Lecture: The Abu Dhabi Marine Conservation Group by Emirati sisters Maitha & Shamsa Al Hameli, co-founders of the ADMCG

·      The story behind the ADMCG and a word about the group’s members:

“Inspired by the words of our late father Sheikh Zayed Bun Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Marine Conservation Group was founded by a group of environmentally aware young UAE nationals with the goal of raising awareness within the society about the marine life found in Abu Dhabi’s waters and highlighting the importance of conserving our fragile marine ecosystem.”

·      An overview of the group’s activities:

§  Cleanups

§  Sea turtle rescue

§  Ghost net removal

§  Awareness raising campaigns

§  Reporting illegal actions to the CIPCA and EAD

·      Deploying Baited Remote Underwater Video System (BRUVS*)

·      The ADMCG’s use of social media for interaction with the community

·      Coastal cleanups:

§  Saadiyat Beach

§  Al Mughairah Beach

§  Al Harmiya Beach

§  Al Shuriya Island

·      A brief about the BRUVS research project, with short BRUVS videoclips

·      Ghost nets effect

·      Ways forward

 

 

ADMCG’s Vision: To sustain a healthy marine environment for future generations.

ADMCG’s Mission: To raise awareness, engage the community and promote positive action towards Abu Dhabi’s marine life.

What We Do:

Most of ADMCG’s current work is based on individual efforts where our team members do the following:

• Beach and underwater cleanups around Abu Dhabi's main island and western region.

• Clean barnacle infested sea turtles, and release them back in the water.

• Release any tangled marine mammals (Dolphins, Dugongs) or sea turtles found in nets.

• Build artificial reefs to provide shelter for marine life in over fished areas.

• Raise awareness within the community about the marine life found in the emirate and the threats it is facing.

• Report illegal action to the CICPA (996).

  Set up osprey nests around the coastal shores of Abu Dhabi, where many ospreys have lost their habitat and original nesting areas to coastal development