Environment agency completes 8,000 km² marine habitat survey in Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has successfully completed its latest aerial survey as part of its comprehensive and periodic monitoring program to assess and evaluate marine species across the emirate. The survey covered over 8,000 square kilometers of marine habitats, reinforcing EAD’s commitment to monitoring and safeguarding marine biodiversity, and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s global position as a leader in marine ecosystem conservation.

EAD remains the only entity in the Middle East to conduct long-term, systematic monitoring of marine species through regular aerial surveys, a practice it has maintained since 2004. These efforts align with the emirate’s environmental vision and serve to expand EAD’s scientific database, which supports evidence-based conservation strategies and sustainable marine resource management.

Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, stated:

“The results of this survey underscore our dedication to leveraging advanced technology to cement Abu Dhabi’s leadership in environmental conservation. A more than 20% increase in dugong populations and a 30% rise in sea turtle numbers are powerful indicators of the success of our science-based conservation strategy. These achievements make us proud and motivate us to continue preserving our natural heritage.”

The aerial survey, conducted by a team of six researchers over a flight path spanning 1,630 kilometers and lasting 26 hours, gathered vital data on the population sizes, geographical distribution, movement patterns, and seasonal migration of dugongs and sea turtles. The survey also monitored the presence and status of dolphins, whales, sharks, rays, and seabirds—applying global best practices. These systematic surveys are a critical tool for tracking environmental changes, guiding data-driven decision-making, monitoring human impacts on marine life, and informing protective action for biodiversity and ecosystems.

The survey revealed a thriving marine ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. Dugong populations surpassed 3,500 in 2024, with mother-calf pairs comprising 20% of the sightings. These findings affirm Abu Dhabi’s status as the world’s second-largest dugong habitat after Australia and highlight the success of protective measures such as the ban on fishing nets in Abu Dhabi waters to prevent accidental entanglement.

Sea turtle numbers also rose significantly, reaching 8,000 in 2024—a 30% increase from the 2015 survey. This growth reflects the success of conservation efforts targeting nesting sites and effective management of marine protected areas. The survey further recorded the presence of a Bryde’s whale near Barakah, hammerhead sharks in the Al Dhafra region, as well as a variety of other sharks, rays, and dolphins—evidence of the emirate’s rich marine biodiversity.

EAD considers aerial marine surveys a vital component of its strategy to uphold Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in environmental stewardship, setting a new regional benchmark for conservation initiatives.

In line with Abu Dhabi’s Climate Change Strategy and EAD’s commitment to enhancing marine environments, preserving habitats and biodiversity, and safeguarding the emirate’s cultural heritage, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has launched a pioneering project to survey, assess, and rehabilitate traditional oyster habitats.

The first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf, the project aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve seawater quality by expanding oyster habitat areas. Oysters help capture and store carbon dioxide through shell formation, contributing to carbon sequestration.

The project supports EAD’s environmental database through a comprehensive survey of traditional oyster beds, with the goal of creating a modern interactive digital map. It also promotes environmental awareness about the importance of marine habitat protection and restoration by involving school students in the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI), who help construct oyster reef structures. This initiative enhances Abu Dhabi’s leadership in research and restoration of oyster habitats and associated ecosystems.

During the project’s first phase, EAD focused on collecting data on traditional pearl diving sites. Based on historical maps, scientific literature, EAD’s database, and the expertise of traditional fishermen, 335 oyster bed sites were identified. Following the survey and evaluation of these areas, the agency will implement restoration plans for degraded habitats, including designing reef structures using oyster shells sourced from the Abu Dhabi Pearl Center in Al Mirfa. A digital map of existing oyster habitats will also be developed.

EAD has completed the assessment of 150 out of the 335 identified traditional sites and discovered 200 new oyster habitats during the surveys. The agency selected a degraded traditional diving site on the eastern side of Marawah Island, known as “Umm Al Salsal,” for restoration.

As part of its 2024–2025 oyster habitat restoration plan, EAD has designed and deployed 64 reef structures in Umm Al Salsal. Around 30 students from Al Mirfa schools—participants in the Sustainable Schools Initiative—took part in assembling these structures, made from sustainable materials including oyster shells from the Abu Dhabi Pearl Center. EAD is currently implementing a monitoring plan to evaluate the success of the restored site.