The UAE is restoring its coral reefs, after severe impact due to bleaching events caused by rising sea temperatures. To combat this issue, they’ve turned to coral nurseries as a means of restoring these vital ecosystems. Although corals can survive bleaching events, they become unable to effectively support marine life, jeopardizing the populations that rely on them.
Experts like marine scientist Hamad al-Jailani, who is part of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) coral restoration program, are working tirelessly to help corals recover. The program involves nurturing corals in a nursery by placing them in ideal conditions to regrow, including clear waters with strong currents and the right amount of sunlight.
Since 2021, the EAD has been leading the way in restoring corals in the UAE. This initiative was launched in response to the second bleaching event in just five years. Putting the reefs off the UAE’s coast in danger. This is particularly important in a nation known for its large-scale developments and polluting industries.
In 2017, the UAE lost up to 70% of its corals, particularly around Abu Dhabi. According to EAD, this resulted from water temperatures soaring to 37 degrees. However, the second bleaching event in 2021 saw a higher survival rate of 40–50%. Bleaching events are rapidly increasing worldwide due to the warming of our oceans. This is largely due to human-triggered climate change. This warming effect is the result of burning oil, coal, and gas, which release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere, leading to devastating consequences for our ocean’s coral reefs.
The UAE is one of the world’s largest oil producers. The country has some of the highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions globally. This poses a significant threat to their marine ecosystems. However, the UAE has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. EAD’s coral restoration program and other similar initiatives across the UAE demonstrate the country’s commitment to safeguarding its marine life and preserving the beauty and diversity of its underwater ecosystems. Such efforts are crucial in ensuring the survival of corals and species that depend on them.