Two individuals of
Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus
(Bloch, 1790), Whitespotted Grouper, were recorded in an offshore marine protected area of the United Arab Emirates on the Arabian Gulf coast at ...depths of 5 m and 10 m. These are the first records of the species in the southern Arabian Gulf, and they add this species to the few groupers that inhabit one of the most extreme environmental waters of the world.
Adult sea turtles undertake periodic long-distance migrations between foraging and nesting areas during breeding migrations, and an understanding the connectivity between these two important habitats ...can contribute to efficient conservation planning. We present the first round-trip migrations of three green sea turtles in the Arabian region, from a foraging area to a nesting site and back, along with an interpretation of reproductive behaviour which would not have been possible from open-ended tracks. We studied habitat connectivity between seagrass foraging areas in the UAE and nesting beaches, and used laparoscopy as a diagnostic tool to determine gender and reproductive state to enhance the value of satellite tracking data. We identify habitat connectivity between a foraging area at Bu Tinah in the UAE and a nesting site at Ras al Hadd in Oman, document migratory behaviour in the Arabian region, and demonstrate the enhanced value of combining laparoscopy when satellite tracking sea turtles from foraging areas. The results of our work can help develop bilateral or multi-lateral conservation strategies, contribute to the identification of Important Turtle Areas (ITAs), and support national and regional population assessments. In addition, our findings will complement risk assessments for sea turtles in the face of urban and industrial development, climate change, fishery pressure, and shipping activities. This work successfully linked foraging areas and nesting sites, and our approach can be used to provide value-added benefits to future tracking of sea turtles from foraging areas.
•Green sea turtles migrate from foraging areas in the UAE to nest at Ras al Hadd, in Oman.•Combining laparoscopy with satellite tracking provides extremely robust migration data.•Turtles demonstrate fidelity to the same foraging area on the return migrations.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Coastal seascapes are productive and diverse land-sea systems that provide many valuable benefits yet are increasingly threatened by human activity. Scaling up of nature-based solutions (NbS) to ...effectively protect, sustainably manage, and restore coastal seascapes is urgently required for mitigation of climate change and biodiversity loss while also providing socio-economic benefits. Evidence-based site selection is an important first step to improve the outcomes and avoid negative impacts when prioritizing NbS investments at national level. We developed a spatially explicit, integrative and culturally relevant ecosystem-based site selection process to identify a portfolio of seascapes for NbS consideration in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The primary goal was to rank planning units based on potential for climate change mitigation action, positive impact to biodiversity and socio-economic benefits to people. The multi-criteria site-selection framework provided a rapid, transparent, repeatable and scalable tool. The highest weightings were assigned to blue carbon storage value, biodiversity conservation features, and local stakeholder preferred areas. Spatial proxies for benefits to people were represented by population density and accessibility to coastal seascapes, relative tourism and recreation potential, and importance of fish habitat and fishing grounds for food security. Participatory mapping of local knowledge and review of existing data ensured that both qualitative and quantitative criteria were reliable, up-to-date and locally relevant. Two distinct clusters of high suitability planning units were identified in the Abu Dhabi region and four along the north-western coast of the UAE. Most high suitability sites were located outside of existing marine protected areas. Alternative spatial scenarios without stakeholder bias underscored the suitability of sites identified through participatory mapping and highlighted additional priority sites for future scaling-up of NbS. A spatial corridor of medium and high suitability planning units across the region offers potential for designing well-connected NbS investments to accelerate and boost synergistic outcomes and increase resilience. The site selection framework provides a rapid tool that integrates local and global open access data at a range of scales with great potential for transferability to other regions worldwide.
The ecological state of the Persian or Arabian Gulf (hereafter ‘Gulf') is in sharp decline. Calls for comprehensive ecosystem-based management approaches and transboundary conservation have gone ...largely unanswered, despite mounting marine threats made worse by climate change. The region's long-standing political tensions add additional complexity, especially now as some Gulf countries will soon adopt ambitious goals to protect their marine environments as part of new global environmental commitments. The recent interest in global commitments comes at a time when diplomatic relations among all Gulf countries are improving. There is a window of opportunity for Gulf countries to meet global marine biodiversity conservation commitments, but only if scientists engage in peer-to-peer diplomacy to build trust, share knowledge and strategize marine conservation options across boundaries. The Gulf region needs more ocean diplomacy and coordination; just as critically, it needs actors at its science-policy interface to find better ways of adapting cooperative models to fit its unique marine environment, political context and culture. We propose a practical agenda for scientist-led diplomacy in the short term and lines of research from which to draw (e.g. co-production, knowledge exchange) to better design future science diplomacy practices and processes suited to the Gulf's setting.
The United Arab of Emirates (UAE) hosts valuable coastal and marine biodiversity, and oysters are one of the habitants of its marine ecosystem. Oysters play an essential role in the nearshore coasts ...where they work as an active filter. They filter nutrients, phytoplankton, sediments, heavy metals, and toxins out of the water, which improves the water quality. This is the first study that characterizes oyster bed habitats in the UAE by analyzing water quality parameters, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs)and heavy metals in water, sediments and oyster samples collected from five locations along the coasts of Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm al Quwain. Oyster bed areas supported a diverse assemblage of benthic life including oysters, scallops, pen shells, hard corals, and macroalgae. Mobile species in these habitats included groupers, emperors, snappers, sea snakes, among others. The phytoplankton assemblages were dominated by diatoms, dinoflagellates, and small cryptophytes. Harmful diatom Pseudonitzschia was found in all locations. No detectable concentrations of PAHs and OCPs were reported in this study, and water quality parameters were within the acceptable levels for the region. On the other hand, water quality index was reported marginal, mostly due to the presence of higher than acceptable concentrations of chromium and mercury in all sites studied. Bioconcentration factors concluded that oysters were able to bioconcentrate metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and zinc, when compared to water. No detectable concentrations of lead and mercury were reported in oysters, suggesting higher depuration rates for those metals.
•Oyster Bed habitats in the UAE have historical, societal, and economical value.•PAHs and OCPs were below detection, while heavy metals were detected in sediments, water, and oysters.•Zinc, arsenic, and cadmium had the highest concentrations in oysters than in water and sediments.•Diatoms, dinoflagellates, and small cryptophytes were the dominating phytoplankton assemblages.•Oysters, scallops, pen shells, hard corals, and macroalgae were the most common benthos in UAE.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
There is scarce information on the current importance of oyster beds as fishing grounds in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aims to understand the socio-economic value of oyster bed ...fisheries through questionnaire-based surveys with fishers. Of 106 Emirati fishers interviewed, 67 % use oyster beds due to the proximity to shore, better catch quality, and species abundance. Oyster bed fisheries are recreational and commercial, with handline and fish traps the most common used gears. They provide food for local consumption and cash income. All respondents noticed a fish abundance and size decrease throughout the last decade. Fishers suggest establishing marine protected areas and updating fishing regulations to improve fishing stock status. During the Covid-19 pandemic, oyster fisheries increased, highlighting the value of these fishing grounds for food availability. These fisheries support the local economy and heritage, and urgently need management to ensure the protection of these often-overlooked habitats.
•Oyster beds provide food and income for local communities in the UAE.•Fishers were interviewed to assess their importance as fishing grounds.•Fishers indicated reductions in oyster beds' area and fish abundance and size.•Fishing activities in oyster beds habitats increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.•Management actions are needed to preserve oyster bed habitats and fisheries.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Shallow coastal lagoons are vital ecosystems for many aquatic species and understanding their biodiversity is essential. Very little is known about the distribution and abundance of globally ...threatened marine megafauna in coastal lagoons of the Arabian Gulf. This study combined underwater and aerial surveys to investigate the distributions and relative abundance of marine megafauna in a large lagoon. We identified 13 species of megafauna including sea turtles, sharks, and rays. Eleven of these are globally threatened according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Critically Endangered Halavi guitarfish (Glaucostegus halavi), and the Endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) were the most frequently occurring species. Results demonstrate the value of combining aerial and underwater video surveys to obtain spatially comprehensive data on marine megafauna in shallow coastal lagoons. This new information emphasises the importance of Umm Al Quwain lagoon for biodiversity conservation to protect threatened marine species and their habitats.
•Coastal lagoons of the Arabian Gulf host globally threatened marine megafauna.•We combined aerial and underwater surveys to investigate megafauna.•We identified 13 species of megafauna, including sea turtles, sharks, and rays.•Threatened Halavi guitarfish and green turtles were the most abundant.•Key information to support conservation actions in UAE coastal lagoons
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Coral reefs across the southern Arabian Gulf have declined in the past two decades, with extensive loss of formerly Acropora table corals, which are now functionally extinct in nearshore reefs. This ...study documents the coral community at Sir Bu Nair (SBN), an offshore island buffered by less extreme environmental conditions, which contains the last remaining large stands of Acropora in the southern Gulf. We found that Acropora is a major reef-building coral throughout SBN. Mean coral cover was 27% (range: 6%–49%) across all sites and depths, of which more than half was comprised by Acropora. This varied around the island, with the highest densities to the south and southwest in shallow waters. Our study provides essential information for the management and conservation of these highly valuable and vulnerable corals.
•Sir Bu Nair MPA conserves the last Acropora spp. reefs in the southern Arabian Gulf.•We studied coral community changes in depth, location and before and after summer.•Mean coral cover was 27% and corals belonged to 14 genera and 10 families.•We found significant differences in coral assemblages among depths and locations.•This MPA protects a unique coral community with Acropora dominated reefs.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Coral cover and community structure in the Arabian Gulf have changed considerably in recent decades. Recurrent bleaching events have dramatically reduced the abundance of previously dominant
Acropora
...corals and have given space to other more thermally resistant coral taxa. The loss of
Acropora
spp. has reduced reef structural complexity and associated biodiversity. Sir Bu Nair Island (SBN) is a nature reserve in the United Arab Emirates that sustains some of the last dense and extensive
Acropora
stands in the southern Gulf. This study investigated coral recruitment at a southern coral reef on SBN and examined larval dispersal and reef connectivity between SBN and other local and regional reefs through an agent-based model coupled with a 3D hydrodynamic model. Recruitment was surveyed with settlement tiles deployed from April to September 2019. Contrary to other reefs in the Gulf, we found that
Acropora
is indeed the major coral recruiter settling at SBN reefs, followed by
Porites
. The models indicate that SBN reefs are mostly self-seeding but also connected to other reefs in the Gulf. SBN can supply coral larvae to the neighbouring islands Siri and Abu Musa, and nearby reefs along with the north-eastern Emirates, Iranian coast and Strait of Hormuz. Findings highlight the importance of SBN to protect remnant populations of the locally almost extinct
Acropora
in a region where natural coral recovery is increasingly sparse.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated for the protection of key functional groups like elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). However, substantial uncertainty remains regarding which ...species can benefit from MPAs, crucial information to support policy and management plans. Using Baited Remote Underwater Video Surveys (BRUVS), a study was conducted on Sir Bu Nair Island in the United Arab Emirates encompassing a range of depths and habitat types within the MPA borders. A total of 96 deployments with 117 video hours recorded were analysed to assess the diversity, relative abundance and habitat associations of elasmobranchs. Surveys recorded 40 elasmobranchs including two species of sharks and seven species of rays. Overall, catch per unit effort for elasmobranchs was slightly higher overall, lower for sharks, and higher for rays compared to a similar study using BRUVS across United Arab Emirates waters. Two reef-associated species in early life stages, blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and Halavi guitarfish (Glaucostegus halavi) listed as Near Threatened and Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species respectively showed the highest frequency of occurrence of species representing 44.4% of all sightings. These results show the value of this MPA in protecting critical habitats for elasmobranchs while suggesting its limitation in protecting adult life stages and other elasmobranchs with wider ranging movements that are likely threatened by fishing in waters adjacent to the MPA. This study provides critical information to support the development of a Sir Bu Nair management plan and highlights further research needs around the island. Finally, it reinforces the need of additional management measures to protect and promote the recovery of elasmobranchs in the United Arab Emirates and broader Arabian Gulf.
•We assessed the diversity and relative abundance of sharks and rays.•Baited Remote Underwater Video Surveys were deployed at Sir Bu Nair island, UAE.•Overall, Catch Per Unit Effort was slightly higher than similar studies in the UAE.•Two reef-associated species in early life stages were the most abundant species.•This MPA provides limited protection to elasmobranchs.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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