A turtle, released from Dubai a few years back, successfully navigated over 3,000km across the Indian Ocean to reach the coast of Thailand, maintaining good health, according to tracking data. Turtles that are treated and rehabilitated in Dubai are released into the open waters once they recover, equipped with satellite tracking devices to monitor their progress. The journey of the turtle to Thailand was disclosed by an executive during the release of 63 turtles from Jumeirah Beach as part of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. The tracking data highlights the extensive distances sea turtles can travel. Barbara Lang-Lenton, Director of the Aquarium at Jumeirah's Burj Al Arab, commented on the long migratory patterns of sea turtles, citing examples of turtles reaching nesting grounds in India, Pakistan, Oman, and various Gulf countries. She mentioned, 'We had turtles nesting in India, traveling to Pakistan, and all the Gulf countries. We had turtles swimming all around the Gulf and returning.' The project has successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and released 2,175 sea turtles of four species, with 92 tracked using satellite transmitters, marking a significant achievement. The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, initiated 20 years ago, has been pivotal in marine conservation efforts, supported by increasing collaboration from governments, institutions, and the Emirati population. The project uses satellite tracking devices in turtles for two main purposes: to confirm the success of rehabilitation and to monitor migration patterns, which can cover thousands of kilometers. Lang-Lenton emphasized, 'We want to ensure rehabilitation is successful, and when we release turtles back into the wild, they survive. We can share this information with government authorities to help them decide which areas are frequented by turtles and should be protected.' The project's success is also attributed to growing public awareness and participation. The introduction of a toll-free number, 800 turtles, has simplified the process for the public to report and assist in sea turtle rescue. New marine conservation and rehabilitation facilities are emerging in the country, and community involvement is robust. One of the turtles released on June 12, named Hook, was rescued near Fujairah with a fish hook lodged in her esophagus, and was subsequently treated at the Jumeirah Centre.
Text: Lara Palmer
12.06.2024
Tracking the Journey of Rehabilitated Turtles from Dubai to Thailand and Beyond