The Environmental Atlas of Abu Dhabi Emirate

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M ARINE B IODIVERSITY D UGONGS

Qatar

The Dugong ( Dugong dugon ) population in the Arabian Gulf is estimated to be the second largest in the world; the largest population occurs off the waters of Australia. Aerial surveys conducted by the EAD in 2000, 2001 and 2004 affirmed this with the identification of large herds of these shy and elusive marine mammals near Abu Dhabi’s coast. Dugongs mostly inhabit the shallows around the islands of Marawah and Bu Tinah where they feed on seagrass, their primary food source. Their range also extends further west towards Qatar. The estimated Gulf population comprises approximately 7,000 animals, forty per

Mkasib

Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve

Qaffay

Muhayyimat

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Dugong Dugongs are found in shallow tropical marine coastal waters that support their food plant – seagrass.

cent occuring in Abu Dhabi waters. Conservation of this threatened species and the seagrass habitats upon which they depend is vital to their survival.

Ghaghah

1500

Al Yasat MPA

1000

Jebel Dhanna

500

Dugong Sightings

Summer 2000 & 2004 Winter 2001 & 2004 Study Transects

Ruwais

0

Al Yasat MPA

Outside MPA

Marawah MBR

Note: This map depicts only data gathered from specific aerial surveys conducted by EAD. Data from other surveys and recorded sightings indicate that Dugongs and Turtles are also present in habitats in the north-east of the Emirate's waters, off Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat, Ra’s Gharab, Taweela and Ra's Ghanada.

Sila'a

Distribution of Dugongs

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M ARINE T URTLE F ORAGING & N ESTING

Migratory and resident populations of Green turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) and critically endangered Hawksbill turtles ( Eretmochelys imbricata ) are found in the offshore areas of the Emirate. The Green turtles are found in the shallows around islands where they feed on seagrasses and algae. The Hawksbill turtles are primarily restricted to reef areas around offshore islands and smaller nearshore reefs where they feed on sponges, molluscs, and algae. The highest concentrations of foraging Hawksbill and Green turtles have been observed in the waters of Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve and Al Yasat MPA. Though turtles spend most of their lives in the water, the females nest onshore, using island beaches at locations such as Zirku and Qarnein to lay their eggs. Hawksbills in the Arabian Gulf nest only once a year between March and June, which distinguishes them from Hawksbills in the Atlantic and Pacific, which nest twice a year.

Qatar

Mkasib

Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve

Qaffay

Muhayyimat

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Marine Turtle Green turtles are herbivorous as adults; juveniles are omnivores feeding on both plants and animal life forms. The Hawksbill turtle is omnivorous throughout its life and prefers to feed on soft and young corals, crustaceans and sponges.

500

Ghaghah

375

250

Jebel Dhanna

125

Al Yasat MPA

Number of Nests

0

Ruwais

Junana

Diyenat

Ghasha

Ghagha

Qarnein

Arzanah

Zarkawh

Saadiyat

Bu Tinah

Baharani

Ghantoot

Yasat al-Ulya

Yasat al-Sufla

Muhayyimat S

Muhayyimat N

Umm Al-Hatab

Abu al-Abyadh

Umm Al Kurkum

Marine Turtle Nesting Sites per Island

Sila'a

Turtle Sightings Turtle Nesting Sites StudyTransects

Note: This map depicts only data gathered from specific aerial surveys conducted by EAD. Data from other surveys and recorded sightings indicate that Dugongs and Turtles are also present in habitats in the north-east of the Emirate's waters, off Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat, Ra’s Gharab, Taweela and Ra's Ghanada.

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