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Arabian Post
05-08-2025
- Arabian Post
Ancient Fossil Reveals Jurassic Marine Reptile
A remarkable discovery in palaeontology has emerged from the re-examination of a fossil originally unearthed over four decades ago in the Posidonia Shale of Germany. The fossil, which has long been a subject of scientific intrigue, has now been identified as belonging to a previously unknown species of long-necked marine reptile, Plesionectes longicollum. This breakthrough finding significantly alters the understanding of marine life during the Jurassic period, shedding new light on the complexity of ocean ecosystems during a time of considerable upheaval. The fossil, originally discovered in the late 1970s, had been stored in museum collections for years, with its potential significance largely overlooked until now. Detailed analysis by a team of scientists, aided by advances in imaging and skeletal reconstruction technology, has allowed them to draw new conclusions about the specimen's place within the wider group of marine reptiles known as plesiosaurs. Unlike most known plesiosaurs, Plesionectes longicollum stands out due to its remarkably long neck and the overall preservation of its skeletal structure. This creature, which would have lived around 150 million years ago, provides new insights into the diversity of marine reptiles during the Jurassic period, a time when Earth's oceans were undergoing significant transformations. The long neck suggests it could have been a highly specialised predator, using its flexibility to hunt a range of prey in the complex marine environments of the era. ADVERTISEMENT The discovery of Plesionectes longicollum is also significant because it represents the oldest known plesiosaur from the Holzmaden area, a site famous for its exceptional preservation of marine fossils. This finding not only expands the knowledge of Jurassic marine life but also suggests that the marine ecosystems of the time were more diverse and complex than previously believed. The Posidonia Shale, where the fossil was found, is renowned for its exceptional preservation conditions, which have allowed many ancient creatures to be preserved with unprecedented detail. The shale beds, dating back to the Jurassic period, were deposited in an environment that was rich in organic material, creating conditions that preserved the soft tissues and skeletons of marine life. The significance of this discovery lies in its contribution to the understanding of the evolutionary history of plesiosaurs, a group that dominated the oceans during the Mesozoic era. For decades, scientists have debated the origins and evolutionary paths of these marine reptiles, and the new findings provide key evidence that adds complexity to the established timeline of their development. The long neck of Plesionectes longicollum is not only a fascinating adaptation but also serves as a clue to the diversity of ecological niches occupied by these animals during their reign. Plesiosaurs are often depicted with their characteristic long necks and four flippers, but the new species challenges some of the assumptions previously held about their behaviour and evolutionary progression. By adding a new species to the plesiosaur family tree, researchers now have the opportunity to revise their understanding of the ecological roles these reptiles may have played in their environments. What makes this find particularly compelling is the timing of its discovery. The Jurassic period was a time of great oceanic instability, marked by fluctuating sea levels and significant climatic changes. It was also a period in which the marine reptiles, including the ancestors of plesiosaurs, were diversifying rapidly. The evidence now suggests that during this turbulent time, marine ecosystems were capable of supporting a wide variety of life forms, each occupying unique ecological niches that were not fully appreciated until now. In addition to expanding the scientific understanding of plesiosaurs, the discovery of Plesionectes longicollum also raises important questions about the conditions that led to the extraordinary preservation of fossils in the Posidonia Shale. The remarkable quality of the fossil, with many of its bones and features preserved in exquisite detail, is indicative of the exceptional preservation conditions that existed during the Jurassic period in this region.
The National
30-07-2025
- The National
Sharjah study shows devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life, says expert
The amount of discarded plastic found in dead seabirds in the UAE has been described as "very alarming" by a senior Greenpeace campaigner. Farah Al Hattab, lead plastics campaigner at Greenpeace Mena, said harm to creatures such as seabirds indicated "a much deeper environmental crisis". The new research, released by Sharjah researchers, reported that about one in eight seabirds found dead off the emirate's coast had eaten some form of marine pollutant, mostly plastic or glass, but also including oil. "The study is very alarming and adds to the growing body of evidence on the devastating impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity," Ms Al Hattab told The National. "Any imbalance in the ecosystem, especially involving indicator species like seabirds, signals a much deeper environmental crisis." She said the findings of the study released last month indicated "how pervasive plastic pollution has become", adding that studies like the one just published were "a warning sign". When researchers analysed nearly 500 birds found dead off Sharjah's coasts, 12.8 per cent or about one in eight contained some type of marine pollutant. Most of these − 11.1 per cent of all birds found dead − had solid debris such as plastic or glass in their stomachs, while a further 1.7 per cent of birds contained oil globules. Carried out by scientists from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, the work is thought by the researchers to be the first in the Middle East to measure how the region's seabirds are affected by plastic and other waste. Hidden risks The study's lead author, Fadi Yaghmour, a scientific researcher at the EPAA's Sharjah Strandings Response Programme, indicated debris could damage the birds' gastrointestinal tract. 'Even when the debris doesn't cause physical damage to the tract through tears, or even if it doesn't block the tract, as is often occurring with sheath-like plastics, the bird will feel full, satiated, even while it has not gained any nutrition from eating a piece of plastic,' he said. The researchers analysed the contents of the gastrointestinal tracts of 478 seabirds from 17 species found dead off Sharjah's coasts from the beginning of 2017 to the end of 2023. Birds analysed included 406 black-headed gulls, 29 large white-headed gulls and 23 Socotra cormorants. When a sample of 20 birds were looked at as part of the same study, all contained microplastics, the tiny particles formed from the break-up of larger pieces of plastics. More than three-quarters of the microplastic particles were microfibres, probably from laundry. These can cause scarring and inflammation of animals' digestive tract. Another author, Prof Fatin Samara, part of the American University of Sharjah's recently launched Sharjah Environmental Hazards Assessment Research Group, said problems came not only from the plastic itself. 'It's also about how microplastics can carry or attract toxic pollutants,' she said. 'We're not just examining the plastics themselves – we're also testing for heavy metals and organic contaminants, because multiple studies have shown that microplastics can act as vectors, transporting other substances through the environment. 'What you're dealing with is a cocktail of plastics that may also carry additional toxic chemicals on their surfaces.' Some seabirds, such as gulls, travel inland and visit landfill sites, so not all debris that they consumed will have originated in the seas. A key way to cut plastic pollution is, Prof Samara said, to simply reduce how much plastic is used. Promoting a more circular economy, in which material is recycled, is also important. From the 478 dead birds were analysed in the study, 62 (or 12.8 per cent) had eaten marine debris of some kind, and 53 of those had consumed plastic or other solid debris. Eight had eaten oil or similar pollutants. Phased bans Levels of marine debris found in seabirds varies globally, according to data reported in the new study, with 13 per cent of gulls in the western Mediterranean found to contain marine debris, compared with 22 per cent off Ireland and 33 per cent in the North Pacific. Australian research reported that eight per cent of gulls contained marine debris. Prof Brendan Godley, of the University of KhorFakkan's Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre and the University of Exeter in the UK, said when seabirds ate plastic, they could regurgitate it for chicks, leading to gut damage, blockages and death. Also, if the animal is being fed plastic, it cuts the amount of actual food eaten. 'If a chick needs a lot of food to grow and survive and the parents think they're giving a full portion but half is [not food], it's not getting the nutrition, as well as damaging the gut and causing blockages,' he said. The UAE authorities have tried to prevent plastic waste entering the environment through phased bans on plastic products, with further nationwide restrictions coming into force next year. While many camels have died in the UAE from eating plastic bags, the numbers are thought to have fallen thanks to restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Plastic is also harmful to dugongs. Other dangers to wildlife from litter remain, with Mr Yaghmour saying seabirds continued to get caught in discarded fishing gear, years after the issue was identified. Some of the most severe cases have involved fish hooks with lines becoming attached to birds. A hook may be attached to a fish, Mr Yaghmour said, and when a seabird eats the fish, the hook attaches to the bird. 'That's why several time's we've seen birds with the hook in the beak,' he said. One particularly distressing case involved a cormorant found hanging from a tree. The hook had become caught in the animal's oesophagus, the pipe down which food passes, and the line attached to the hook became entangled in a tree. Another bird could not move normally because it had hooks embedded in its beak and a foot, with a line running between them. When the animal moved its head, it pulled its foot, and vice versa. 'We see this often in cases of entanglements – the line is as dangerous as the hook. When they're together it becomes a very potent risk,' Mr Yaghmour said. Mr Yaghmour said fishing gear was hazardous and so should be 'handled responsibly like any other material that can cause harm to people or animals'. 'The call I would give to fishermen – recreational and artisanal – is of course to respect the gear and use it responsibly. Do not use it in areas where it may latch on to substrates and get lost easily,' he said. Ghost fishing gear The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi is developing a programme to deal with marine debris, including large or macro debris and derelict or 'ghost' fishing gear because of their "wider ecosystem impacts". The organisation said it had upgraded its policies to follow "best international practices", particularly those from a well-regarded programme at Hawaii Pacific University. "As a result, we have updated and enhanced our upcoming programme design to incorporate ghost gear tracking as a core component, complementing our broader marine litter and water quality initiatives," the agency said. In the Abu Dhabi emirate, the agency said fishing hooks were used only in handline fishing or Hadaq, which prevents unattended gear from being left in the water. 'While the current risk is minimal, ongoing education and monitoring can ensure best practices are maintained,' it said. 'If handlining practices change, or incorporate baiting methods more attractive to birds, additional measures – weighted lines, bird-scaring devices – could be considered.' The environmental agency said other actions could reduce the risk that fishing hooks posed, including bird-scaring lines to discourage birds from approaching baited hooks, setting lines at night when birds tended to be less active, and adding weights to lines so that they sank out of the reach of foraging birds.
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi delivers ‘Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Environment Sector'
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) today launched the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050), a comprehensive and science-based roadmap designed to protect the emirate's natural resources and systems from the increasing and inevitable impacts of climate change. This pioneering plan – the emirate's first – was created as part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027. The plan is also aligned with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, established at COP28, which provides time-bound targets for adaptation planning across key sectors. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the EAD, said, 'The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate. We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage." She added that this plan will enhance the resilience of natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and strive to ensure water and food security. 'This achievement reflects our commitment to foreseeing a future based on adaptation to current and future climate impacts. It strengthens our efforts to achieve the UAE's national climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals by reducing environmental vulnerabilities, safeguarding ecosystems. This plan firmly places the emirate at the forefront of adaptation planning in the region,' Al Dhaheri noted. The Environment Sector Adaptation Plan focuses on three highly vulnerable environmental systems: groundwater, soil and biodiversity. These are critical to Abu Dhabi's human health, long-term water security, agricultural productivity and overall ecosystem health. Through robust risk assessments, the plan identifies a wide array of climate-induced threats and outlines 142 adaptation actions to be implemented by 2050, including 86 high-priority projects identified for implementation over the next five years. These actions span a range of technical, institutional and nature-based solutions. Over the long term, the plan supports Abu Dhabi's strategic ambition to preserve and enhance its natural capital. It contributes to national efforts to increase food self-sufficiency, effect a shift toward more sustainable land and water management systems and enhance the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector, stated, 'Designed to be adaptive and forward-looking, the plan integrates the latest data, evolving climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure our responses remain effective over time. As part of a broader national and emirate-wide strategy, it reinforces our long-term vision to protect ecosystems, sustain natural resources, and secure the well-being of future generations.' The development of the plan was a collaborative process, led by EAD and involved more than 40 government, semi-government, academic, civil society entities and youth. The plan is designed to be dynamic and forward-looking, with built-in mechanisms for periodic review, stakeholder engagement and integration of new scientific findings and climate projections. Alongside the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, it also complements the National Biodiversity Strategy and other international commitments. The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan – Environment Sector is one of four sectoral plans being rolled out under a broader emirate-wide adaptation strategy.
