UAE: Extreme heatwave kills over 160,000 kg of fish in Abu Dhabi in two years – News

Experts closely monitor heatwave and its impact on marine environment off Abu Dhabi

According to a report published by the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD), more than 160,000 kilograms of fish will die in Abu Dhabi due to extreme heat waves in 2020 and 2021.

The agency’s team of experts has been closely monitoring the marine environment to develop solutions that can help curb such conditions.

The EAD recorded 148,000kg of dead fish across 15 species in 2020 and registered 17,750kg of the same species in 2021. These findings dovetail with other unusual observations, such as the death of sea turtles (green turtles) and the deposition of dead seaweed and macro organisms — algae that are outside their natural range along the coast.

The agency has been monitoring the heat wave and its impact on the marine environment off Abu Dhabi. Observers pointed out that the coastal waters of the emirate experienced extreme heat waves in 2020 and 2021, which lasted for more than 15 days.

According to EAD, a heat wave is defined as intense warmth in ocean water that lasts for an extended period of time. The waves have been observed around the world in recent years, from the high seas to marginal seas and coastal areas, officials said.

In its recently released annual marine water quality report, the EAD highlighted that these heat waves have had serious impacts on marine ecosystems and human societies, with impacts manifested in increased fish mortality, coral reef bleaching and algae habitat changes, with coral reefs and fish— This often kills the fish and affects their numbers.