A batch of sea turtles rescued by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) last year has been released back into the wild.
The turtles entered the sea on Al Hudayriat Island and were the first group of more than 150 sea turtles that will gradually be set free into suitable marine areas in the capital, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported on Saturday.
During the release, one of the turtles, affectionately named Al Hudayriat, was fitted with a satellite tracking device so marine specialists could monitor its feeding and nesting habits.
With the participation of Theyab
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) June 19, 2021
bin Mohamed bin Zayed, @EADTweets has released the first of more than 150 rehabilitated sea turtles back into key marine areas near Al Hudayriyat Island in #AbuDhabi, in the largest operation of its kind in the region. pic.twitter.com/g5iJ6XuaVZ
The data collected will be used to enhance the agency’s marine conservation efforts and mitigate any risk they may face.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, helped during the release.
The sea turtles were successfully rehabilitated at The National Aquarium after being rescued with the help of the public, fishermen and officials from the environment agency.
Vets took good care of the hard-shelled reptiles and treated them for infections, injuries and common marine diseases.
As part of its commitment towards protecting endangered species, EAD has been conducting research studies into sea turtles since 1999.
In Abu Dhabi has about 5,000 sea turtles in total.
The emirate has two types – the hawksbill turtle and the green turtle.
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