Latest news with #MarineProtectedArea
Al Etihad
10-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
From drones to a high-tech vessel: Abu Dhabi's EAD leads with smart tech in marine conservation
10 May 2025 08:55 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) With autonomous systems and smart technologies, the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) is pioneering a new wave of marine conservation efforts. In an interview with Aletihad , the authority elaborated on a number of breakthrough projects that are underway, from using AI in coastal habitat restoration to deploying a state-of-the-art research vessel to gather invaluable data from the sea. At the centre of EAD's marine innovation is the Jaywun research vessel, the most advanced marine scientific vessel in the Middle East."The Jaywun research vessel, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), represents a significant advancement in marine conservation,' the authority is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and facilities designed to conduct comprehensive marine studies."One of its notable achievements is the successful completion of the Fisheries Resources Assessment Survey conducted in UAE waters. Over a 108-day voyage, the vessel covered 324 sites and collected over 2,000 samples, providing invaluable data on fish species and their habitats."Jaywun also carried out the UAE's first acoustic survey of marine life, conducted large-scale eDNA and genomic sequencing for fish, and led a 10,000km aerial research expedition from Spain to Abu Dhabi. These initiatives were supported by global collaborations with institutions such as the Max Planck Society and The Cyprus Institute."The Jaywun research vessel directly supports conservation policies and species protection in Abu Dhabi. Equipped with advanced tools, it conducts fisheries assessments, eDNA sequencing, and acoustic surveys that inform fishing regulations and Marine Protected Area (MPA) designations."The vessel includes an onboard lab capable of rescuing and transporting marine animals, while also contributing to research on pollution, water quality, and climate change. Utilising AI The EAD highlighted the vital role of seagrass meadows, describing them as the ecological backbone of marine biodiversity and climate resilience. These underwater habitats serve as nurseries and shelters for marine life — such as fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates — while also stabilising sediments, reducing coastal erosion, sequestering carbon, and enhancing water agency continues to lead research and monitoring programmes to assess seagrass health and fine-tune conservation strategies. Among its flagship efforts is the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, which deploys drone and AI technology for precision seeding of mangroves. "The trials began as far back as 2020 with EAD's partners and have now resulted in the dispersal of more than 9 million seeds in the past two years alone," the authority told Aletihad . To ensure long-term success, EAD is also developing AI systems for restoration monitoring."An AI system is also currently being trialled and developed for monitoring the progress of restoration programmes over time. The key element for ensuring these technologies are successful is to have a thorough testing period that involves ground truthing and field verification grounded in extensive ecological expertise,' it said. Other advanced technologies include a 'Fish AI' system that automates fish identification to support sustainable stock assessments, as well as AI monitoring at Delma Island sea cage farms, enhancing traceability and aquaculture operations. Coral reef monitoring is also being strengthened with platforms like CoralNet and ReefCloud, with future plans to incorporate autonomous underwater vehicles for continuous observation. Evidence-based Strategy EAD stresses that research is directly integrated into evidence-based policy and planning, helping guide sustainable marine ecosystem management."The agency has extensive monitoring, assessment, conservation and restoration programmes… integrated into evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation," it stated, adding that EAD also works across sectors to "advocate for nature protection and restoration and integrate nature into development plans'.To combat key challenges such as coastal development, climate change, and fish stock depletion, EAD uses a combination of marine protected areas, habitat restoration (corals, mangroves, seagrass), and sustainable fishing practices."Fisheries management is a good example of how Abu Dhabi balances conservation with growth," EAD said."With over 80% of catches from sustainably exploited stocks, we are using science, strict regulations, marine protected areas, and innovative technologies to ensure long-term ecological resilience."The agency's Wildlife Rescue Programme has rescued over 1,400 sea turtles and rehabilitated a dugong named Malqout, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable species."The agency identifies and protects rare plant species in Abu Dhabi's waters through comprehensive marine biodiversity monitoring and research programmes. They conduct regular habitat surveys and assessments to track the presence of these species and implement conservation measures."The EAD also tracks coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and fish stocks using satellite tools and global partnerships to continually adapt its strategies and align with international conservation standards such as the CBD and CMS."Community awareness and education play a crucial role in protecting Abu Dhabi's marine ecosystems by fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging sustainable practices," the EAD said.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Science
- Forbes
When Sharks Return, Reefs Respond
The return of sharks to Ashmore Reef after marine protection was enforced in 2008 shows how top ... More predators influence not just what they eat, but how other species behave. New research reveals that sharks reshape reef communities by triggering fear-based responses in mid-sized fish, which affects feeding, reproduction and even population sizes. In the turquoise waters off the north-west coast of Western Australia, Ashmore Reef has become a living laboratory for understanding what happens when big predators come back. Once depleted, shark populations around this remote reef have been rebounding since 2008, when the area was granted fully enforced 'no-take' Marine Protected Area status. And with the return of these top predators, the newly published study gives us a glimpse into how predators do more than eat their prey — they change the very way ecosystems work. A study published in the Journal of Animal Ecology led by Dr. Mark Meekan and Dr. Emily Lester from The University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute, alongside Dr. Zoe Storm from the University of Glasgow and researchers at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, compared fish communities before and after shark numbers recovered. 'Reef shark populations on Ashmore Reef have increased significantly since effective enforcement of the no-take Marine Protected Area status of the reef started in 2008,' said Dr Mark Meekan. 'This has enabled us to examine how these large predators have the potential to structure reef communities through the behavioural effects they have on their prey.' Using baited remote underwater video systems, the team analyzed footage from 2004 (when shark numbers were low) and from 2016 (when sharks had bounced back). The goal was to track how rising predator numbers influenced the reef's residents. What they found was a clear shift. Alongside the increase in sharks came a rise in other large and mid-sized reef predators. And not only had the number of large and mid-sized predators gone up, but many smaller predatory fish had declined. It wasn't just a case of sharks eating those smaller species. The fish that remained were acting differently too. Fish that previously roamed more freely were now sticking closer to shelter. Some became more cautious, spending less time feeding or mating and more time simply trying not to get eaten — or even seen! — by the returning sharks. 'Our results show how reefs should function in a relatively pristine state,' said Dr Meekan. ... More 'Understanding the role big predators play is essential for building the resilience and survival of coral reef ecosystems, especially as these environments face increasing pressures from climate change, pollution and overfishing.' According to Lester, this shift in behavior is an example of how predators can affect ecosystems even without making a kill: 'Fearful prey react to an increase in predation risk by exhibiting traits to reduce exposure. They may hide more, become warier and forage in lower quality areas. This limits how much energy they can get from food and can reduce reproduction too.' In other words, the mere threat of a predator can change how prey live, a phenomenon known as non-consumptive effects. Storm added that these indirect effects are just as important as actual predation when it comes to shaping ecosystems. 'Predators structure ecosystems not just by what they eat, but by influencing how their prey behave,' she explained. 'This can affect population sizes and community makeup in big ways.' That means sharks, as top predators, play a vital role in keeping reef ecosystems balanced — even when they're not actively hunting. This dynamic, where predators influence prey behavior and that behavior in turn shapes the entire ecosystem, helps explain why top predators like sharks are so important. Understanding how these effects work is key for conservation and reef management. Coral reefs are among the most complex and fragile ecosystems on Earth, and they face numerous threats, ranging from overfishing to climate change. This study, says Meekan, shows what a relatively healthy reef looks like when top predators are back in the mix and highlights how important those predators are for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. 'Our work contributes to the growing evidence that predators can have important indirect effects on other species in food chains,' Storm concludes, 'by triggering behaviours in prey that attempt to lower their risk of predation.' Ashmore Reef offers a real-world example of what happens when sharks are allowed to return and reclaim their role at the top of the food chain. Their presence is about more than predation — it's about presence itself. The silent power of fear, it turns out, is just as important as the bite. And it's a reminder to all that protecting predators doesn't just save one species… it helps safeguard the entire web of life beneath the waves.
