CER's Coastal and Marine Research Project in Abu Dhabi Emirate |
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Three photographs of Cassiopeia andromeda. |
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Branching Algae (Caulerpa sertularioides) |
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Blue swimming crab (Porturus pelogicus) feeding at low-tide on Al Sammaliah Island. |
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Giant Cone Shell (Pinna nivicata) at low tide on Al Sammaliah Island |
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Marine worm casts in the inter-tidal zone on Al Sammaliah Island. |
The Aim of CER’s Coastal Research
To provide baseline ecological data that will assist with the development of policies and strategies to conserve the coastal resources of Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Introduction
A part of the work of the Commission of Environmental Research (CER) is to collect, analyse and disseminate environmental data for the future wise and sustainable use of Abu Dhabi’s natural marine and coastal resources. Presently there is a paucity of detailed data pertaining to Abu Dhabi’s natural marine environment and it is therefore important that baseline data be collected. This project aims to provide baseline data that will assist in the future conservation of Abu Dhabi’s coastal and marine zone.
This project intends to utilise the knowledge and experience of the Worlds Experts in the field of Marine and Coastal Research co-ordinated through CER and the Emirates Heritage Club. This will provide fast, efficient and credible ecological data that will assist in the conservation of Abu Dhabi’s fragile marine and coastal environment.
Background
The Abu Dhabi Coastline stretches for 640kms and is bounded by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and Dubai Emirate to the east. The Gulf coastal zone is low lying with extensive tidal flats, lagoon areas and sand dunes. The Gulf waters are very shallow and as a result the coastal zone contains numerous offshore islands and sandbanks. There are also extensive areas of periodically inundated Sabkha.
Water circulation in the Gulf is anti-clockwise and therefore the prevailing water current along the Abu Dhabi Coastline is west to east. The Southern Gulf Coast adjacent to Abu Dhabi is rich in seagrass (Halodule, Syringodium and Halophila spp.), which provide a direct and indirect food source and habitat for both resident fauna and temporary visitors, including commercially important fish and crustaceans. Internationally important species such as the Dugong (Dugong dugong) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) are some of the few species, which feed directly on the seagrass.
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Dugong (Dugong dugong)Photo: Natural Emirates |
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Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) |
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Sea Grass at low tide on Al Sammaliah Island. |
Further offshore there are numerous patch coral reefs dominated by Acropora spp.. The offshore islands often have well developed fringing coral reefs. At present there is a lack of detailed data concerning Abu Dhabi’s coral communities with no substantial surveys having been undertaken.
The offshore Islands are also important for nesting seabirds. The Coastal Zone of Abu Dhabi also contains many Important Bird Areas (IBA) and Middle East Wetland Inventory (MEWI) Sites. The Island of Aayyinah also has nesting populations of Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) also nest on offshore Islands such as Sur Bun Nair, but presently there is a lack of survey data.
Development of the coastal zone is presently restricted mostly to the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate, especially north of Abu Dhabi City towards Dubai Emirate, however the entire coastal zone is under pressure from increasing development. The UAE is party to the Regional Convention for Co-operation on Protection of the Environment from Marine Pollution and the Action Plan for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment and Coastal Areas. However, the lack of ecological baseline data and land-use planning policy for the coastal zone urgently needs to be addressed if sustainable use of Abu Dhabi’s coastal resources are to be achieved.