Effects of environmental parameters on distribution patterns of dominant batoids in the Oman Sea

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of environmental
factors on the distribution of four dominant batoids in the Oman Sea.
Materials & Methods: Sampling was carried out from October to January 2018 from
Strait of Hormuz to Guatr bay in the Iranian eaters of Oman Sea using bottom trawler
of Ferdows. Environmental factors were recorded by CTD and the GAM model was
used to determine the factors influencing on habitat use for each studied species.
Results: The results showed that chlorophyll a, depth, and dissolved oxygen had the
highest effect on habitat use in Maculabatis randalli and Brevitrygon walga species. On
the other hand, the frequency of Pastinachus sephen had a significant relationship with
depth. However, Gymnura poecilura did not react to any environmental factors, which
could be due to the feeding habits and the lower dependence on the bottom organisms.
Conclusion: Spatial distribution of these species in marine areas can reflect the
interactive effects and a combination of many biological and non-biological factors.