[Thematic report] Marine Environment

Lock down in the world has brought a breather for the environment in many ways. The pollution levels have decreased, Eco-system is relaxed, Wild animals & birds have moved towards deserted cities. Marine life has also seen many creatures getting a fresh lease of life.

In the UAE a surprise guest was welcomed into the beach of Kalba Kingfisher Lodge in Sharjah. An Olive Ridley hatchling was seen crawling towards the ocean. This species has nested in the UAE for the first time. Olive Ridley sea turtles grow to about two feet in length and can live for 50 years. Their shells are heart-shaped and rounded. The area of their newly identified nest site is part of a 500 hectare nature reserve created in 2012 by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah.Up until now, only Green and Hawksbill sea turtles have been recorded nesting in the UAE.

World Sea Turtle Day was on Tuesday, June 16 and UAE has released 65 turtles into the sea. This gesture has shown the commitment of UAE towards conserving & preserving Delicate Marine eco-system of the country. This event was organised by Jumeirah's Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. The team released 45 hawksbill turtles, as well as an additional 20 hatchlings from the Emirates Marine Environmental Group’s Jebel Ali Reserve.

Each of the 45 rehabilitated turtles have spent the last few months being treated for various ailments including plastic ingestion, and injuries that required surgery. Please enjoy the video seeing the Dubai Crown prince releasing turtles into the sea at the backdrop of Burj-Al-Arab.

Thanks for reading.

Courtesy: The National Newspaper