How residents of Abu Dhabi can help protect a vulnerable species patrolling the coasts of the capital
Across the Arabian Gulf and cruising amongst the mangroves of Abu Dhabi are the bulky water beasts known as dugongs.
With rapid development of human activities and a growing population in the UAE, there are increased concerns about the loss of habitat and the health of the dugong population. Abu Dhabi Week has taken a closer look into the world of these underwater mammals.
The Gulf hosts an estimated population of 5,000 dugongs, the second largest in the world next to Australia. The warm waters of the emirate are home to at least 40 percent of the dugongs living in the Arabian Gulf, making the UAE critically important for the conservation of dugongs in the region.
The dugongs are known to travel in groups and can swim hundreds of kilometres. And according to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), this highlights the importance of international collaboration for their management and preservation.
Aerial surveys to count dugongs are usually conducted on an annual basis both in the summer and winter. These reports have indicated that the dugong population in Abu Dhabi, fortunately, is stable. However, there are concerns.
Dr Sheikha Al Dhaheri, executive director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, EAD, says there is a lot to consider: “The principal threats to dugongs include incidental drowning, for example through entanglement with fishing gear, mainly nets; habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation such as coastal development. And finally hunting and vessel strikes from recreational powerboats.”
The EAD with the support of Total, developed a long-term monitoring, research and conservation programme for dugongs in 1999. The primary aims were to assess the status of the dugong population and habitats. And since 1999 the EAD, the Federal Government and international community have been extremely proactive in the conservation of dugongs here in the UAE and abroad.
To help preserve the dugong population, Al Dhaheri adds: “EAD has implemented a number of regulatory measures to conserve the dugong population in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. These measures include the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), putting forth fisheries regulations, and introducing an environmental permitting system. These regulations are enforced on a day to day basis by the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA).”
Dugong stats
- Dugongs have a long rotund body and a horizontal tail or fluke
- Their smooth skin is slate grey in colour and their body more streamlined than manatees
- Adult dugongs reach lengths of more than 3m and weigh up to 400kg. Sensitive bristles covering the upper lip and a broad flat muzzle are used to uproot seagrasses
- Dugongs have a low reproductive rate and a maximum lifespan of 70 years
- Newborn calves are about 100 to 120cm long and weigh 20 to 35kg
- The dugong’s eyes are set laterally and cover a field of view forward and to the sides
- They surface to breathe every few minutes using paired valve like nostrils positioned on the top of their head
- Dugongs are the world’s only strictly herbivorous marine mammal, feeding primarily on seagrasses of which there are three species present in Abu Dhabi’s waters
- Dugongs spend a large proportion of their time feeding, consuming between 21 to 36kg of seagrass on a daily basis
So how can residents of the capital help? The EAD enourages people to spread awareness of the vulnerable species via social media, word of mouth and also by visiting their website. For more information on dugongs and how you can help, visit: www.ead.ae
Jack Dignum
