Abu Dhabi releases 150 rehabilitated sea turtles back into the bay


Turtles in Abu Dhabi
Its all about commitment towards protecting endangered species.

The Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has released a batch of turtles into the sea, by Al Hederyat Island. The turtles will gradually be released into key marine in Abu Dhabi.

There are two types of sea turtles in Abu Dhabi, the Hawksbill Turtle and the Green Turtle – with an estimate count of 5,000 turtles. The participation of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court has been commendable.

His Highness Sheikh Theyab participated in the event – the largest of its kind in the region, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Rashid Ahmad Al Hameli, the Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and His Excellency Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Director of the Ruler’s Representative Office in the Al Dhafra Region and Her Excellency, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD.

Rehabilitation was conducted at the sea turtle’s rehabilitation center in The National Aquarium, where they received advanced veterinary care and treated from any ailments: infection, diseases and injuries.

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The sea turtles were successfully rehabilitated after being rescued last year with the help of the public, sea-goers, fishermen, EAD rangers and the strategic partners from government and private sectors, as well as other partners.

Fun Fact – One of the turtles was named after the Island he was released from – Al Hederyat. It was selected to affix a satellite tracking system on its back for purposes of observation and monitoring to identify its habitats and feeding areas. The collected data will be used to enhance EAD’s efforts to set plans and programmes that would ensure the conservation of sea turtles and mitigate the risks they face.

With continuous efforts and research to protect endangered species, EAD has been committing to monitor, track and save sea turtles since 1999. Past two decades have shown fair results of stability in protecting sea turtles in the Emirates.


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