Dubai, July 4th, 2012 (WAM) -- As part of the efforts of marine turtle conservation and support to the Emirates Wild Society-World Wildlife Fund (EWS-WWF) Marine Turtle Conservation Project, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has recently sponsored tagging eight hawksbill turtles with wireless transmitters to compete in the Great Gulf Turtle Race.
The EWS-WWF Marine Turtle Conservation project is using satellite tracking technology to research the migration patterns of hawksbill turtles and identify their foraging grounds for post-nesting. During the past three years, the team has fitted 75 hawksbill turtles with wireless transmitters to track their movements. DEWA invites UAE residents to vote for their favourite turtle in the virtual and symbolic Great Gulf Turtle Race as part of the science based Marine Turtle Conservation Project, which has completed the tagging of Hawksbill turtles across Qatar, Oman and the UAE. The project aims to share the data and analysis with relevant authorities to guide effective conservation plans for this endangered species as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature listing (IUCN). "The sponsorship and support to the EWS-WWF Marine Turtle Conservation project of marine turtle conservation is an integral part of DEWA?s environmental strategy, to consolidate a culture of sustainable development, raise awareness for environmental safety, and follow environment-friendly practices to conserve our natural resources for generations to come. We all need assume our roles in protecting the environment and preserving the balance of its interconnected eco-systems. DEWA has always been keen to support environmental initiatives, and we are pleased to support this project as an important science-based research," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWAAs part of its sponsorship of several environmental initiatives such as the successful Earth Hour campaign, DEWA sponsorship of the race included tagging eight turtles and naming them after traditional pearl names. "We invite our employees, our customers, our partners, and everyone in the UAE to engage with this awareness initiative, and we would appreciate your support by voting to our turtles: Loulua, Al Jyoon, Al Fareeda, Al Dana, Al Durra, Hassa, Gumasha and Jumana," he added. As an awareness initiative, EWS-WWF launched a symbolic virtual race that reports the distances these wild marine turtles are swimming in an interactive race board. The race lasts for four weeks starting 12 June and ending on 12 July, taking place on www.gulfturtles.com. This website also offers a wealth of information to its visitors. It is important to note that these turtles have been released back to the sea within hours of coming to shore to lay their eggs, and they are well into their marine journeys. "It is crucial we protect marine turtles, as they are an essential part of our marine environment. We are grateful to DEWA and to all of our turtle sponsors for supporting this research project as well as the Great Gulf Turtle Race. We look forward to following race updates closely," said Lisa Perry, Programme director at EWS-WWF.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.
