The Environmental Science Centre at Qatar University has released the first young hawksbill turtles from the turtle reserve in Ras Laffan Industrial City. In cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the release is within the continued efforts to safeguard the biodiversity of the State of Qatar.
In a press release today, the center said: “This year, an essential aspect of Ras Laffan pertains to the augmented count of hawksbill turtle nests and the commencement of hatching, which was first observed three days ago. A significant quantity of juvenile hawksbill turtles was liberated from the shorelines of Ras Laffan, marking a pivotal moment in the rejuvenation of the hawksbill turtle population. This initiative aims to enhance the State of Qatar’s maritime presence and safeguard it against potential extinction in the Arabian Gulf’s territorial waters.” The press release added that this initiative is implemented through a cooperation between Qatar University, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and QatarEnergy to support the annual initiative to safeguard turtles and establish nature reserves in Fuwairit and Ras Laffan.
Since 2002, the Environmental Science Centre at Qatar University has been engaged in monitoring and regulating hawksbill turtles to safeguard the biodiversity of the State of Qatar. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of extinction faced by these turtles, a global phenomenon affecting marine ecosystems worldwide. During a specific period annually, clusters of hawksbill turtles migrate to various northern beaches within the state to lay their eggs. This season typically commences in early April and extends until mid-June. The hatching season commences in early June, following a two-month incubation period after the nesting process.
The nesting beaches that are widely recognized include Fuwairit, Ras Laffan, Al-Maroonah, Al-Ghariya, Al-Huwaila, Al-Jassasiya, and Al-Mafyar. Furthermore, certain islands such as Ras Rakn, Umm Tais, Sharaow, and Halul are also known to serve as nesting sites.
The Ras Laffan Reserve is widely regarded as a significant natural reserve owing to its location within the Ras Laffan Industrial Area. This unique location provides accessibility to the general public, albeit under special circumstances associated with industrial facilities. The Ras Laffan beaches hold significant importance in safeguarding the turtle population and are subject to protective measures. The conservation of turtles, their eggs, and their offspring is implemented in Ras Laffan to mitigate the potential threat posed by indigenous avian and vulpine predators.
Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof. Mariam Al-Ali Al-Maadeed emphasized on the importance of the project and said, “The University prioritizes environmental projects that contribute to preserving the ecosystem due to its importance in protecting the ecological balance, the most important of which is the marine turtles project which aims to protect the endangered hawksbill turtles”.
Director of the Environmental Science Center Prof. Hamad Al-Saad Al-Kuwari stated, “The Environmental Science Centre at Qatar University has demonstrated its commitment to wildlife protection in the State of Qatar through successful hatching operations and an increase in the number of young turtles. These achievements reflect the Center’s scientific and practical efforts and its collaboration with relevant authorities at the local, regional, and global levels. Promoting turtle conservation is imperative due to the threat of extinction these species face. Additionally, turtles serve a crucial function in maintaining ecological equilibrium”.
Source: Qatar News Agency