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Nesting beaches are found throughout the
region, in Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Qatar, and Yemen.
Significant nesting populations are found on the
coastlines of Oman and Yemen. An estimated
30,000 loggerhead turtles nest annually on
Masirah Island, Oman.
IUCN lists all five regional turtle species as
endangered or critically endangered categories.
Sea turtles in UAE waters are protected by Federal
Law No. 23 (Article 28), which prohibits the taking
of sea turtles in UAE waters and the collecting of
sea turtle eggs. EAD conducts aerial sea turtle
surveys of UAE waters.
In regional waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula,
as in the rest of their distribution range, sea turtles
face numerous threats to their survival. Significant
threats include the loss of nesting beaches due to
coastal development, illegal fishing, and by-catch.
Sea turtles are also an iconic marine species that
hold great significance in tourism development
in costal areas. As with any tourism development,
sustainable strategies need to be implemented in
order to not disturb wildlife breeding and viability.
Costa Rica, for example, has benefited significantly
both socially and economically from sea turtle
viewing and conservation.
Fisheries
Due to its role in food security, fisheries are the next
most important natural resource inArabian Peninsula,
second only to oil. Blue Carbon ecosystems are vital
to fisheries throughout the region. Mangrove habitats
serve as critical nurseries for many commercially
important marine species and therefore play a crucial
economic well being for fishermen.
Photo:
© Steven Lutz
Figure 10:
Biodiversity and ecosystem services within a restoration model.
