New species of eagle ray discovered in Abu Dhabi by environment agency
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has announced the discovery of a new species of eagle ray in the emirate.
Aetomylaeus wafickii was found among specimens collected in the Arabian Gulf during a survey to assess fish stocks in 2016.
At the time, the specimen was thought to be a banded eagle ray, which is similar in appearance.
But it has been identified as a new species after a thorough examination and the publishing of a scientific paper highlighting its description, the agency said.
The new species can be distinguished from the blue-banded eagle ray and banded eagle ray by the higher number of pale-blue bands across its dorsal surface, the larger number of tooth plate rows and its shorter tail.
This description was published in the Marine Biodiversity journal on February 11.
“It is very exciting for us to discover a new species of eagle ray in Abu Dhabi,” said Ahmed Al Hashmi, executive director of the terrestrial and marine biodiversity division at the agency.
“This is a prominent indication that our waters are healthy and that we have an abundance of marine biodiversity.”
The ray family, which includes skates, guitarfish and sawfish, is closely related to the shark family. Eagle rays feed between the seabed and mid-water and are mainly found near coastlines.
Their diet includes molluscs, crustaceans, worms and small, bony fish.
“Within the past two years, we have discovered a series of species and I am confident that we can make even more discoveries in the future, as long as we continue adopting accurate scientific methodologies to ensure credibility,” Mr Al Hashmi said.
“To ensure longevity and sustainability of our species, at EAD we engage in extensive rehabilitation programmes so that our species can thrive for future generations and enjoy the breadth and beauty of Abu Dhabi’s biodiversity.”
More than 600 specimens of fish have been collected in fisheries surveys in the UAE and now form part of collections at leading academic centres such as the Smithsonian Institution.
The discovery further highlights the agency’s conservation work.
In its 2021 report, released this month, the agency focused on environmental initiatives such as the launch of the largest coral reef rehabilitation project in the region.
That project has led to the rehabilitation of a million coral reef colonies in the capital.
The agency also released 150 sea turtles back into their natural habitat last year and announced plans for a vessel that will be used to study fish stocks and marine biodiversity.
The 50-metre vessel will operate in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea and further afield, and will conduct research at depths of more than 10 metres.