to sea turtles. This specie is known to occur in tropical and subtropical oceans. In this study, we report a P.minutus specimen from a stranded loggerhead sea turtle from the Sea of Oman coast of the United Arab Emirates, signifying the first record of this specie from the Northwestern Indian Ocean.

Sub-Mesoscale Frontal Instabilities in the Omani Coastal Current

The Omani Coastal Current (OCC) flowing northward along the southern coast of Oman during the summer monsoon is associated with an upwelling system. The mesoscale circulation of the western Arabian Sea is dominated by energetic mesoscale eddies down to about 1000 m depth. They drive the pathways of the upwelling water masses and the Persian Gulf Outflow water. This paper focuses on the sub-mesoscale frontal dynamics in the OCC by analyzing the results from a regional realistic numerical simulation performed with a primitive equation model. Off the Omani coast, the interaction between the upwelling fronts and the mesoscale eddies triggers the frontogenesis at play in the surface mixed layer during the summer monsoon. In spring, sub-mesoscale eddies are generated at the Cape of Ra’s al Hadd due to the horizontal shear instabilities undergone by the OCC. The OCC also drives and elongates Peddies formed during the Summer monsoon and located below the thermocline. Finally, the interaction between mesoscale eddies and the upwelling system leads to the formation of sub-mesoscale eddies at depth through baroclinic instabilities.

Performance Assessment of ERA5 Wave Data in a Swell Dominated Region

The present paper deals with a performance assessment of the ERA5 wave dataset in an ocean basin where local wind waves superimpose on swell waves. The evaluation framework relies on observed wave data collected during a coastal experimental campaign carried out offshore of the southern Oman coast in the Western Arabian Sea. The applied procedure requires a detailed investigation on the observed waves, and aims at classifying wave regimes: observed wave spectra have been split using a 2D partition scheme and wave characteristics have been evaluated for each wave component. Once the wave climate was defined, a detailed wave model assessment was performed. The results revealed that during the analyzed time span the ERA5 wave model overestimates the swell wave heights, whereas the wind waves’ height prediction is highly influenced by the wave developing conditions. The collected field dataset is also useful for a discussion on spectral wave characteristics during monsoon and post-monsoon season in the examined region; the recorded wave data do not suffice yet to adequately describe wave fields generated by the interaction of monsoon and local winds.

Geospatial modeling of environmental hazards to coral reefs in the Oman Sea

Globally, there have been overwhelming concerns about the effects of climate changes on various species’ ecosystems and habitats. In the marine realm, significant loss and degradation of coral reefs have been identified. Along the coastlines of the Oman Sea, coral reefs are highly threatened and degraded. The deterioration of this marine ecosystem has occurred as a direct response to a variety of environmental and natural threats. Consequently, mass bleaching and coral mortality have been reported in several sites causing loss of live coral cover and their values and services. Although anthropogenic impacts on coral reefs across the northern Oman coasts have been examined, explicit spatial modeling of environmental stressors on coral reefs has not been yet conducted. In this study, a combination of Geographical Information Systems techniques and a quantitative Analytical Hierarchical Process have been utilized to investigate spatial patterns of environmental risks posed to coral reef cover. A multiple risk index was calculated, and a map which represents risk classes was produced based on various vulnerability, exposure, and hazard criteria. The key findings of this analysis revealed that specific coral reef sites were severely susceptible to environmental threats, particularly sites at Muscat, Sur, Matrah and Ras Al Sawady. The deep exposure of coral reefs to natural threats was found to be highly triggered by thermal stress, coastal pollution, and proximity to potential sedimentation sources. This research may inform beneficial policy actions to lessen the outcomes of natural threats to coral cover across the Oman Sea coasts, specifically in terms of the development of risk maps and spatial strategies to protect the most vulnerable, fragile, and sensitive coral reef ecosystems.

Spatio-temporal variation of water quality variables and hydrography in a seabream cage culture farm off the coast of Oman

Mariculture cage farming in Oman is in its infancy stage. This study provides important baseline information about the initial state of mariculture in Oman and for the sustainable management of future local cage farming. Our main objective was to evaluate the spatio-temporal variations of water quality and hydrography around a gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) cage farm in Quriyat (Sea of Oman). Starting in July 2018, we conducted a monitoring program over one year in which physico-chemical variables and nutrient levels were regularly measured at the farm cages and at reference sites away from the farm. Vertical flow profiles were recorded at the farm and analysed together with remotely sensed data. The results showed no significant differences among physico-chemical variables and nutrient levels between cages and reference sites. However, there were clear seasonal as well as significant short-term variations in the measurements. Winter conditions are usually homogeneous over the water column without reaching extremes. In summer we recorded surface temperatures of up to 32 °C and extended periods of hypoxia below 35 m depth. Periods of pronounced stratification were interrupted by energetic irregular flow pulses that triggered short up or down-welling events which lead to strong variations of temperature and oxygen. We did not measure a significant impact of the cage farm on the local environment. Our results rather point to the particular importance of monitoring temperature and oxygen levels. Both variables can approach threshold levels for fish farming, especially during summer. We determined the relevant characteristics of the local system and defined requirements for adequate monitoring. The findings of this study provide a timely baseline for future research on the interactions between local cage farms and the marine ecosystem and will assist in the planning and management of mariculture in Oman.