ABU DHABI // The first vessel-based survey of dolphins has identified dozens of the animals off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
The Dolphin Conservation Programme was established by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) to study the biology, habitats and geographical distribution of dolphins to support the species’ conservation.
Over 15 days, marine biologists and volunteers scoured 2,000-square kilometres of the coast around Abu Dhabi for sights of the mammals.
They found 77 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and 61 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins inhabited the area.
To identify individual animals, a photo-identification technology system that could distinguish each dolphin’s unique dorsal fin was used. The technology enabled the team to determine movement patterns to estimate population size.
The EAD also used high definition cameras to confirm the number of animals observed.
The humpback dolphins were dominant in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, while bottlenose dolphins were more dominant from Al Dhabbayia to Ras Ghanada and between Al Sila and Sir Bani Yas Island.
“Dolphins are excellent indicators of the health and quality of our marine environment. The Dolphin Conservation Programme will help us better understand populations and their distribution, and identify key threats to help us develop effective conservation initiatives for these species,” said Ayesha Al Blooshi, director of marine biodiversity at EAD.
“The data will support us in further developing our conservation initiatives for our marine biodiversity, as well as helping us conserve the natural heritage of Abu Dhabi for future generations. The general public can also support this effort by reporting any sighting of dolphins or stranded dolphins to the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre by calling 800 555.”
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