UAE’s dolphins in danger despite conservation efforts

UAE Dolphin Project, aided by volunteers, conducted a thorough survey of Dubai waters between Port Rashid and Jebel Ali, the results of which are expected to be released in February.

The UAE’s dolphin population faces threats from environmental changes and overfishing, despite government conservation efforts, according to the head of a local monitoring and conservation organisation.

The non-profit UAE Dolphin Project — the first of its kind in the region — seeks to compile detailed statistics of dolphin populations along the coast of the UAE and work with residents and local authorities to promote conservation efforts.

Three separate species of dolphin can be found in the waters of the UAE: The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, the similarly-sized Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, and the smaller finless porpoise.

Sightings have included calves and younger dolphins, suggesting that the dolphin population breeds in the area. In Dubai, dolphin sightings have been particularly common near the Palm Jumeirah, as well as off Jumeirah Beach Park.

Currently, the only detailed information on the UAE’s dolphin population comes from two aerial studies conducted on dugongs off the waters of Abu Dhabi between 1986 and 1999, which indicated a 71 per cent decrease in small dolphin sightings.

More recently, throughout 2014, the UAE Dolphin Project, aided by volunteers, conducted a thorough survey of Dubai waters between Port Rashid and Jebel Ali, the results of which are expected to be released in February.

Dr Ada Natoli, a specialist in population genetics, said Dubai’s rapid development — which has included massive development projects that have transformed the coastline — has been so quick that it has outpaced conservation efforts. The local authorities, though, are working hard to catch up, she said.

“There are massive gaps in conservation,” she said. “This country has developed so fast that these gaps exist.

“But they (Dubai authorities) are very conscious that they need to fill those gaps. They consider conservation very important. It’s a matter of time and human resources.”

Natoli warned that dolphins are particularly sensitive to environmental changes in the waters in which they live, which can be caused by increases in contaminants or overfishing. “Dolphins in general sit on top of the maritime food chain. They are the first to be directly affected by any change in marine environment.”

Natoli also warned that plastic waste and fishing line can be extremely hazardous to the dolphin population. “Unfortunately, in that situation there is very little you can do.”

In a recent example, researchers observed a dolphin with fishing gear stuck in its mouth in the waters between Palm Jumeirah and Logo Island.

The UAE Dolphin Project uses two separate techniques to track dolphin populations in nearby waters, which, over time, allow researchers to assess population trends.

Using the ‘transect survey’ technique, a pre-determined geographical area is canvassed using small boats. Using mathematical models, the data collected can then be used to provide population estimates.

In the second technique, photographs are taken of dolphin fins, which, like fingerprints, are unique to each individual dolphin. Modern computer programmes can then quickly recognise an individual dolphin from a database. “You can recognise the individual, and then follow them across sightings. This information allows us to gather an estimated population size,” Natoli said.

Crucially, dolphin researchers also depend on the participation of the public to report dolphin sightings. “Involving the public makes them aware, and it helps gather extremely useful information. If you engage the community, you gather ... (more) ... data.

“It also makes people more keen to protect the marine environment.”

The UAE Dolphin Project website includes a digital map of dolphin sightings in and around the waters of the UAE. Residents are encouraged to report sightings on the website or via email — with photographs or video if possible — reporting the date, time and location of the sighting.

Despite the challenges faced, Natoli said, there is ample room to be hopeful about the future of the UAE’s dolphins. “I’m positive steps will be taken in the right direction.

“I’m optimistic because I think that in the UAE, one has the potential to make a difference.”

bernd@khaleejtimes.com

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• UAE