200 kilogram Dugong found dead in Jebel Dhanna area in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Yet another Dugong, an endangered marine mammal, has been found dead by the Marine environment experts from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) at the Jebel Dhanna area in Al Gharbia.

The experts came across the unsightly scene while taking part in a beach clean-up campaign organized by EAD.

In December, 2007, they had come across two dead dugongs trapped in an abandoned drift Gillnet (Al Hayali), close to Abu Al Abyad Island. EAD experts had then confirmed that the dugongs suffocated to death after being trapped in the gill net.

Over 100 young volunteers, who participated in clean up ended taking home a much stronger message after seeing for real the results of irresponsible human actions.

"The sight of the dead 200kg-female dugong on the shore stunned the volunteers and acted as a reminder of the fragility of biodiversity in Abu Dhabi waters," read a statement issued by EAD on Tuesday.

The clean-up was the sixth in a series of campaigns held this year along Abu Dhabi's coastline under the theme ‘Marine Debris is a Silent Killer'.

Following an investigation by EAD experts, it was revealed that the endangered marine mammal most likely died due to suffocation from a discarded fishing net, among the many items carelessly thrown into the sea.

"I have read about the dugong but had never seen one until now. We were all saddened to see such a beautiful creature dead and it reminded us that our marine life is precious and needs to be protected. Sometimes we don't realize that a carelessly thrown fishing net or plastic bag into the sea can cause so much damage," said Shwikar Al Kaff, a teacher from Al Bashair School who was volunteering for the clean-up drive.

"The experts spotted the dead Dugong and bought it to the place where tents were put up for the volunteers taking part in the clean up. The incident served as an emotional lesson and makes each of us aware that we are accountable," an eye witness told Gulf News.

Volunteers removed 990kg of marine debris, notably including 586kg of plastic, including nylon ropes and nets. According to EAD: "Abu Dhabi's dugongs and other marine life often get caught in discarded fishing nets or get maimed by speeding boats as they rise to the surface to breathe."

The debris collected also had 307kg of wood, 50kg of metal, 30kg of glass and 17 kg of paper waste.