MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has made significant strides in rehabilitating and conserving sea turtles.
From the moment a distressed turtle is reported, to its triumphant return to the wild, EAD's dedicated team follows a meticulous process to ensure the survival and recovery of these vital marine creatures.
Rehabilitation Process
The rescue journey typically begins with a report of a stranded, injured, or sick sea turtle.
These alerts come through the Abu Dhabi Government Number (800555) from EAD rangers, seagoers, or concerned citizens.
Once a report is received, a rescue team is dispatched to retrieve the turtle and transport it to the rehabilitation centre.
Upon arrival, the turtle undergoes a thorough initial assessment to determine its condition. This includes checking for injuries, illnesses, and overall health status.
To prevent the spread of any potential diseases to other animals at the rehabilitation centre, the turtle is first placed in a quarantine area where it receives immediate care.
This initial treatment may involve administering fluids, medications, and treating wounds.
Detailed diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, and ultrasounds, are performed to gauge the extent of the turtle's injuries or illness.
Based on these diagnostics, a tailored treatment plan is crafted. This plan may involve surgery, medications, and specialised nutritional support.
According to EAD, a proper diet is provided to aid in healing and recovery, while closely monitoring progress and making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
This is accompanied by regular check-ups and evaluations.
The turtle's behaviour is observed to ensure it is swimming, diving, and feeding properly, which is crucial for its survival in the wild.
As the turtle nears recovery, it is moved to larger tanks that simulate natural conditions, helping it regain fitness and natural behaviours.
Before its release, the turtle undergoes a final health check to confirm it is fully recovered and ready for life in the wild.
Speaking with Aletihad, EAD pointed out that releases are often celebrated and can involve the public or media to raise awareness about marine conservation.
In 2024 alone, EAD successfully released 214 turtles, rehabilitated through collaborations with The National Aquarium and Yas Sea World Research and Rescue.
These releases were accompanied by educational activities on the beach for the visitors to enjoy and learn more about sea turtle conservation practices.
Importance of Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are more than just charismatic megafauna; they play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
EAD explained that these marine creatures help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, which provide habitat and food for numerous marine species.
By grazing on seagrass, sea turtles prevent overgrowth and promote nutrient cycling, benefiting other marine life.
Additionally, their eggs contribute essential nutrients to coastal ecosystems.
"Conserving sea turtles supports biodiversity, enhances ecosystem resilience, and contributes to the overall health of marine environments," according to EAD.
Advanced Monitoring and Conservation
EAD employs state-of-the-art methods and technologies to monitor rehabilitated sea turtles following their release.
This includes attaching satellite tracking devices to their shells, providing real-time data on their movements, migration patterns, and behaviour.
Moreover, flipper tags or PIT tags (Passive Integrated Transponder) are used for identification and recapture studies.
"These tracking technologies allow us to gather valuable information on the turtles' adaptation to the wild, their foraging and nesting habits, and their overall well-being, ensuring the success of conservation efforts," EAD said in a statement to Aletihad.
Since 2011, EAD and its partners have successfully deployed 72 satellite tags on various sea turtles.
This tracking has offered invaluable insights into turtle behaviour, migration patterns, and habitat connectivity, thus strengthening conservation efforts.
For instance, the tagging of post-nesting hawksbill turtles at key nesting sites in the Al Dhafra region revealed that during prolonged periods of elevated temperatures (June-August), these marine creatures migrate temporarily to deeper, cooler waters in northern latitudes, typically returning to their original feeding grounds after two-three months (September-October).
One notable journey involved a female green turtle tagged in Bu Tinah that migrated to Ras Al Hadd in Oman, passing through Iran, Pakistan, and India, before returning to Abu Dhabi.
This remarkable roundtrip spanned 354 days and covered over 7,000 kilometres.
Community Engagement in Conservation EAD believes that local communities are "integral" to sea turtle conservation efforts.
"They often serve as the first responders by reporting injured or stranded turtles to us, which enables timely rescues. Community members participate in beach clean-ups, reducing plastic pollution that threatens sea turtles."
Through educational programmes and awareness campaigns, communities can become advocates for marine conservation, promoting sustainable practices and protecting nesting sites.
According to EAD, this involvement enhances the effectiveness of conservation initiatives and fosters a collective responsibility for preserving marine biodiversity.