CER’s Marine Turtle Research in the United Arab Emirates
CER
are involved with two aspects of turtle research:
Turtle nesting surveys throughout the Gulf waters of the UAE
The development of turtle nesting beaches on Al Sammaliah Island.
Turtle Nesting Surveys
There is a
paucity of information concerning the nesting sites, and time of nesting for turtle
species in the Arabian Gulf. Local anecdotal information suggests that turtles begin
nesting on Gulf Islands during May, with nesting peaking prior to the hottest months of
July and August.
CER is undertaking surveys to record the nesting period, frequency, and nest site features on UAE Gulf Islands. These surveys provide valuable data on turtle nesting, and site characteristics in the Arabian Gulf. This data will assist in formulating strategies to conserve turtle populations and their nesting sites throughout the region. This data will also assist CER to design turtle nesting beaches on Al Sammaliah Island.
Results of the Surveys to Date:
Results of the Surveys to Date:
During the month of May numerous turtle tracks and nests were observed on the sandy beaches of Gulf Islands. During the surveys both green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) were recorded nesting on Gulf Islands. During the evening a green turtle was observed to lay 30 eggs, and a hawksbill turtle was observed to lay 50 eggs. Unfortunately most nests located during the May night surveys had been physically disturbed by illegal egg collection activities.
During the June surveys 32 tracks and 24 nests were located at 21 different sandy beaches. All tracks apart from one were new, and most nests (59%) were located on the northern coasts (northerly aspect). The remaining nests (41%) occurred on the southern coasts.
Most nests (63%) occurred on a moderately sloping beach, 28% of nests were located on a moderate-steep slope, and the remaining 9% were located on steep sloping beaches.
Vegetation occurred on the beachhead at all but one nest site. At this site rock formed the beachhead. Rock was found at 16% of nest sites, occurring both on the sandy beach and with vegetation on the beachhead.
The nest sand temperature recorded ranged between 33-38oC, with the average temperature being 35.6oC. The average sea temperature was 33oC, and the average air temperature (@0700hr) was 34.5oC.
Anthropological (man made) disturbances were located at all nest sites. Most of the disturbances such as roads and rubbish were non-invasive to the nesting sites. However, the presence of barbed wire fences pose a threat to beaching turtles, and vehicle tracks along the beach are a threat to the nests. The illegal collection of turtle eggs is the main disturbance at the nest sites and this activity poses the greatest threat to the nesting turtle populations in the Gulf.
Development of Turtle Nesting Beaches on Al Sammaliah Island:
CER are undertaking the development of marine turtle nesting beaches on Al Sammaliah Island. The main aim of the project is to encourage turtles to naturally nest on the Island, which has been declared as a wildlife sanctuary. The data collected on nest characteristics during the turtle nesting surveys is being used to design the beaches.
CER will also undertake the removal of turtle eggs from areas where they are under threat from poaching, and transplant them on to the Al Sammaliah beaches. CER will also use incubators when necessary to ensure maximum egg survival. It is hoped that within a few years a permanent turtle-nesting site can be established on Al Sammaliah Island. This will ensure the protection of marine turtles in the Gulf, and provide an interesting educational site on the Island.