Marine Research Expedition In Abu Dhabi Unites EAD Experts And AUS Students

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi organised an advanced marine research mission on the research vessel Jaywun, bringing six American University of Sharjah students into real fieldwork. The mission focused on Abu Dhabi’s coastal and marine ecosystems, while also supporting data collection that helps guide environmental decisions across the emirate and the wider UAE region.

The Jaywun vessel, described by the agency as the most advanced in the region, acted as a mobile laboratory during the mission. It supports studies on biodiversity, water quality, sediment movement, ocean conditions, and climate change impacts, which together strengthen scientific understanding of marine ecosystems in Abu Dhabi and neighbouring Gulf waters.

Under joint supervision from Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi specialists and American University of Sharjah faculty, the students carried out a structured research programme. They collected and analysed water and sediment samples at sea, learned how to operate advanced scientific instruments, and contributed field measurements to national environmental monitoring networks that track changing marine conditions around Abu Dhabi’s coastline.

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The research tasks covered several disciplines, including chemistry, biology, and oceanography, giving the students an integrated picture of how marine systems function. They also took part in identifying fish species caught for scientific study and attended live demonstrations on the use, calibration, and maintenance of research equipment, improving both technical confidence and understanding of data quality standards.

Dr. Sandra Knuteson, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science in the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science at the American University of Sharjah, described the expedition as an exceptional experience that allowed students to test practical research, gain a deep understanding of applying scientific data to protect ecosystems, and emphasised that working alongside agency researchers contributes to developing the skills required for sustainable environmental management. Student Zeina Iskandarani said the trip offered excellent hands-on fieldwork and exposure to new research tools within a collaborative learning setting.

Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli, Director of Marine Biodiversity at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said that empowering future environmental leaders starts with work in real environments rather than classrooms alone. Al Hameli noted that time aboard Jaywun showed students how raw field data is processed, interpreted, and then used to support policies and decisions that aim to protect the country’s marine environment.

Marine research mission supporting Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi long-term goals

Al Hameli explained that opening Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi research facilities to young scientists reflects a wider ambition to inspire them, encourage innovation, and sustain engagement with protecting natural heritage. By participating directly in monitoring projects, the American University of Sharjah students gained insight into long-term programmes that track biodiversity, water quality, sediment dynamics, and climate-related changes in local seas.

Through this mission, the Jaywun vessel linked education with operational science, showing how university training can align with agency work on environmental management. The experience demonstrated how structured collaborations between Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and academic partners can develop skills required for sustainable marine stewardship in the emirate and across the region.

With inputs from WAM