SeaWorld Rescue has gone global with the launch of its first centre outside of the US. YasSeaWorld Research and Rescue (YSWRR), Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is the first dedicated marine research and rescue centre in the MENA region.
YSWRR joins three locations adjacent to SeaWorld parks in the US. Together the four locations support local, regional and global conservation efforts for dozens of species, many of which are threatened or endangered.
The 8,602 m2 YSWRR will be a key contributor to marine-life conservation in both the UAE and the wider MENA region through research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education programmes, informed by SeaWorld's nearly 60 years of animal care and rescue experience.
"The waters of the Arabian gulf are an important marine ecosystem and integral to the fabric of the Abu Dhabi community. The conservation of their marine animals and ecosystems is vital, and we are excited to be a part of this important effort. Expanding SeaWorld's nearly 60-year legacy of animal care and conservation globally and having the opportunity to share our knowledge with the region is an honor and a privilege," said Dr Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.
The marine rescue and research centre will host rescue vehicles and equipment, including two custom-made rescue boats, a rescue clinic, a veterinary hospital, and aquaculture facility. The center will also have over 25 rescue pools, from large pools for marine mammals to smaller pools for fish, invertebrates and marine reptiles. Two of the larger pools are equipped with lifting floors, which will make access for treatment easier and less disruptive for the animals. An onsite lab is also equipped with advanced rescue and rehabilitation facilities, including the ability to conduct in-house pathology analysis for wildlife.
The centre also conducts fundamental research focusing on the marine ecology of the Arabian Gulf and covering topics such as marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, sensitive wildlife conservation, critical habitats, fisheries, pollution and wildlife health. Specifically, the focus on applied research studies for marine ecosystem restoration will include aquaculture-based projects on fish propagation, seagrass cultivation, coral reproduction as well as field projects focusing on critical habitats of Arabian Gulf waters such as seagrass, mangroves, oyster beds and coral reefs.
This research will be supported by three dry laboratories, a wet laboratory, and a 345 m3 aquaculture facility which includes live feed culture rooms, brood stock pools and larvae culture pools. The centre's research team will conduct most of these studies with its 12.5 m research vessel.
The center was developed and will be operated by Miral, Abu Dhabi's creator of immersive destinations and experiences, and SeaWorld. The Chairman of Miral, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: "We are very proud to begin 2023, the UAE's Year of Sustainability, with opening the first dedicated marine research and rescue center in the region, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue. This is a cornerstone in the emirate's journey of education and conservation, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi's impactful long-term vision of protecting our marine wildlife and their habitats.
"Together with SeaWorld, we will be pushing the limits of science and conservation to become the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE but also in the wider region."
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| Source: SeaWorld. A rescue in progress. |
Added the Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Scott Ross: "For nearly 60 years, SeaWorld has maintained its unwavering mission and steadfast commitment to protecting marine animals and their ecosystems and inspiring others to act and care for marine life. Our new centre in the UAE is an extension of this commitment and expands our reach to the Gulf region with a partner who is equally committed to protecting, preserving and honouring the importance of the sea, and will create a strong regional rescue network to protect and preserve native species in the Arabian Gulf."
Each rescue facility is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating ill, injured or orphaned wildlife. Due to their deep expertise and innovative techniques, SeaWorld rescue teams have helped more than 40,000 animals, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, turtles, manatees, otters and a wide range of other marine animals. At these facilities, animal care specialists, marine biologists and veterinarians also work on critical and life-changing research and conservation projects that impact animal care, veterinary knowledge, habitat restoration and species preservation.
If marine animals are spotted in danger in UAE waters, please call the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) on 800 555.