Historic Discovery: Abu Dhabi's First Green Turtle Nest Recorded by EAD

In a significant discovery during its annual turtle survey, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recorded the first-ever nest of green turtles in the Al Dhafra Region, a known nesting site for Hawksbill turtles. This finding marks a rare occurrence of green turtle nesting within the UAE and the broader Arabian Gulf region, as these turtles are typically found foraging in Abu Dhabi's waters but have not been known to nest in the area.

Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, highlighted the unexpected nature of this discovery. He noted that while green turtles are prevalent in Abu Dhabi's waters, their nesting had not been previously documented within the emirate. The island where the nest was discovered features distinct geographical characteristics, differing significantly from the long and wide beaches of Oman, where green sea turtles commonly nest.

The EAD's commitment to monitoring potential nesting sites has also led to an increase in recorded Hawksbill turtle nests. This year, 247 nests were documented, up from 193 in 2022, with a hatching success rate of 72 percent. This uptick in nesting activity is seen as an indicator of the species' population stability and the overall health of Abu Dhabi's marine ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi is home to four of the seven marine turtle species found worldwide, including significant populations of Hawksbill and Green turtles. These turtles are primarily spotted in the waters of the Al Dhafra region, which offers rich habitats of seagrass beds, marine algae, and coral reefs. Nesting season spans from mid-March to mid-June, with hatching occurring between mid-June and early August.

The increased nesting and hatching activity underscores the effectiveness of EAD's marine environment protection policies and its efforts to manage natural reserves through the Sheikh Zayed Protect Areas Network. These initiatives have contributed significantly to preserving biodiversity and ensuring the stability of crucial species in Abu Dhabi's marine environments.

In recognition of its efforts, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) named EAD's Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Preservation and Rehabilitation Programmes among its top ten global initiatives in 2022. This accolade further emphasizes the agency's role in safeguarding marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable ecosystems within the region.

With inputs from WAM