A team of scientists and marine researchers from Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Khalifa University have led the first comprehensive modern sediment survey off the coast of Abu Dhabi, on board the region’s most advanced marine research vessel Jaywun, to explore the effects of climate change on the Arabian Gulf’s distinctive marine ecosystem. The research mission will pave the way for future research opportunities.
Launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD’s Board of Directors, the UAE’s first research vessel Jaywun is equipped with advanced technology and six laboratories to support scientific exploration initiatives in environmental preservation and climate change mitigation.
The project was initially launched as part of the expedition under the multilateral agreement between EAD, OceanX, Bayanat, and M42, aboard the Ocean Explorer across the UAE in December 2023. The study aims to uncover critical insights into marine ecosystems and, through mapping of the seafloor, will also shed light on underwater features of the Arabian Gulf along Abu Dhabi's coast. Future missions on Jaywun, including an extended study off the coast of Fujairah, will continue to build on these findings.
Prof Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, said: “We are proud to be one of the members of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network (ADERN), launched by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. As part of ADERN, the Jaywun research vessel is available to UAE scientists, including our faculty members who can submit research projects to the EAD for execution on the vessel. We take great pride in conducting this first modern sediment survey in offshore Abu Dhabi to gain vital information about climate change on marine ecosystems, enabling us to effectively monitor marine health in the Arabian Gulf.”
Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: “Jaywun enables us to conduct in-depth research on marine ecosystems using sophisticated equipment, ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis. Currently, in partnership with Khalifa University, we are studying marine sediments for the first time to assess the impact of climate change on the Arabian Gulf. The collaboration between our scientific teams is essential, and the results from this research will play a key role in informing future sustainability and conservation projects to protect our vital marine ecosystems.
“The primary objective of the survey is to explore the waters of the UAE and establish a baseline of sediment data from offshore Abu Dhabi for the first time. This will enable the researchers on board Jaywun to gain crucial insights on historical and recent changes in the marine environment. The research also covers sediment movement, the impact of storm events, as well as the overall health of oceanic ecosystems. Moreover, the marine chemistry and sediments formed under these extreme conditions provide insights into a future warmer climate.”
