The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the region’s largest dedicated marine research and conservation facility, in partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) – Dugong MOU Secretariat, recently hosted the first Arabian Regional Scientific Seagrass Workshop. The event brought together leading marine scientists, conservationists, and policymakers from across the Gulf and beyond to address urgent challenges facing these critical underwater ecosystems.
A Regional Call to Action for Seagrass Conservation
Seagrass meadows, often called the “lungs of the sea,” are among the most valuable yet threatened coastal habitats. They provide oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and nursery grounds for marine life, including endangered species like dugongs and sea turtles. Abu Dhabi alone hosts nearly 4% of the world’s seagrass, supporting the second-largest dugong population globally. Yet, these vital ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate of 110 km² per year due to coastal development, climate change, and marine heatwaves.
The workshop served as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, enabling experts from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman to:
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Assess the current state of seagrass research in the region
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Identify key knowledge gaps and conservation priorities
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Strengthen collaborative efforts to protect these ecosystems
Leadership Voices: A Unified Commitment to Marine Conservation
Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity at EAD, emphasized:
“Seagrass meadows are indispensable for biodiversity and climate resilience. Through advanced technologies like AI and regional collaboration, we are enhancing monitoring and protection efforts to safeguard these ecosystems for future generations.”
Dr. Elise Marquis, Director of Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, added:
“This workshop marks a turning point in regional seagrass conservation. By uniting experts, we are paving the way for science-driven strategies to preserve these blue carbon habitats and the species that depend on them.”
Ms. Rouba Abou-Atieh, Executive Coordinator of CMS Office – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough Initiative, launched at COP28, which seeks to establish a global framework for seagrass conservation, particularly for migratory species like dugongs.
The Path Forward: Science, Collaboration & Innovation
The workshop underscored the need for:
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Expanded regional research initiatives to monitor seagrass health
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Policy advocacy to integrate seagrass protection into climate and biodiversity strategies
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Community engagement to raise awareness of seagrass ecosystems’ ecological and economic value
By convening this pioneering event, the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center reinforced its role as a hub for marine conservation, driving impactful research and fostering partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s marine biodiversity.
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About Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center
As the region’s largest marine research facility, the center is dedicated to conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, and public education, advancing knowledge and protection of marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf and beyond.
