BY AZRAQ BOARD ADVISER and MARINE BIOLOGIST, Emily Armstrong
The Arabian Gulf is home to many marine species - but perhaps the most loved is the sea turtle, with both the Hawksbill and Green sea turtles spending much of their lives in UAE waters; feeding, mating, and nesting. However, sea turtles of the UAE, Hawksbills in particular, face a unique threat in this region – temperature! Traditionally a tropical species, Hawksbill sea turtles are well suited to near-constant warm waters (around 29 degrees Celsius). In the Arabian Gulf, water temperatures can range from 40 degrees in summer, to below 20 degrees in winter.
Young Hawksbill turtles, generally below two years old, are the most affected throughout the winter season. The drop in temperature causes their metabolism and immune system to slow down, leaving them lethargic and with little energy. In their weakened state, they are more susceptible to barnacles, algae, and other parasites, which attach onto their shells, slowing the turtles further and making it more difficult for them to dive down and find food. If the number of barnacles becomes too much, the turtles struggle to swim and often end up floating on the surface, eventually washing up on local beaches following periods of strong waves and winds. It is estimated more than 400 young turtles wash up along UAE coastlines every year, mostly in the winter months between December and March.
If you happen to come across a stranded turtle on a beach, report it to the nearest rescue facility as soon as possible – 800 555 for the Environment Agency hotline in Abu Dhabi, or 04 301 7198 for the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project in Dubai and Northern Emirates. Never try to remove any barnacles or algae yourself, as this could damage their shell. Do not feed the turtle, and keep it in a bucket with a small amount of fresh water (water level should not cover the turtle’s head). Thank you for your efforts to help these young creatures!
The great news is that the majority of turtles who wash up like this make a full recovery, thanks to the great work of organizations such as the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, the National Aquarium, and the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. Following the period of rehabilitation where the turtles are cleaned up and treated for any underlying issues, they stay under observation for some time to ensure they can swim, dive, and feed as normal. When the weather (and water) is a little warmer, around April, and the turtles are all healthy again, they will be released back to the gulf. We wish them all the best on the next part of their journey!