Marine Life |
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Tuna, hamour, mackerel, barracuda and needlefish are the most common in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE. Shrimps and crabs are also present in large numbers. In the shallow waters just above the sand, you can see mud-dwelling species, like mullets, milkfish, goatfish, catfish and different types of rays. Around the coral reefs and rocks, it is possible to find coloured fish such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish or surgeonfish. In the local waters , different species of moray eels are also present. Sharks also occupy the waters of this region, the two most popular are the black tip reef shark and the grey reef shark. However, they tend to be non-aggressive and there have been no reports of shark’s attacks on divers or swimmers.
In the UAE waters, there are four species of marine turtles. The green turtle and the hawksbill turtle, which nest on the beaches along the coast, are the most common. Unfortunately, all turtle species are endangered, and therefore should be strongly protected. The favourite component of the turtle’s diet is jellyfish, which is, sadly, often confused by turtles with a floating plastic bag. Jellyfish are present in the Gulf waters during the spring and summer months making these periods less suitable for swimming.
Probably the most amazing animals in the UAE waters are marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and dugongs. Not much research has been carried out about these animals in the UAE, therefore, information is scarce. If you wish to see dolphins, you can choose to go to Musandam where they can be spotted more easily.
ENDANGERED FISH
Eight of the UAE fish species had declined in numbers by 80% in the last 30 years. These species are further heavily exploited, which may lead to their extinction. The hammour, so popular on the tables across the country, is number one on the list of endangered fish species. Numerous campaigns are organized to promote better choices while eating fish, and to influence restaurants to take these eight species off menus.
Read more: www.choosewisely.ae
Endangerd fish species: orange spotted grouper (hammour); golden trevally snubnose emperor; spangled emperor (shaari); white-spotted spinefoot; goldlined seabream; kingfish; and painted sweetlips.
Sustainable choices: Ehrenbergs’ snapper; sordid sweetlips; pink ear emperor; yellow bar angelfish; black streaked monocle bream; two-bar seabream; orange spotted trevally
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