Fujairah Environment Authority has released a group of rehabilitated Green sea turtles into their natural habitat at Al Aqah beach, marking another step in the emirate’s ongoing marine conservation efforts.
The turtles were treated and rehabilitated at the Fujairah Research Center before being reintroduced into the wild following successful medical care.
The initiative is part of a broader research program funded by Atlantis Dubai, aimed at tracking turtle migration patterns and identifying nesting sites using motion-sensing technology.
The data collected is expected to play a key role in shaping conservation strategies, supporting habitat restoration, and contributing to coral reef cultivation projects that involve local community participation.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to protecting Fujairah’s unique biodiversity through strategic partnerships,” said Asila Abdullah Al Mualla, Director of the Fujairah Environment Authority.
The UAE is home to five of the world’s seven remaining sea turtle species, highlighting the country’s ecological significance. Among them, the Hawksbill turtle is the only species known to nest regularly along the UAE’s western coastline. However, nesting activity on the eastern coast remains rare, with only three verified records and none recorded in Fujairah to date.
To further strengthen conservation efforts, the authority has introduced a dedicated hotline, 800TURTLE, allowing the public to report injured or distressed marine life.
The release underscores the growing collaboration among government entities, research institutions, and private-sector partners to advance marine conservation and protect the UAE’s coastal ecosystems.
With inputs from WAM
