The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) has initiated a distinctive project involving artificial nests for ospreys, aimed at safeguarding their environment, wildlife, and promoting biodiversity. The inaugural nest was constructed in the Sir Bu Nair Island Reserve, with plans to install additional nests in various coastal areas of Sharjah, including several nature reserves. These nests offer a secure and appropriate environment for ospreys, particularly during their mating season from December to March. Equipped with surveillance cameras, these nests will enable the monitoring and tracking of osprey populations, their flight patterns, movements, behavior, and diet. The project has been integrated into the Osprey Watch initiative's platform, marking the first such registration in the UAE. This global initiative, spearheaded by experts and environmentalists, seeks to gather extensive data to support environmental decision-making. Notably, an adult osprey typically weighs around 1.4 kg and often returns to the same nesting site in subsequent breeding seasons.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, the chairperson of the EPAA in Sharjah, highlighted that ospreys are fully protected under Executive Council Decision No. (9) of 2016, which prohibits hunting, selling, and possessing endangered migratory land and sea birds in the emirate. She emphasized that ospreys are among the endangered birds of prey in the UAE, known for their exceptional fishing skills, which are essential for their survival. Given that many shorelines are frequented by visitors and the public, the EPAA has introduced this project to provide artificial nests, ensuring safe and suitable nesting and breeding conditions away from potential threats and noise. The project focuses on establishing well-prepared artificial nests for ospreys in their distribution areas and feeding habitats in Sharjah, particularly on islands and coastal areas that serve as natural sanctuaries for them. The EPAA conducts regular surveys to monitor the breeding populations of ospreys across all coastal sites, beaches, and the Sir Bu Nair Island Reserve.
