“On land and in the sea, our fore-fathers lived and survived in this environment. They were able to do so because they recognized the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live, and to preserve it for succeeding generations.”

― Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan

UAE’s founding father

Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi are the Middle East’s largest environmental regulator. As you are aware that Abu Dhabi is a desert region. EAD is committed to protect and enhance the biodiversity, air and water quality and also save the marine ecosystems.

Recently, EAD had produced a new documentary titled “Wild Abu Dhabi: The Turtles of Al Dhafra”.

It showcases the hard work taken by EAD team. It depicts their dedication to study the turtles in the Arabian Gulf. It had approximately 2 years for them to film the documentary.

There are around 7 species of turtles on our planet mother earth. Out of these 7, 2 of them are found in Abu Dhabi. These are endangered species. The two species found here are the giant Green turtles and Hawksbills. EAD is working tirelessly to protect these endangered species and also towards the conservation of biodiversity for nearly 25 years now.

The population of Green turtles is around 3500. These turtles nest on Abu Dhabi’s seagrass rich water. Additionally, they nest in Marawah Protected Area. Around 1500 Hawksbill turtles present here nest on offshore islands in the waters of Al Dhafra. Around 500 other species are also found in Abu Dhabi.

EAD constantly monitors and undertakes various measures to protect them. They have found that through their intensive hard work and research that there are more than 150 nests per year for the Hawksbill turtle. The turtles are mostly nesting in the 6 marine reserves. These reserves are part of the Zayed Portected Areas Network. This network includes 19 marine and terrestrial protected areas.

EAD was keen to find out the nesting areas of the Green turtles. They collaborated with the Emirates Nature-WWF for this purpose. They placed tracking devices on the green turtles to find out their nesting areas. These devices assisted them in finding out that these turtles had different locations for feeding and nesting purposes. They feed on Bu Tihah island in Abu Dhabi. While they nested in the Sultanate of Oman. After nesting, then return back to Abu Dhabi island.

Isn’t it amazing to find out that these turtles are able to navigate to and fro between Oman and Abu Dhabi? Hence, EAD names them after the UAE’s founding father’s values which are “wisdom” and “respect”. These turtles crossed over 10,000 km to reach Oman and in between they crossed 2 other countries namely Pakistan and Iran.

Another major work undertaken by EAD is rescuing the turtles. So far they have rescued nearly 700 turtles. They have collected and gathered very crucial data to take measures and initiatives to preserve these endangered species. The documentary will entertain viewers and they will find out how these endangered species nest on offshore islands from March – June. The turtles usually nest during the night time. It takes 6 weeks for the eggs to hatch. Once the eggs hatch, they monitor the size and weight of each hatching and support them to reach the sea safely. They keep a count of the number of eggs hatched during this particular season.

The team had conducted an extensive research in Al Dhafra region to film the documentary. They have found that there are various threats such as plastics, abandoned fishing ropes and gears, climate change and so on. They are working towards finding a solution to all these issues. It ends with a clear communication asking the public to be a part of the solution and assist them in creating a better world for these endangered species.

 Image courtesy: Visit Abu Dhabi