Latest news with #RobYordi
The National
03-05-2025
- Science
- The National
'A hidden treasure': Scientists rally to protect the Gulf's overlooked seagrass meadows
Vital to dugongs, sea turtles, fish nurseries and carbon storage, seagrass meadows are among the ocean's most critical – and at the same time most overlooked – ecosystems. Yet, they are disappearing at alarming rates around the world. Scientists from across the region gathered in Abu Dhabi for the first Arabian Seagrass Workshop last week, aiming to change that narrative. Held at the Yas Seaworld Research and Rescue Centre, the event marks a major step forward in spotlighting the Gulf's underwater grasslands, and accelerating efforts to conserve and restore them. "Seagrass is a building block," Rob Yordi, general curator at the centre, told The National. "It's the food source and shelter for so many organisms -small fish, invertebrates, sea turtles, and of course – dugongs." The UAE is home to the worlds second largest population of dugong, with 3,000 living off the country's shores. A single dugong, Mr Yordi explained, can consume up to 40 kilograms of seagrass in a day. "So you need vast, healthy meadows. But, what we've seen over decades is decline. We are trying to figure out why – and how to reverse it." The centre is conducting field research off the Abu Dhabi coast and running lab-based trials to better understand how to propagate, replant, and restore degraded seagrass beds. Speaking at the event in Abu Dhabi, Dr Emma Jackson, president of the World Seagrass Association said "seagrass meadows continue to be lost and degraded at a global scale." She highlights that about a third of mapped European seagrass meadows for example have already been lost. According to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the mapped extent of the emirate's seagrass area is well over 3,000 square kilometres – with the main concentrations found around Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve and Al Yasat Marine Protected Area. This represents 80 per cent of all seagrass habitat in the Arabian Gulf. "These meadows support the second-largest dugong population in the world, after Australia," Noura Al Mansoori, marine biodiversity specialist at EAD, told The National. "And, most people don't even realise they exist. Seagrasses are underwater, and they're often mistaken for seaweed, but they're completely different. These are flowering plants with roots and rhizomes, adapted to a marine environment." Al Mansoori said the Gulf's extreme summer conditions, where water temperatures can exceed 35°C, presents unique survival challenges. "That's above tolerance for many species around the world. But our seagrasses hang on. They're resilient, but they need help." EAD is deploying AI technology to map historic trends and identify priority restoration zones, building on decades of monitoring and conservation work. One of the key goals of the Abu Dhabi summit was to lay the foundations to create a regional framework for research and action. Delegates presented national data and participated in gap analyses and planning sessions focused on data from around the region. Dr Elise Marquis, director of the Yas Seaworld Research and Rescue Centre confirmed that a technical report – "the first of its kind for the region"- will be produced following the session to guide future collaboration. Looking ahead, the region's seagrass science community is preparing for a bigger stage, Abu Dhabi will host the 16th International seagrass Biology Workshop in 2026, bringing together the world's top experts. "The momentum is here," said Dr Marquis. "We've undervalued these meadows for too long. It's time we gave them the recognition and protection they deserve."
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, introduces new 'SeaSub' experience
SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the World's Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park, announced the launch of the all-new submersible experience 'SeaSub', where guests can explore the region's largest multi-species marine life aquarium and learn more about marine life from a different perspective. The new submersible is the world's first classed submersible designed, built and certified for an aquarium setting. It can accommodate four guests in addition to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's trained pilots. Guests will embark on a 30-minute tour that reaches depths of more than 20 meters to view the Marine Life Theme Park's spectacular, colourful and abundant marine life such as sharks, rays and schooling fish. This experience is the latest in the line of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's continued efforts to provide one-of-a-kind immersive and educational marine life experiences for its guests including the popular SeaVenture, SeaDive and unforgettable encounters with penguins, walruses and more. Rob Yordi, General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, said, 'Our goal is to make SeaWorld Abu Dhabi a unique and exciting destination. We strive to balance the elements of education, conservation and entertainment all in one place and offer our guests one-of-a-kind experiences that resonate with them for a lifetime. We are delighted to add the SeaSub experience to our repertoire for our inquisitive guests and hope it leads to more unforgettable memories for families.' The Marine Life Theme Park has also recently launched two new thrilling SeaWorld Encounters – 'Discover Scuba Diving' and 'Kayak on the Tropical Lagoon'. In 'Discover Scuba Diving' guests can scuba dive without the need for a diving certificate and enjoy mesmerizing views of vibrant marine life. In 'Kayak on the Tropical Lagoon' guests are invited to explore the colourful Tropical Ocean realm, paddling through the dolphin habitat and learning about the fascinating marine animals from SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's Zoological team while witnessing natural behaviours and viewing the vibrant aviary and flamingo habitat. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is committed to providing guests with the best educational marine life experiences. With a myriad of adventures, guests can continue to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of marine life while enriching their knowledge about the wonders of our ocean.
Al Bawaba
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Get closer than ever: SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi introduces all-new SeaSub experience
SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the World's Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park, has an all-new one-of-a-kind experience in store for its guests, the chance to take the plunge inside the newly launched submersible experience 'SeaSub' where guests can explore the region's largest multi-species marine life aquarium and learn more about marine life from a different perspective. The new submersible is the world's first classed submersible designed, built and certified for an aquarium setting. It can accommodate four guests in addition to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's trained pilots. Guests will embark on a wondrous 30-minute tour that reaches depths of more than 20 meters to view the Marine Life Theme Park's spectacular, colorful and abundant marine life such as sharks, rays and schooling fish. This experience is the latest in the line of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's continued efforts to provide one-of-a-kind immersive and educational marine life experiences for its guests including the popular SeaVenture, SeaDive and unforgettable encounters with penguins, walruses and more. Rob Yordi, General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, said: 'Our goal is to make SeaWorld Abu Dhabi a unique and exciting destination. We strive to balance the elements of education, conservation and entertainment all in one place and offer our guests one-of-a-kind experiences that resonate with them for a lifetime. We are delighted to add the SeaSub experience to our repertoire for our inquisitive guests and hope it leads to more unforgettable memories for families.' The Marine Life Theme Park has also recently launched two new thrilling SeaWorld Encounters – 'Discover Scuba Diving' and 'Kayak on the Tropical Lagoon'. In 'Discover Scuba Diving' guests can scuba dive without the need for a diving certificate and enjoy mesmerizing views of vibrant marine life. In 'Kayak on the Tropical Lagoon' guests are invited to explore the colorful Tropical Ocean realm, paddling through the dolphin habitat and learning about the fascinating marine animals from SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's Zoological team while witnessing natural behaviors and viewing the vibrant aviary and flamingo habitat. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is committed to providing guests with the best educational marine life experiences. With a myriad of adventures, guests can continue to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of marine life while enriching their knowledge about the wonders of our ocean. Due to high demand and limited availability, guests are advised to book ahead to secure their spot. For more information and to book your adventure, please visit
Al Bawaba
09-04-2025
- General
- Al Bawaba
SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center Awarded Prestigious AMMPA Accreditation
SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the world's largest indoor Marine Life Theme Park, along with the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the region's largest dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return facility, have become the first facilities in the MENA region to receive accreditation from the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA), joining its sister SeaWorld parks in the US. This accreditation places SeaWorld Abu Dhabi among a distinguished group of institutions that meet and exceed the world's most rigorous standards in animal welfare, veterinary care, habitat quality, training and conservation. AMMPA is a global body dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals in parks, aquariums and zoos. AMMPA-accredited facilities play a vital role in marine animal rescue, research, and public education, ensuring the well-being of animals such as sea lions, dolphins and sea turtles. Rob Yordi, Zoological Vice President and General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, said: 'We are incredibly proud to receive accreditation from the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal care, conservation and education. This milestone reflects the dedication of our entire team to providing a world-class environment for marine life while inspiring our guests to protect our ocean. We remain committed to advancing marine conservation efforts and ensuring the well-being of the incredible animals in our care.' Widely recognized as the most comprehensive and stringent in the world for marine mammal care, AMMPA accredited facilities need to prove various aspects of animal welfare, including optimal veterinary care, positive reinforcement training and environmental enrichment to support well-being. Facilities must also maintain high water quality and habitat conditions, ensure responsible breeding and population management, and uphold safe and humane transportation practices. Additionally, accredited institutions contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts while providing educational programs that promote public awareness of marine conservation. Adding to this recognition, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center are also the region's first facilities to be certified by Global Humane, the world's largest certifier of animal welfare and the region's third facilities to earn the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. Representing the next generation of zoological care. This highlights their commitment to upholding the highest standards in marine animal care and conservation. For more information on SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, please visit the website at
