FUJAIRAH, 23rd May, 2023 (WAM) – Sea turtles have recently been spotted laying eggs at the Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort in the emirate of Fujairah.
The Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA), in collaboration with the Fujairah Research Centre (FRC) and Jumeirah Group’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), sent Dr. Juan Diego Urriago, Marine Consultant, and Fujairah Marine Ranger Abdullah Bakhsh to keep the turtles safe from outside disturbances and predators.
This annual nesting and hatching of sea turtles in Fujairah coincides this year with the World Turtle Day, observed on May 23rd every year.
Out of the seven surviving species of sea turtles, the UAE is home to five, with hawksbill turtles being the only species known to nest on the west coast annually. However, there have been only three verified records of nests along the entire east coast, with none in Fujairah.
Barbara Lang-Lenton, Director of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP) at Jumeirah Group, visited the site to personally assess the situation. Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort team have been actively engaged in protecting the nest and ensuring successful hatching within the next 50 to 60 days. The confirmation of the species will be determined once the baby turtles hatch.
Such a development underscores the urgent need to take additional conservation measures to protect and promote sea turtle nesting along the coast.
The public is strongly encouraged to report any sightings of sea turtles nesting or incidents involving sea turtles along the UAE coast.
DTRP Ambassador Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasemi expressed his happiness at the development, saying "The existence of a turtle nest on the beaches of the Emirate of Fujairah is a cause for celebration. Thanks to the wise leadership of our country, the UAE is committed to protecting the environment, especially our oceans. I extend my sincerest congratulations and gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, for their leading role in ocean conservation. We have a responsibility to our nation to contribute towards maintaining clean beaches, protecting our oceans, and preserving the marine life that calls them home."
Aseela Al Moalla, Director of the Fujairah Environment Authority, expressed overwhelming joy upon receiving the news and reaffirmed the commitment of the environmental authority to implementing the visionary initiatives set forth by the Crown Prince of Fujairah. She also extended her gratitude to the Fujairah Research Centre Marine Department and the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project team for their unwavering support in conserving the ecosystem of Fujairah.