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Tell us about Yas Seaworld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi and what role you think it plays in the region.
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Abu Dhabi is the region’s first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center and is a center of advanced knowledge in marine science.
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Abu Dhabi builds on SeaWorld’s heritage as one of the world’s largest marine animal rescue organizations and aims to bring its nearly 60 years of experience and knowledge in animal care, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation to the UAE and beyond Wide range of regional areas.
As one of the earliest team members on the project, it was exciting to witness the realization of the center and soon-to-be park.
As part of this talented team, oversee the development of our aquaculture facility and veterinary clinic, as well as the launch of a modern rescue fleet with state-of-the-art vessels that will soon be entering the Abu Dhabi mangroves and Gulf of Arabia to save animals. Animals in need are a privilege and a source of great satisfaction.
As the UAE’s first marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center dedicated to supporting regional and global conservation efforts, what are its key highlights?
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue occupies nearly 9,000 square meters and will be the region’s knowledge center for marine science and environmental education.
Based on the four “R’s” you mentioned in your question, besides education, the main highlight of the center will be its focus on research, rescue, rehabilitation and return.
This includes some state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure such as two custom-built lifeboats and personal watercraft and other vehicles for rescue purposes, a rescue pool with a raised floor and full-spectrum lighting simulating day and night, a rescue clinic and veterinary Hospital, as well as wet and dry classrooms and an auditorium for over 150 people.
Miral and SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment announce the opening of Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – the region’s first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center. pic.twitter.com/VxYQV0G8kG
– Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) February 8, 2023
Tell us about the team that will power the center.
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue brings together a skilled multidisciplinary team of marine scientists, veterinarians, animal care professionals and marine animal rescue specialists, as well as a joint team of educators with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The Center’s rescue teams will aim to support the development of a strong regional rescue network by working closely with partners and authorities to rescue, rehabilitate and return marine animals to their natural habitats.
On the other hand, the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue research team will conduct basic and applied research focusing on the marine ecology of the Gulf, covering marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, sensitive wildlife protection, critical habitat restoration, fisheries, Topics like pollution and wildlife health.
What are the highlights of the marine environment in the region?
The marine environment of the Arabian Gulf is characterized by a unique and diverse ecosystem with several highlights, including:
Coral Reefs: The Arabian Gulf is home to some of the most important coral reefs in the world, including those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These coral reefs provide habitat for a variety of marine species and are critical to maintaining the ecological balance of the bay.
Marine Biodiversity: Despite extremely harsh environmental conditions, the Arabian Gulf is rich in marine biodiversity, with more than 700 species of fish and 200 species of coral.
Endemic Species: The bay is home to several species found only in this area, such as the Arabian carpet shark, Arabian angelfish and Arabian pipefish.
Seagrass beds: The bay is also known for its extensive seagrass beds, which are breeding grounds and habitats for various marine species including the endangered dugong.
Mangroves: The coastline of the Gulf, mainly in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is lined with extensive mangrove forests that provide important nursery and habitat for fish and other marine species and play a vital role in maintaining the overall ecological balance of the Gulf role.
What are the challenges that threaten the marine environment and marine life in and around the UAE?
An extension of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Gulf is a relatively young sea with unique environmental conditions due to factors such as depth, currents, salinity and temperature. However, the bay’s extreme environmental conditions pose major challenges to the various marine species that inhabit its waters. While many questions about how these species have adapted to survive in this environment remain unknown, our work aims to answer fundamental ecological questions in order to protect marine ecosystems in the region.
While our team is still in the early stages of investigating these properties and their impact on marine species, we are acutely aware that the larger marine flora and fauna can be heavily influenced by these conditions and their proximity to human activities.
Tell us about SeaWorld’s conservation efforts. How will it see its development in the region and what are the areas of focus.
SeaWorld is committed to conservation and environmental stewardship, and with the opening of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s first overseas park in May, this commitment extends to our operations in the UAE.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will showcase SeaWorld’s dedication to marine conservation, research and education, building on its nearly 60 years of experience in marine life rescue and conservation. SeaWorld’s conservation efforts in the UAE will focus on several key areas, including:
- Marine Conservation and Research: It will serve as a hub for marine conservation and research, providing a platform for scientists and researchers to study and protect marine life in the UAE and beyond.
- Education and Awareness: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will offer educational programs for visitors of all ages, focusing on increasing awareness and understanding of marine life and the importance of conservation.
- Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation: It has a long history of rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned marine animals. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will continue this tradition by partnering with local authorities and organizations to provide care for marine animals in need.
- Sustainable practices: It will prioritize sustainable practices in all aspects of its operations, including energy and water conservation, waste reduction and sustainable procurement.
- Community Engagement: It will work with local communities to build partnerships and support conservation efforts in the UAE and the wider region.
- Overall, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be a world-class destination that showcases the beauty and diversity of marine life while promoting conservation and environmental stewardship. The park will be a powerful tool for research, education and conservation, and will help protect and preserve marine life in the UAE and beyond.
How will the center work with communities and schools to raise awareness of marine life and its conservation?
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue’s education team will soon be conducting workshops in schools in support of the Next Generation Science Standards and other internationally benchmarked learning objectives. We also aim to provide a unique curriculum for all generations to think scientifically about ocean health in our daily lives.
Most importantly, we want to make our research accessible. In the longer term, the center also hopes to hold public events such as seminars and scientific lectures with top local and international marine scientists covering a wide range of topics related to marine science.
The overall goal of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Abu Dhabi educational program is to inspire public commitment to marine conservation by increasing scientific awareness and promoting responsible behavior towards the marine environment. Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is committed to nurturing the next generation of local marine scientists as it welcomes university students to pursue research in marine science and conservation within its research department.
Tell us how this project connects to the larger vision and strategy for Miral and Abu Dhabi.
Yas Seaworld Research and Rescue is an important part of Miral’s and Abu Dhabi’s larger vision and strategy, especially as the UAE declares 2023 as the “Year of Sustainable Development”.
Miral, which develops and operates the centre, is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship in all aspects of its operations. In line with this commitment, the project aims to raise awareness of marine conservation and sustainability in the UAE and beyond.
More specifically, two core pillars of Miral’s strategy are innovation and partnerships, and these will be a big part of what we’re trying to achieve.
Our state-of-the-art facility is the best showcase for veterinary innovation in the world, and we build on Miral’s vision and strategy by continually exploring partnerships both domestically and in the wider region. Overall, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is also a testament to Miral’s commitment to reflecting Abu Dhabi’s unique culture and heritage, drawing on the UAE’s rich maritime history.
read: COVER SUBJECT: How Miral Changed Abu Dhabi With Its Big Vision
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