Endangered Dugongs Killed by Driftnets in Abu Dhabi

This discovery clearly demonstrates once again the vulnerability of these majestic animals to human threats. We call on the community once again to help support our efforts in protecting this endangered treasure,’ said Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD.

Protected by Law
The dugong is listed as ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’ internationally and is protected locally under UAE Federal Law. The law aims to fully protect dugongs and other marine wildlife, including sea turtles, from any commercial and recreational utilization of species within UAE waters. Gillnets, particularly drift gillnets locally known as Al Hayali, constitute one of the major threats to the Dugong populations within the UAE and globally.

Studies conducted by EAD experts have indicated that the two dugongs suffocated to death in gill-nets. Drift nets and Encircling gill nets are banned by Law in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, however, abandoned nets and illegal use of banned nets continue to be a major cause of dugong mortality in the area.