EAD And Khalifa University Initiate Groundbreaking Sediment Survey Aboard Jaywun Research Vessel

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have embarked on a significant marine research mission. A team of scientists is aboard the advanced research vessel Jaywun, conducting the first comprehensive modern sediment survey off Abu Dhabi's coast. This initiative seeks to understand climate change effects on the Arabian Gulf's unique marine ecosystem and open avenues for future studies.

Launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jaywun is the UAE's first research vessel equipped with cutting-edge technology and six laboratories. It supports scientific exploration in environmental preservation and climate change mitigation. The project began under a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding involving EAD, OceanX, Bayanat, and M42, during an expedition across the UAE in December 2023.

The study aims to provide critical insights into marine ecosystems by mapping the seafloor. This will reveal underwater features along Abu Dhabi's coast in the Arabian Gulf. Future missions on Jaywun, including an extended study off Fujairah's coast, will build upon these findings. The research also examines sediment movement, storm impacts, and oceanic ecosystem health.

Prof. Bayan Sharif, Provost of Khalifa University, expressed pride in being part of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network (ADERN), initiated by EAD. "We are proud to be one of the members of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network (ADERN), launched by EAD," he stated. The Jaywun vessel is accessible to UAE scientists for executing research projects submitted to EAD.

This survey marks the first time researchers are establishing a baseline of sediment data from offshore Abu Dhabi. It provides crucial information on historical and recent changes in marine environments. The study also explores how sediments formed under extreme conditions can offer insights into future warmer climates.

Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of EAD's Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, highlighted Jaywun's role in facilitating detailed marine ecosystem research using sophisticated equipment for high-quality data collection and analysis. "Jaywun enables us to conduct in-depth research on marine ecosystems using sophisticated equipment, ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis," he noted.

Future Implications for Sustainability

The collaboration with Khalifa University involves studying marine sediments for the first time to assess climate change impacts on the Arabian Gulf. Al Hashmi added that this research would significantly inform future sustainability and conservation projects aimed at protecting vital marine ecosystems.

This initiative not only enhances understanding but also strengthens monitoring efforts for marine life safety in the region. As part of ADERN, faculty members from Khalifa University can utilise Jaywun for their scientific inquiries, contributing to broader environmental knowledge.

The mission underscores a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge about marine ecosystems amid changing climatic conditions. By establishing a foundational understanding through sediment surveys, researchers can better predict future environmental shifts and devise strategies for conservation efforts.

With inputs from WAM