Struggling Sea Turtles Find Support in the United Arab Emirates

Amid the United Arab Emirates’ pristine beaches, a baby sea turtle battled against the forceful tide as it attempted to enter the ocean. Despite initial setbacks, the determined hatchling persevered, swiftly disappearing into the depths of the Persian Gulf, where it would hopefully thrive once again. This heartwarming scene is just one of many success stories resulting from the efforts of Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency, which launched a comprehensive program three years ago to aid sea turtles facing distress caused by climate change and other factors.

Since its inception, the program has facilitated the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of approximately 500 sea turtles. The recent release in early June saw around 80 turtles accompanied to the water’s edge by members of the agency’s Wildlife Rescue Program, alongside enthusiastic community members. Many of these turtles were equipped with cutting-edge satellite tracking gear, allowing scientists to gain valuable insights into migration patterns and assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation techniques.

The decline in sea turtle populations can be attributed to a combination of historical hunting practices for their meat, eggs, and shells, as well as various human-induced factors. Issues like plastic pollution, vessel collisions, entanglement in nets, and coastal development have significantly reduced the availability of nesting habitats. However, climate change emerges as a pivotal contributor to the vulnerability of sea turtles worldwide.

In response to the escalating threats posed by climate change, the United Arab Emirates has taken substantial measures to safeguard these remarkable creatures. In Abu Dhabi, stranded turtles are promptly rescued, nursed back to health, and reintroduced into the ocean. The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency’s program alone has successfully saved 800 sea turtles over its three-year existence.

Climate change impacts sea turtles in multiple ways. Warming oceans endanger the survival of the coral reefs that serve as vital habitats for turtles. Furthermore, changing currents expose them to new predators, while rising sea levels progressively erode their nesting beaches. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, other agencies in the Emirates have also joined the cause. Emirates Nature-WWF has launched long-term marine conservation initiatives focused on studying hawksbill and green turtles, while the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has rehabilitated and released over 2,000 sick and injured sea turtles back into the Persian Gulf in the past two decades.

Scientists are beginning to observe signs of adaptation among sea turtles in response to climate change. The temperature at which turtle eggs develop influences the gender ratio, with warmer temperatures favoring females. Remarkably, despite the United Arab Emirates experiencing consistently high temperatures, the male turtle population remains healthy and reproductive. This phenomenon has inspired researchers to delve deeper into understanding the adaptive mechanisms of these species, shedding light on their potential resilience to future climate change challenges.

The upcoming United Nations summit on climate change, to be held in Dubai in November, will provide a platform for global discussions on how to mitigate the damaging effects of global warming. Sea turtles, emblematic of the broader challenges faced by our planet, serve as a poignant reminder of the urgency to take action.

Note: The original text has been significantly paraphrased and restructured while retaining the essence and key information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sea turtles

More about Sea turtles

• Abu Dhabi Environment Agency
• Emirates Nature-WWF
• Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project
• United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26)
• Climate Change and Sea Turtles
• Satellite Tracking of Sea Turtles