A delegation from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), headed by Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, has visited the Kingdom of Bahrain to enhance regional cooperation in environmental research and exchange knowledge on best practices regarding marine environment protection.
The visit’s agenda included a meeting with His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Environment. The delegation also visited the Arabian Gulf University and the University of Bahrain, where they discussed ways to develop joint programmes to study biodiversity and address environmental challenges in the Arabian Gulf, ensuring environmental sustainability and the protection of marine resources for future generations.
In conjunction with the visit, EAD’s marine research vessel Jaywun embarked on a research mission aimed at conducting multidisciplinary pioneering scientific studies, carrying out qualitative environmental surveys for the first time in the territorial waters of the UAE and Bahrain to enhance environmental sustainability in the Arabian Gulf.
The mission collected more than 150 samples from eight different sites in the territorial waters of the two nations, and carried out the first environmental DNA study of marine biodiversity, as well as acoustic surveys of the sea floor in the southern Arabian Gulf region, and water quality surveys to assess the impact of climate change on the marine ecosystem.
Additional research was conducted on the levels of heavy metals to determine their impact on marine life. Nutrient enrichment rates were monitored to assess ecosystem balance, as was the presence and spread of microplastic particles in the gulf’s waters, along with an evaluation of their effects. The research agenda concluded with an impact assessment of transboundary sandstorms on air and water quality in the region and an analysis of their comprehensive environmental implications.
During its stop at Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, Jaywun received visits from several local entities, including a delegation from the Supreme Council for Environment headed by His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, in addition to representatives from Nawah Foundation, Bapco Energy, the Arabian Gulf University, the University of Bahrain, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the Bahrain Scientific Center, and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. The ship also received several school and university students.
During its seven-day research voyage, Jaywun hosted a group of specialists and experts affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network. The network plays a pivotal role in finding solutions to environmental challenges in the emirate and enhancing understanding and application of sustainability principles. These efforts were made considering the urgent need to accelerate climate action and address the close relationship between climate, biodiversity loss and pollution. The trip also included 10 researchers and experts from EAD, in addition to researchers from M42, as well as teams from Bahrain representing the Supreme Council for Environment and the Arabian Gulf University.
Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said: “We are proud to organise this joint visit and scientific mission by our research vessel Jaywun to the Arabian Gulf, representing an important step towards strengthening regional cooperation in the field of marine environment protection. The visit of EAD’s delegation to the Kingdom of Bahrain is an essential part of these efforts to enhance regional partnerships and exchange scientific and practical expertise, which contributes to unifying visions towards achieving common environmental sustainability goals. Joining efforts and exchanging experiences between regional countries is the best way to achieve our common vision of preserving our marine resources and their biodiversity for future generations.
“Through this pioneering research conducted on board Jaywun, we will be able to strengthen our environmental database and develop scientific solutions to address the increasing environmental challenges facing the Arabian Gulf. We look forward to continued cooperation with our regional partners to ensure the sustainability of our marine environment and protection of its natural resources.”
EAD launched Jaywun – the most advanced marine research vessel in the Middle East and the first of its kind in the UAE – in January 2023, with the aim of supporting fish stock monitoring efforts and protecting biodiversity and marine habitats in the country. The ship is designed to conduct studies and research in various conditions and seas, making it a vital tool for promoting scientific research and environmental innovation.
The 50-metre ship can operate at depths exceeding 10 metres, and includes a crew of 30 national cadres, in addition to six advanced multidisciplinary laboratories and a remotely operated vehicle to conduct research in various marine environments. Since its launch, the ship has travelled 30,000 kilometres during 227 days of operation. To date, Jaywun has carried out 50 research studies and collected 30,000 samples, in addition to training 40 UAE National trainees and welcoming more than 11,000 visitors.
The expedition in the Arabian Gulf will be Jaywun’s second international mission after the success of its maiden voyage from Spain to Abu Dhabi, which included the world's first exploratory atmospheric research trip that also studied microplastics in international waters. Covering three continents and eight major bodies of water, the voyage contributed to providing valuable new data to better understand coastal and marine air quality and climate change. In its second international mission, Jaywun will continue its joint research efforts to support regional cooperation with GCC countries to enhance the sustainability of marine resources and confront environmental challenges.
