Latest news with #EnvironmentAgency–AbuDhabi
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi sends 25 sea turtles home to Arabian Gulf
30 May 2025 00:20 MAYS IBRAHIM(ABU DHABI)The Arabian Gulf welcomed 25 old friends on Thursday, as rescued sea turtles swam back into their natural habitat, capping months of expert care and were released by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) at the beach of the Jumeirah Hotel on Saadiyat Island, in partnership with The National Aquarium and the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue marks the latest chapter in EAD's ongoing Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release Programme, launched in 2016. To date, the initiative has successfully rehabilitated and returned over 1,500 sea turtles to their natural habitat.'This year alone, we've rescued 287 turtles, including green turtles, hawksbills, and loggerheads,' Hind Al Ameri, Section Head of Marine Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation at EAD, told Aletihad. 'Twenty-five were released [on Thursday], and another 25 will follow [on Friday].' Following the Turtles' Journey Al Ameri explained that 15 of the rescued turtles have been fitted with satellite tags to monitor their movements post-release. 'Tagging allows us to track their migratory paths and behaviour after rehabilitation, helping us understand where they feed, nest, and how they adapt back in the wild,' she Dhabi is home to four sea turtle species, the most common of which are Hawksbill and Green turtles. Loggerheads and the rarer Kemp's Ridley also occasionally appear in UAE waters. 'This year, we came across a few loggerheads, which are rarely seen in our waters, and we're tagging them to learn more about the species,' Al Ameri satellite tags are attached to the turtles' shells and activated when the animals surface to breathe, pinging their location to researchers via satellite. This non-invasive technology provides critical insights into turtle ecology and helps shape marine protection strategies, Al Ameri said. What is Cold Stunning? Speaking with Aletihad, Scott McCoy, Zoological Director at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, highlighted the seasonal aspect of turtle rescues. 'Cold stunning is a major threat here. Juvenile turtles, unable to regulate their body temperature, sometimes get caught in cooler waters, becoming immobile and covered in barnacles,' he stunning occurs when sea turtles are exposed to a sudden or prolonged drop in water temperatures, causing their metabolism to slow down dramatically. Unable to swim or feed properly, these stunned turtles often float near the surface or wash ashore. Rescue efforts typically involve warming and rehydrating the turtles until they regain enough strength to survive in the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center plays a vital role in addressing such emergencies. 'This year, we've rescued 137 sea turtles and over 200 marine animals in total, including sea snakes, birds, and even dugongs and dolphins,' McCoy centre offers immediate and comprehensive care, leveraging over 25 rescue pools, an advanced water filtration system, and a dedicated animal hospital. 'We have a marine life ambulance and a response team that jumps into action when called by the EAD or the public,' McCoy added. 'Once stabilised, turtles are monitored for weeks to months before being cleared for release.'The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is also lending its expertise to support injured and stranded marine animals. 'We often receive turtles suffering from cold exposure, boat strikes, entanglement, or plastic ingestion,' Head Curator Lewis Cocks told Aletihad. 'Our team provides round-the-clock care, starting with a freshwater bath to remove barnacles, followed by diagnostics and, in some cases, surgical procedures such as fin amputations.'Cocks noted that even turtles with permanent injuries are given the chance to return to the sea. 'For example, turtles that become entangled in fishing lines may require amputation. In some cases, we do release turtles that are missing one or even two flippers, once they've fully recovered and can survive independently in the wild,' he explained. Rescue Meets Community Effort Al Ameri credited much of this year's turtle rescues to public reports. 'If you spot any marine animal in distress, whether a turtle, dugong, or dolphin, call the EAD hotline at 800-555,' she second release on Friday will see UAE schoolchildren actively involved in returning turtles to sea. Ten winning classes, selected through a quirky competition involving otters at the National Aquarium, were given the chance to name turtles and will help release serves as an opportunity to instil conservation values early on and shape the next generation of environment stewards, said Cocks. 'It's important to educate the younger generation by involving children and schools in these efforts,' he added. 'By doing so, we can teach them why we save turtles, why rehabilitation is necessary, and most importantly, what they can do to help prevent harm. One simple but powerful message is to reduce plastic waste by reusing and recycling. Teaching kids these habits early on helps protect the marine environment.' Abu Dhabi's waters support a population of over 6,000 sea turtles. EAD has been actively researching and monitoring these marine animals since 1999 to ensure their conservation and recovery in the region.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Science
- Al Etihad
Inside the EAD gene bank protecting UAE's botanical treasures
29 May 2025 00:04 MAYS IBRAHIM (AL AIN)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)'s Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC) in Al Ain is on a mission to preserve the UAE's native flora, and since it opened in 2024, it has already collected over 580 samples of 130 plant species from across the centre serves as a gene bank that stores plant material in multiple forms: seeds, tissue, live plants, DNA, and even with Aletihad at a media tour on Tuesday, Maher Kabshawi, Head of the Seed Collection and Preservation Section, explained the process that goes into conserving native plant seeds from across the UAE is no easy task, Kabshawi said. "We have to go to the wild during specific seasons when plants are mature but not dried out. It can take several attempts, especially when targeting rare or endangered species."The goal is to conserve around 600 documented plant species in the UAE, but due to the scale of this mission, priorities have been set, he said. The initial focus is on 23 Abu Dhabi species that have been considered "threatened" on the IUCN Red seeds undergo a meticulous multi-step process that includes cleaning, drying, testing, and cataloguing. Only once they meet strict moisture and quality standards are they stored in a 20°C cold room, designed to preserve up to 20,000 samples. Under these conditions, seeds can remain viable for up to 100 years, according to Kabshawi. A High-Tech Facility The seed lab, where cutting-edge innovation meets meticulous scientific methods, is the gateway for every sample that enters the the suite of specialised machines used at the lab is a videometer, the first of its kind in the country. This AI-powered device uses spectrometry to capture high-resolution images of seeds and read a wide range of traits, such as colour, shape, surface texture, and chlorophyll content."The videometer allows us to study seeds non-invasively," seed collection specialist Nuri Asmita said. "We can evaluate a seed's health, maturity, and moisture content without damaging it."The machine works by exposing seeds to specific light wavelengths, allowing scientists to detect internal traits based on how the seed reflects or absorbs tandem, the lab uses an aspirator machine to separate seeds from debris and impurities collected in the field. Once cleaned, seeds are packaged with another precision tool: a counter that uses a light beam to count individual seeds as they pass through. From Herbarium to Fungarium Plant specimens go to the herbarium, while tissue samples are used for cryopreservation and genomic research, supporting broader biodiversity conservation herbarium, which already houses over 4,000 sheets representing 705 species, uses digital imaging - including 3D rendering - to document and preserve plant specimens for future study."Once we press, dry, and mount the samples, we digitise them, creating a record that can last for a century," Sabitha Sakkir, a flora scientist, told centre has also launched the UAE's first fungarium, which currently includes around 40 fungal specimens, including the rare Ganoderma colossum, recorded for the first time in the country. Genome Sequencing One of the most ambitious parts of the PGRC's mission is genome collaboration with G42 and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the centre completed sequencing for six native species in its first phase, including the iconic Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria), dwarf palm, and seagrass (Halodule uninervis)."Sequencing is complex," Salama Al Mansoori, Plant Conservation Specialist at PGRC, told Aletihad. "It's time-intensive and technically demanding. That's why we prioritise species based on IUCN Red List classifications and ecological importance."Phase two of genome sequencing will focus on three key species, each vital to their respective ecosystems, according to epapposum (Arfaj), which supports desert biodiversity, plays a role in soil stabilisation and helps regulate microclimates. Orchradenus arabicus, a salt-tolerant shrub, enhances vegetation in saline habitats, supports pollinators, and aids in land restoration. Halophila stipulacea, a key seagrass species, stabilises sediment, improves water quality, and provides habitat for marine life, indicating healthy coastal DNA from arid-adapted species is especially challenging due to their fibrous structures, requiring laborious preparation and contamination control across three genome sequencing platforms for best-in-class resolution. A Glasshouse for Native Flora A highlight of the centre is its 1,000-square-meter glasshouse, which simulates five major UAE habitats: coastal areas, sand sheets, sand dunes, wadis, and than 65 native species grow here under controlled conditions, according to horticulture specialist Hassan Al Mansoori pointed out that the building itself is a nod to local heritage and environmental consciousness. Its circular design mirrors the cross-section of the Ghaf tree, while the façade takes inspiration from Ghaf structure uses terracotta for natural cooling, skylights for daylighting, and solar panels that provide more than 25% of its energy needs. Even the paint is chosen carefully to avoid disorienting migratory birds, she the centre is not yet open to the general public, it actively hosts school and university interactive exhibition area with nine installations engages students in conservation science, plant identification, and genomics. Al Mansoori said the centre will launch educational programmes next month, offering students aged 15 and up a week-long, hands-on experience working alongside scientists.
Filipino Times
24-05-2025
- Science
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi uses drones to disperse over 6.5 million seeds across nature reserves
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has completed a large-scale seed dispersal project using custom-designed drones, spreading more than 6.5 million seeds across 320 hectares of nature reserves. The move is part of efforts to restore natural habitats and support the emirate's climate strategy, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported. 'We successfully implemented one of the largest drone-based seeding operations ever undertaken in Abu Dhabi, within a notably short timeframe. This achievement is in line with Abu Dhabi's Climate Change Strategy and covered a total of 320 hectares of habitat, many of which were seeded for the first time,' said Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD. The project, done with UK-based restoration company Dendra, used custom-made drones to plant seeds in remote areas, allowing work to be finished faster and without disturbing fragile land. Native plants like Samar (Vachellia tortilis), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), and Desert Cotton (Aerva javanica) were seeded in Jebel Hafit's mountain slopes. In Qasr Al Sarab's sand dunes, seeds included Fire Bush (Calligonum polygonoides) and Rimth (Haloxylon salicornicum). The agency's team, including young Emirati talent, studied soil and vegetation before seeding to match each area with suitable native species. This ensures better chances for the seeds to grow and thrive. EAD will monitor the seeded areas using AI-powered sensors to track plant growth. The project builds on the agency's earlier rangeland studies launched in 2024 to help improve land management across Abu Dhabi.
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
EAD completes project to disperse 6.5m native seeds across nature reserves
22 May 2025 10:21 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has completed its 2025 native seed dispersal programme in nature reserves. The initiative, conducted in partnership with UK-based environmental restoration company Dendra, used custom-designed drones to carry out aerial agency continues to advance its drone-based seeding programme through the expertise of a dedicated team comprising seasoned professionals and promising young Emirati talent. The team carries out comprehensive studies and precise assessments of vegetation cover within the targeted reserves, taking into account soil characteristics and their suitability for the native plant species selected under the Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: 'We successfully implemented one of the largest drone-based seeding operations ever undertaken in Abu Dhabi, within a notably short timeframe. This achievement is in line with Abu Dhabi's Climate Change Strategy and covered a total of 320 hectares of habitat, many of which were seeded for the first time.'This initiative underscores the agency's commitment to harnessing advanced artificial intelligence tools in support of environmental sustainability and reflects our leadership's ongoing vision to safeguard natural ecosystems through the integration of innovation and technology in pursuit of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.'A total of 6.5 million seeds from native species were dispersed, including Samar (Vachellia tortilis), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), Rumex (Rumex limoniastrum), Cleome )Cleome pallida(Desert cotton (Aerva javanica) and Panicum (Panicum turgidum) in the mountainous slopes and wadi habitats of Jebel Hafit National for the Sand dunes ecosystems of Qasr Al Sarab Nature Reserve, seeds of Fire Bush (Calligonum polygonoides), Rimth (Haloxylon salicornicum), Tricholaena (Tricholaena teneriffae), Panicum (Panicum turgidum), and Agriophyllum (Agriophyllum minus) were use of drones enables the agency to cover extensive areas in significantly less time compared to traditional manual seeding methods. This technology also facilitates operations in remote and difficult-to-access terrain without the need for vehicles, thereby reducing environmental disturbance to fragile marks only the beginning of the process. EAD will continue to monitor the designated areas to assess vegetation response over time, employing AI-powered sensors and advanced monitoring technologies to track the growth of shrubs and native plants. This initiative builds upon the natural rangeland study programmes launched by the agency in 2024 and is continuing into 2025. These efforts aim to establish a comprehensive, field-based assessment of current vegetation conditions, serving as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of grazing regulations and other environmental management measures across Abu Dhabi. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Hi Dubai
19-05-2025
- Science
- Hi Dubai
UAE Launches World's Largest Coral Reef Restoration Drive to Protect Marine Biodiversity
The United Arab Emirates is ramping up efforts to restore and expand its coral reefs in what is being called the world's most ambitious marine conservation project. Aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring long-term sustainability, the initiative will see millions of coral colonies cultivated and thousands of artificial reef structures deployed across the nation's waters. In Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the cultivation of over 4 million coral colonies by 2030, covering more than 900 hectares. The project, spearheaded by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), is set to become the largest coral restoration programme globally. EAD has also launched the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden initiative—the largest in the Middle East—which will deploy 40,000 eco-friendly reef structures across 1,200 square kilometres. These structures are designed to attract marine life at three times the rate of natural reefs and are expected to generate over five million kilogrammes of fish annually. Other emirates are rolling out similar programmes. Sharjah has introduced artificial reef caves in Khorfakkan, while Dubai's DUBAI REEF project aims to install 20,000 reef modules across 600 square kilometres over the next three years. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is coordinating nationwide coral restoration, including research on 24 resilient coral species and a national reef mapping initiative that has identified 210 reef sites. Ongoing efforts in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Qaiwain, and Ajman have established coral gardens, while a long-term partnership with Fujairah Adventures is working to plant 1.5 million coral colonies along the eastern coastline. News Source: Emirates News Agency
