The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi spotted Abu Dhabi’s first nest of Green turtles
I spy with my little eye…a green turtle in Abu Dhabi!
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) was in the middle of its annual turtle survey as part of the marine assessment and conservation programme when they spotted the first nest of Green turtles!
Although found extensively in Abu Dhabi’s waters, this was the first nesting activity spotted at one of the core Hawksbill turtle nesting sites in Al Dhafra Region.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, says, “Abu Dhabi offshore islands are known Hawksbill turtle nesting sites, however this discovery is considered an aberration and will be added to the sporadic records of Green turtle nesting behaviour in the United Arab Emirates and in countries along the Arabian Gulf.
So far, EAD has recorded a total of 247 Hawksbill turtle nests this year, in comparison to 193 nests in 2022, with a 72% hatching success – a sign of this species’ population stability in Abu Dhabi waters and the organisation’s commitment towards preserving marine life.
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There are seven marine turtle species found worldwide. Four species can be spotted in Abu Dhabi’s waters, with a total population of more 6,000 individuals – two of which, the Hawksbill and Green turtle – are predominantly found here, with two other species – the Loggerhead turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle – considered occasional visitors.
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In Abu Dhabi, most Hawksbill and Green turtles have been spotted in the waters of Al Dhafra region between the islands of Abu Al Abyadh and Bu Tinah, as well as in the waters bordering the islands of Al Yasat and Muhayimat. These areas offer extensive seagrass beds, marine algae and coral reef habitats.
Nesting takes place between mid-March to mid-June, and usually, more than 200 nests are reported during the nesting season. Hatching usually occurs between mid-June to early August. Females are quite selective when it comes to choosing their nest site and have often been spotted emerging onto a beach for several consecutive nights before finding an ideal spot with soft sand, secluded from human activity.
The increased nesting and hatchling activity recorded during this year’s turtle survey provides further evidence of Abu Dhabi’s healthy marine ecosystems and reinforces the effectiveness of EAD’s robust marine environment protection and rehabilitation policies and its efforts to establish and manage natural reserves through Sheikh Zayed Protect Areas Network.
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