Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Beneath the waters off Abu Dhabi's coastline, a rich, biodiverse ecosystem thrives. Sea turtles glide through seagrass meadows, dugongs graze along the seabed, dolphins move in pods through coastal channels, and coral reefs and mangrove forests provide shelter for countless species.
For the team at the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre, protecting this underwater world isn't a once-a-year campaign: it's part of daily, hands-on work that features science, rehabilitation and, importantly, public outreach.
Every marine animal that comes through the centre's doors brings with it a story and, often, a dataset, according to Carlos Rodriguez, General Manager of SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
“Our teams are able to collect important data related to animal behaviour, injuries, migration patterns, and the impact of climate change and human activity on marine life,” he told Aletihad.
This information goes beyond the lab and feeds directly into rehabilitation and conservation strategy, and is shared with government partners including the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, helping ensure that policy and action are grounded in real evidence.
"These findings help guide rehabilitation protocols, strengthen conservation strategies, and support evidence-based decision making," Rodriguez said.
Of the many creatures calling UAE waters home — sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and the reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds that support them — some stand out as especially vulnerable.
Dugongs are among the rarest. The centre is home to Malquot, one of only three dugongs currently under human care worldwide, offering researchers a close look at the species' behaviour.
Rodriguez said insights gained from caring for Malquot are shared with other institutions globally, contributing to a better understanding of a species that remains poorly studied in the wild.
Sea turtles, meanwhile, represent one of the centre's most visible success stories.
“Each year, the centre releases hundreds of sea turtles into their natural habitats in Saadiyat Island following extensive rehabilitation, most commonly due to barnacles on their shells or other health-related issues,” he added.
Bringing Communities into Conservation Work
At SeaWorld, the mesmerising scenes of marine species twirling and gliding through the waters are not meant only to captivate but also to draw attention to an ecosystem that must be conserved.
The goal, Rodriguez said, is to “inspire guests to develop a deeper appreciation for marine life and empower communities to become active participants in protecting our oceans”.
“Meaningful environmental progress can only happen when communities feel connected to the natural world and understand the impact their daily actions can have on marine ecosystems,” he said.
Everyone must do their part — from cutting plastic use to recycling, segregating everyday trash, and even aiming for a zero-waste lifestyle.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi helps raise awareness through experiences designed to combine education with up-close encounters. Guests can interact with dolphins, sea otters, walruses, sharks, penguins, and other marine life as part of its programmes.
“Protecting our oceans is not solely the responsibility of scientists or conservationists, it is a shared global responsibility,” Rodriguez said.
