Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released & Tracked in Fujairah

Rehabilitated green sea turtles have been released back into the sea in Fujairah following rescue and treatment, as part of a conservation initiative focused on monitoring and protecting marine biodiversity. The release was carried out by the Fujairah Environment Authority in cooperation with the Fujairah Research Centre. The turtles, collected from various locations across the emirate by the Joint Marine Biodiversity Team, were treated at the research centre before being returned to the water at Naäma Beach Villas & Spa.
Tracking sensors were fitted to the turtles prior to release to monitor migration routes and identify preferred nesting areas. The data will form part of a research project funded by Atlantis The Palm Group and is expected to support the development of evidence-based conservation strategies.
Officials said the project aims to expand scientific understanding of endangered marine species in their natural habitats and contribute to habitat restoration efforts. These include coral reef cultivation initiatives carried out in partnership with international organisations and supported by community volunteers.
Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species are found in UAE waters. The hawksbill turtle is the only species known to nest annually along the western coast, while only three verified nesting cases have been recorded on the eastern coast, none of them in Fujairah.
The release site was selected due to its proximity to marine protected areas, with the resort working alongside authorities on efforts to safeguard nesting sites and preserve marine ecosystems.