Environment agency records Abu Dhabi’s first rare green turtle nest

During its annual turtle survey and as part of the marine assessment and conservation programme, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recorded the first nest of ‘green turtles’ at one of the core Hawksbill turtle nesting sites in Al Dhafra Region.

Although Green turtles are found extensively in Abu Dhabi’s waters, nesting activity has never been reported.

Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: “During one of our nocturnal turtle surveys conducted this year, we spotted a Green sea turtle nesting at one of our core Hawksbill turtle nest locations. Abu Dhabi offshore islands are known Hawksbill turtle nesting sites, however, this discovery is considered an aberration and will be added to the sporadic records of Green turtle nesting behaviour in the UAE and in countries along the Arabian Gulf.

“We normally conduct annual monitoring of all recognised and potential nesting areas, and although Green turtles forage extensively on seagrass meadows in Abu Dhabi, no evidence has ever been found to suggest that they have nested in any other location within the emirate. We have also seen from previous satellite tracking studies on Abu

Dhabi’s Green turtles that most have migrated to Oman to nest before returning to our waters.’

He added: “The island where the nest was seen is characterised by multiple, small pocket beaches separated by rocky outcrops - a contrast to Oman’s long and wide beaches where Green sea turtles nest in abundance, which is why this is an unexpected sighting, but the EAD is committed to continue extensive monitoring of all confirmed and potential beaches for any similar occurrences.

“We also recorded a total of 247 Hawksbill turtle nests this year, in comparison to 193 nests in 2022, with a 72 per cent hatching success - a sign of this species’ population stability in Abu Dhabi waters. This increase in nesting activity reflects the EAD’S ongoing efforts to protect its marine turtle populations, with nesting seen as a key indicator of a healthy marine ecosystem.”

Seven marine turtle species are found worldwide. Four can be spotted in Abu Dhabi’s waters, with a total population of more 6,000 individuals - two of which, the Hawksbill and Green turtle - are predominantly found here, with two other species - the Loggerhead turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle - considered occasional visitors.

In Abu Dhabi, most Hawksbill and Green turtles have been spotted in the waters of Al Dhafra region between the islands of Abu Al Abyadh and Bu Tinah, and the waters bordering the islands of Al Yasat and Muhayimat.