DUBAI // Physical deformities found in sharks common to the waters off Abu Dhabi could be an indicator of increased pollution in the Arabian Gulf, a researcher says.
A survey of 5,958 sharks was carried out between 2008 and 2012 at landing sites and fish markets in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.
Of those, 39 blacktips were surveyed in Abu Dhabi, three of which had unusually curved tail fins.
Dr Alec Moore, Indian Ocean vice chairman of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, said that while abnormalities naturally occur, they also raised questions.
“From examining only a few sharks (39), a relatively high number – three – had abnormally curved tails,” he said
In addition, a further two blacktips – one landed in Abu Dhabi and one in Bahrain – had another type of fin deformity. In all, 10 of the 5,958 sharks examined had abnormalities.
The results, published by Dr Moore in the Journal of Fish Biology, serve as indicators that further research is needed, he said.
More research is necessary before a definite answer is available as to why deformities occur. While some may be the result of injuries, disease or random genetic mutations, it is also “plausible” that pollution from human activities may have a role, too, Dr Moore said.
“Even without humans around, the Gulf is naturally a biologically stressful environment because of high temperature and salinity. It is possible that further increases – from climate change, the daily discharges from desalination plants, and the reduction of freshwater river flow – could be biologically harmful.
“It is also plausible the abnormalities are a result of inbreeding, caused by overfishing,” he said.
In a separate study, the scientist measured concentrations of 11 trace elements in five juvenile and two adult smoothtooth blacktip sharks.
The research was carried out in Kuwait, but the species is also known to occur in the UAE. The scientist found that levels of manganese, lead, iron and mercury in the sharks’ bodies were high in comparison with published records.
Mercury concentrations were among the highest reported in any shark or ray species and exceeded European Food Safety Authority limits. The study is to be published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin.
“It is unlikely that this problem is confined to Kuwait, given the highly industrialised and developed nature of the entire Gulf,” Dr Moore said.
He added that while earlier studies into commercially important fish have not found “pollutant levels to be of major concern to humans”, sharks accumulate more pollutants because they live longer and feed on other fish.
Rima Jabado, an independent researcher into sharks, agreed more needs to be known about local species, for example connecting the presence of deformities with genetic information.
“It is not that I see it every time but I have seen it. It is interesting that it does happen but there needs to be targeted research.”
Obtaining genetic information from sharks with deformities could reveal more about the possible causes. There are many opportunities for research into the area, especially in the Gulf where so little is known about shark populations. A key drawback for researchers is the lack of funding to support such work, Ms Jabado said.
vtodorova@thenational.ae
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
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If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
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Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
What to watch out for:
Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways
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The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history
Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure
Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used
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Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
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Company profile
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Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
Initial investment: Close to $100,000
Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors
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Date started: January, 2014
Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe
Based: Dubai
Sector: Education technology
Size: Five employees
Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.
Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)
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Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
RACECARD
4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
Company%20profile
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