Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
An in-situ monitoring study across Abu Dhabi’s seagrass meadows has yielded a significant breakthrough: the first documented flowering event in the emirate’s waters.
This comes as part of the Seagrass Research Programme, led by the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre with the support of the Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
“This fundamental discovery has critical implications for both research and conservation efforts in the Arabian Gulf,” Dr. Elise Marquis, Director of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Centre, told Aletihad in a recent interview.
The Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre is leveraging its advanced marine ecology laboratory and monitoring tools to better understand the physiology and biology of Arabian seagrass.
“The development of our specially built seagrass experimental systems will allow us to conduct crucial research on the unique resilience of Arabian seagrass populations under controlled conditions, which we believe will provide valuable insights for future conservation strategies,” Dr. Marquis said.
The centre’s marine ecology laboratory is equipped with specialised equipment that enables detailed in-depth studies on seagrass physiology, such as the diving-PAM-II to undertake fluorescence analysis of the photosynthetic activity of the plants, she explained.
“We are also utilising this equipment for our Seagrass Research Programme across Abu Dhabi’s seagrass meadows. The data gathered through this technology will be crucial in informing on the overall status of the Abu Dhabi meadows,” Dr. Marquis added.
The centre is also developing focused research projects in areas such as seagrass genomics, physiology, nutrient cycling, and reproductive biology, and is beginning to investigate the potential impacts of microplastics.
“It is vital to develop region-specific scientific studies focusing on the unique resilience of our seagrass species, their reproductive biology, and the impacts of local stressors,” Dr. Marquis noted.
Seagrass ecosystems are crucial to the coastal and marine environment worldwide, according to Dr. Marquis. “They provide a wealth of essential ecosystem services.”
They are often referred to as the “lungs of the sea” for their role in oxygen production and carbon sequestration, making them an essential natural ally in the fight to mitigate climate change.
“Their root and rhizome systems stabilise sediments, protecting our coastlines from erosion,” Dr. Marquis added. “Crucially, these meadows are biodiversity hotspots, offering food and shelter to a vast array of marine species, including dugongs and sea turtles.”
Abu Dhabi alone hosts 80% of the Arabian Gulf’s seagrass meadows, representing around 6% of the world’s total seagrass coverage.
Dr. Marquis pointed out that species diversity in our region is relatively limited, with only three main tropical species: Halodule uninervis, Halophila stipulacea, and Halophila ovalis.
This contrasts with the higher diversity found in areas like the Red Sea (around 12 species) or globally (around 72 species).
Still, the health of these ecosystems is critical to the survival of the world’s second-largest dugong population, Dr. Marquis noted.
Globally, seagrass ecosystems are under threat, facing increased turbidity limiting access to sunlight, rising sea temperatures due to the climate crisis, and physical damage from coastal development and human activities, she added.
“Our ongoing research aims to precisely assess the current health status and identify key factors influencing the resilience of these vital habitats along Abu Dhabi’s coastline.”
Dr. Marquis noted that Abu Dhabi is uniquely positioned to be a promising leader in seagrass conservation and research in the region due to its vast seagrass coverage and strong research infrastructure, including the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Centre.
She added that long-term monitoring programmes established by EAD, comprehensive mapping efforts, proactive engagement with global initiatives like the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough, and collaborative efforts exemplified in the first-ever Arabian Seagrass Scientific Workshop indicate Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to protecting these vital ecosystems.
“This combination of significant natural resources, dedicated research capacity, strong governmental support, and commitment to regional and global collaboration positions Abu Dhabi as a potential leader in this vital field,” said Dr. Marquis.
