New protected area to be declared soon in Abu Dhabi

Once the area is declared protected, the Agency will be handed the responsibility of managing it and enforcing regulations.

According to EAD's studies and surveys of the area, it is characterized by shallow sea grass, sabkhas (salt marshes), mangroves and natural water channels. During on of EAD survey's in 2006, 1,500 birds were documented. The area spans around 282 sq. km and will include Futaisi Island, Dheisah, Qarqashan and the surrounding waters. The whole area lies east of Halat Al Bahrani and west of Al Hedairyaat Island.

Regarding the area's archaeological importance, studies carried out on Futaisi Island (part of the protected area) have revealed more than 14 sites of old houses, 8 water gathering sites as well as several tombs and pottery dating back to the Pre-Islamic era.

As a protected area, fishing, hunting or killing of any birds or wildlife will be strictly prohibited and punishable. Moreover, any action that has any disturbance or negative environmental impact on the area will also be prohibited. These actions include damaging bird nests, stealing bird or turtle eggs, removal of plants or corals and discarding of marine debris. Boats will also be banned from mooring and anchoring at specific sensitive locations.

This would bring the total number of protected areas in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to 4: Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Marawah Marine Protected Area, Al Yasat Marine Protected Area and Bu Al Siaief Marine Protected Area.