Photos: World Sea-Turtle Day, 30 turtles released back into Dubai waters

Thirty turtles were released back into the sea near Burj Al Arab hotel here today by Jumeirah Group’s ‘Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project’ in celebration of World Sea-Turtle Day, observed on June 16 every year.

The animals had been cleared for release following an extensive recovery period, accompanied by regular check-ups, monitoring of progress and medical care where necessary. The Hawksbill, Green, and Loggerhead turtles were released from Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai, in the presence of media representatives and in-house guests, and under the watchful eye of the project experts.

The turtles released this year were each given care through a programme of veterinary examinations, administration of medication, surgical care where needed and consistent monitoring.

Their injuries and cause for rehabilitation are due to cold-stunning during winter (a life-threatening reaction experienced by turtles when exposed to cold water for prolonged periods), plastic ingestion or injuries requiring surgery.

Once all treatments are completed, the team relocates the animals to the Turtle Lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem as part of the final stage of their rehabilitation.

The release marks the day set aside to honour the importance of these creatures and their vital role in the balance of marine habitats.

World Sea Turtle Day is observed every year on June 16. This day is celebrated to save this aquatic species from extinction. It highlights the importance of sea turtles in the marine system.

The sea turtles are magnificent creatures that live as the keystone species on the ocean body.

In light of the threats they face world-wide, due to loss of habitat, poaching, over-exploitation and pollution, Jumeirah said it was scaling up efforts to combat their declining numbers.

Barbara Lang-Lenton Arrizabalaga, director of the aquarium at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, said: “Our efforts in this space are extremely important and in line with the mandate of the National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Marine Turtles in the UAE. Through our work with these majestic animals, we remain in complete support of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s initiatives to further protect these creatures that are essential to the local natural ecosystem.”

Conservation efforts are also underway in Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat Island Resort. The team, led by the resort’s marine and environment manager, take measures to drive awareness on single-use plastic, protect turtle nests and hatching sites and preserve their natural habitat on Saadiyat Island’s protected beaches. The resort has successfully rescued and assisted in the rehabilitation of 250 juvenile Hawksbill turtles and has helped more than 700 hatchlings make their way safely back to the sea since its opening in 2018.

The turtles made their way quickly back into the sea.