Plans afoot to ensure safe nesting of Hawksbill turtles

Abu Dhabi: The tourism authority has developed plans to protect Hawksbill turtles hatched safely on Saadiyat Island off Abu Dhabi recently, said a senior official.

"We have developed plans for protection of the potential nesting habitats of the sea turtles," said Nasser Al Shaiba, Environment Affairs Director of Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) in an interview with Gulf News.

Three nests of Hawksbill turtles were observed during the last nesting season, in which approximately 120 turtles hatched safely in the northern area of Saadiyat beach, he said.

The Hawksbill turtle lives in the coastal shallows offshore Saadiyat Island. The newborn hatch-ed safely in the 27 square kilometre natural island - half the size of Bermuda - lies only 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi.

It is a programme implemented by TDIC and undertaken by the Emirates Heritage Club (EHC).

The island is being developed into a complete visitor and residential destination which was tipped as a top ten emerging trendy destination by wall street journal recently.

Saadiyat Island - which translates from Arabic as Island of Happiness - is the largest single mixed-use development in the Arabian Gulf.

Developments

TDIC intends to monitor turtle life on the Island on a long-term basis, said Al Shaiba.

"We have ensured developments in this area are within a safe distance from the turtle nests and further measures will be put in place taking into consideration the turtles' natural environment and needs, such as the careful use of lighting", he said.

Regarding the survival and growth of hatchlings, he said once they go back to the sea, it is a subject studied by turtle biologists. "However, turtle biologists estimate 1% of the hatchlings become healthy adults," he added.

"Our aim is to ensure that development does not disturb the natural habitat or wildlife of the island," said Nasser Al Shaiba.

Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC had earlier said that their guidelines have resulted in planned hotel developments being kept a considerable distance away from nesting grounds with access to open beach and mangroves which flank the shoreline.

Nature lovers have welcomed the steps taken to protect flora and fauna.