Sea Turtles in Dubai Get Assistance

Sea turtles are being saved and released back into the Persian Gulf as part of an initiative run by Abu Dhabi’s environmental ministry. Approximately five hundred sea turtles that were saved and given rehabilitation have been released by program participants. Among the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. The program was started by the environment department three years ago to assist turtles who are having a hard time surviving. Early June saw the release of the most recent version. The Wildlife Rescue Program of the organization assisted in bringing roughly eighty turtles to the ocean and releasing them. The community members joined in. To gain a better understanding of the turtles’ movements, scientists outfitted them with satellite technology. Scientists will learn more from the data about the efficacy of rehabilitation techniques.

Historically, people have hunted turtles for their meat and eggs. Jewelry has been made from their shells. However, the population of all seven species of sea turtles has declined due to various factors. Scientist Hind al-Ameri works at the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi. Sea turtles are being harmed by issues including plastic pollution, ship collisions, and fishing gear, according to her. She went on to say that the space available for turtles to lay their eggs is diminished by coastal development. In order for turtles to thrive, coral reefs may be harmed by warming oceans. The direction of the ocean’s currents can move turtles closer to predators. Additionally, the coastal regions where turtles lay their eggs may be harmed by rising sea levels.

There are other organizations in the United Arab Emirates that support sea turtles besides Abu Dhabi’s environment agency. Two programs were started by the nonprofit organization Emirates Nature-WWF more than ten years ago. The hawksbill and green turtles are the two species of turtles that the group observes in the area. Another initiative that has been assisting sick and injured sea turtles for almost 20 years is the Dubai Turtles Rehabilitation Project. Over the years, it has helped more than 2,000 turtles get well and be released back into the Persian Gulf.