214 Rehabilitated Turtles Return To Wild In Abu Dhabi's Conservation Effort
In a significant environmental conservation effort, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with The National Aquarium (TNA) and Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center (YSWRRC), has successfully reintroduced a group of rehabilitated marine turtles back into the wild. This event, part of the Year of Sustainability, saw the release of green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles into their natural habitats off the coast of Jumeirah Saadiyat Island. The collaboration resulted in the rehabilitation of 214 turtles, with TNA handling 200 and YSWRRC taking care of 14 hawksbill turtles.
The initial release occurred on June 6, 2024, with Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, and several other dignitaries in attendance. A subsequent event welcomed the general public on 8 June 2024 at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, featuring interactive activations.
These releases mark a milestone in the ongoing partnership between EAD, TNA, and YSWRRC, which began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2020. Since then, a total of 1,067 turtles have been rescued, rehabilitated, and released back into the sea. This collaboration underscores the commitment of these organizations to marine conservation and the establishment of a sustainable future for marine species in Abu Dhabi waters.
Dr. Al Dhaheri expressed her enthusiasm for the successful rehabilitation program, highlighting its significance in ensuring a stable and thriving turtle population in the waters of Abu Dhabi. She extended her gratitude to the public, volunteers, and partners for their support in rescuing and rehabilitating these vulnerable marine animals.
Fouad Mashal, President and Vice Chairman of Al Barakah Holding, shared the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of The National Aquarium's efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating a significant number of turtles, with the release of turtle number 1,000 being a particularly memorable event. The journey of turtle number 1,000 from rescue to release was documented on The National Aquarium's Instagram page, with the family involved in the rescue present at the release.
Thomas Kaferle, General Manager of SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, also celebrated the achievement, noting the partnership's role in advancing marine research and conservation efforts in the region. He highlighted the goal of leveraging their facility's capabilities and SeaWorld's extensive experience to support a sustainable future for marine life.
For over two decades, EAD has been at the forefront of researching, monitoring, and conserving marine turtles in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on maintaining stable populations. Abu Dhabi waters are home to four main marine turtle species, with green turtles and hawksbills being regular inhabitants, while olive ridley and loggerhead turtles are occasional visitors. EAD's efforts have also addressed challenges such as cold stunning, a condition that affects turtles during cold weather, leading to lethargy and immobility. Through their dedicated conservation efforts, EAD aims to continue enhancing the survival rates and habitat conditions for these marine turtles, ensuring their presence for future generations to enjoy.
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