Al Yasat Marine Sanctuary beckons nature lovers
Abu Dhabi, Jan. 7th, 2007 (WAM) - Under the directives of president H.H. sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, an ambitious project to build first artificial reef around Al Yasat islands marine sanctuary is well underway.
In 2005, an Amiri Decree was issued, declaring Al Yasat as a marine sanctuary. Following the decree, the President's Private Business Department started to construct first artificial reef surrounding the group of islands.
The project involved specially designed prefabricated rocks which have become home for a teaming marine life. The environment-friendly and salinity resistant rocks help attract planktons.
The project's first phase started in August 2006 with fabrication of 350 rock balls of seven different sizes. Thanks to the directives and support of President H.H. sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a breakthrough was made as scientists managed for the first time to grow 350 types of coral.
The huge success in made coral culturing prompted the department to increase rocks to 1,500. Meanwhile, the Environment Authority - Abu Dhabi (EAD) conducted a study on the coral reefs, marine turtles and fish species in islands group of Al Yasat. The group, covering a total area of 481.7 square kilometers, consists of four islands in the far west of the UAE. They are Upper Yasat, Lower Yasat, Esam and Karsha.
EAD has also undertaken extensive scientific research. This has included surveys and assessment of the coral reef habitat of the area, through a continuing Coral Reef Investigation project, studying of and satellite-tracking of marine turtles after their egg-laying and installation of permanent monitoring stations to monitor the regeneration of coral reefs.
The islands are surrounded by coral reefs which act as important marine sanctuaries to many species including the already depleted stocks of Hamour, Shaari and Farsh. The reefs have good coral growth and high coral cover with around 8 coral species present.
The islands have irregular coastlines with both rocky and sandy shorelines, providing a variety of habitats. The island has suitable foraging habitats for the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles. They also have significant populations of marine fauna including the endangered Green turtle and the Dugong.
Desert hares are present on the islands, where they make use of the natural landscape and vegetation for shelter, food and breeding.
Upper Yasat has an important breeding colony of Socotra cormorants, a near-endemic bird species for the UAE, which is one of less than 15 existing colonies in the world.
According to surveys undertaken in this area , the Yasat islands were once the site of human settlement in the late pre-Islamic era. The remains of shelters and other sites, which demonstrate evidence of occupation during the Late Islamic period, have also been found, including shell-based tools which demonstrate the way in which local inhabitants utilized food resources present in nearby waters. Several of these sites are considered to be of national or regional importance.
The Amiri decree prohibits any form of hunting, killing or catching wildlife. Damaging the nesting areas of birds and marine turtles is banned. Changing the geographical features of the islands is prohibited. Berthing of boats in non-designated areas is banned. Fishing is restricted within three nautical miles from the nearest low water mark (shoreline) in the islands.
WAM/MAB 19 48 CCCCQQE
In 2005, an Amiri Decree was issued, declaring Al Yasat as a marine sanctuary. Following the decree, the President's Private Business Department started to construct first artificial reef surrounding the group of islands.
The project involved specially designed prefabricated rocks which have become home for a teaming marine life. The environment-friendly and salinity resistant rocks help attract planktons.
The project's first phase started in August 2006 with fabrication of 350 rock balls of seven different sizes. Thanks to the directives and support of President H.H. sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a breakthrough was made as scientists managed for the first time to grow 350 types of coral.
The huge success in made coral culturing prompted the department to increase rocks to 1,500. Meanwhile, the Environment Authority - Abu Dhabi (EAD) conducted a study on the coral reefs, marine turtles and fish species in islands group of Al Yasat. The group, covering a total area of 481.7 square kilometers, consists of four islands in the far west of the UAE. They are Upper Yasat, Lower Yasat, Esam and Karsha.
EAD has also undertaken extensive scientific research. This has included surveys and assessment of the coral reef habitat of the area, through a continuing Coral Reef Investigation project, studying of and satellite-tracking of marine turtles after their egg-laying and installation of permanent monitoring stations to monitor the regeneration of coral reefs.
The islands are surrounded by coral reefs which act as important marine sanctuaries to many species including the already depleted stocks of Hamour, Shaari and Farsh. The reefs have good coral growth and high coral cover with around 8 coral species present.
The islands have irregular coastlines with both rocky and sandy shorelines, providing a variety of habitats. The island has suitable foraging habitats for the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles. They also have significant populations of marine fauna including the endangered Green turtle and the Dugong.
Desert hares are present on the islands, where they make use of the natural landscape and vegetation for shelter, food and breeding.
Upper Yasat has an important breeding colony of Socotra cormorants, a near-endemic bird species for the UAE, which is one of less than 15 existing colonies in the world.
According to surveys undertaken in this area , the Yasat islands were once the site of human settlement in the late pre-Islamic era. The remains of shelters and other sites, which demonstrate evidence of occupation during the Late Islamic period, have also been found, including shell-based tools which demonstrate the way in which local inhabitants utilized food resources present in nearby waters. Several of these sites are considered to be of national or regional importance.
The Amiri decree prohibits any form of hunting, killing or catching wildlife. Damaging the nesting areas of birds and marine turtles is banned. Changing the geographical features of the islands is prohibited. Berthing of boats in non-designated areas is banned. Fishing is restricted within three nautical miles from the nearest low water mark (shoreline) in the islands.
WAM/MAB 19 48 CCCCQQE