Photo essay: The UAE's turtle conservation efforts

The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project at Burj Al Arab Aquarium has helped more than 2,000 turtles

Over two decades of dedication from the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), based Burj Al Arab Aquarium, more than 2,000 rehabilitated turtles have been released into their natural habitats. All photos: Vidhyaa Chandramohan

Scientists and researchers from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, dedicate immense effort to rescue endangered turtles

A juvenile turtle, rescued as part of the DTRP, underwent treatment for barnacle removal

Barbara Lang-Lenton, director of the aquarium and the project, releases a rehabilitated turtle back into the lagoon

Rescued turtles once hindered by ingesting plastic due to human activities, are now enjoying a healthier diet of broccoli at Jumeirah Al Naseem, a part of project in Dubai

After receiving a distress call, researcher Fadi Yaghmour from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority and his team rushed to the aid of a stranded turtle. Tragically, the cause of death is identified as plastic pollution, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts

Mr Yaghmour shows plastic extracted from a turtle's stomach

A turtle, rescued by the EPAA, was treated and closely monitored before being safely released back into the wild

Ms Lang-Lenton, encouraging Dubai's community to report stranded or endangered turtles promptly, advocates immediate action through a hotline number

The Yas Seaworld team carefully checks and measures juvenile turtle weight, tags and monitors them before releasing

Mr Yaghmour and EPAA team members released a rehabilitated turtle back into the ocean, restoring hope for its future in the vast blue expanse

The protection of turtles is critical, not only in the UAE but around the world. These fantastic creatures are crucial in keeping the oceans healthy and balanced.

Their presence is a sign of our oceans' health. If we were to lose these turtles, it would have severe and far-reaching effects on a global scale, disrupting the delicate balance of marine life and the environment.

Recognising this, the UAE is working hard to protect turtles. These creatures are endangered by climate change, coastal development, oil spills, boat accidents, getting caught in fishing gear and swallowing marine debris. Because six of seven turtle species are under threat, the UAE's efforts are significant domestically and globally.

To tackle these problems, the UAE is taking a comprehensive approach, which includes rescuing, rehabilitating and returning turtles to their natural habitat. These conservation efforts show a real commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and their variety of life.

Success relies heavily on collaboration. The combined efforts of the government, NGOs, private sectors and communities are essential. There is a solid push to educate and raise awareness regarding the value of turtles and the risks they face.

Turtles are marvels of the marine world; they journey across vast distances, linking different habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and the open ocean and, in doing so, support an array of marine life.

This photo essay highlights the UAE's efforts to protect turtles, showcasing their journey from rescue to successful conservation, and offering hope for the future of marine life in the UAE. The effort demonstrates how unity and awareness can help turtles survive and thrive for generations.