Another endangered Dugong found dead in Abu Dhabi

01/11/2008 23:59:31 October 2008. Yet another endangered dugong was found dead by marine environment experts from Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency - (EAD). The 200 kg-female dugong was discovered during a Beach Clean-up Campaign at Jebel Dhanna and was witnessed by over 100 young volunteers who were cleaning the beach at the time.

Caught in discarded fishing net
Following an investigation by EAD experts, it was revealed that the endangered marine mammal most likely died due to suffocation from a discarded fishing net.

According to EAD, Abu Dhabi's dugongs and other marine life often get caught in discarded fishing nets or get maimed by speeding boats as they rise to the surface to breathe. EAD urges the public to keep beaches clean and to help protect these beautiful creatures.

Marine Debris is a Silent Killer
The clean-up campaign organized at Jebel Dhanna was the sixth in a series of campaigns held this year along Abu Dhabi's coastline under the theme ‘Marine Debris is a Silent Killer'. Campaigns have already been held in Taweelah, Mussafah, Al Mirfa Public Beach and Al Silaa's Fishermen's Port. Over 1,300 people have participated so far and collectively collected 38,493 Kg of marine debris.

1 tonne of marine debris
More than 110 volunteers including students and employees from governmental, non-government and private organisations participated in the Jebel Dhanna Clean-up removing around 990 kg of marine debris. This debris included 586 kg of plastic including nylon ropes and nets; 307 kg of wood, 50 kg of metal, 30 kg of glass and 17 kg of paper waste.