A RECORD number of dugongs have been thriving in Bahrain’s waters as the lush seagrass meadows provide a safe habitat for the vulnerable animal species, according to a marine expert.
Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, however, stressed the need to study the impacts of climate change, which is posing a threat to marine life across the globe.
The GDN earlier highlighted a study that recorded a herd of 700 dugongs in Bahrain’s territorial waters – the second largest population in the world. It was conducted by the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, in co-operation with the Supreme Council for the Environment and the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry in April.
“With regard to the dugongs in Bahrain, the aggregation is one of the most distinctive aspects of our marine environment, which includes a number of other vulnerable sea species,” Shaikh Khalifa told the GDN.
“This is because of the extensive and rich seagrass beds, which we will always support as an ecosystem that serves as the cornerstone of any efforts to conserve wildlife.
“The seagrass provides the animals with all the food, shelter and environment that it needs to flourish,” he said, adding that it has resulted in an increase in dugong population over the years.
The only surviving member of the formerly diverse family Dugongidae, dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals that are said to have inspired ancient tales of mermaids and sirens. Their closest living relative, the Steller’s sea cow, was hunted to extinction in the 18th century. Studies show that the animal relies on seagrass and seaweed as its main food sources.
“Although perhaps not as frequently as we would have liked, the dugongs have undoubtedly been subject to a number of aerial surveys throughout the year,” Shaikh Khalifa told the GDN.
Bahrain’s abundant and vast seagrass beds accounted for the country’s unique concentration of dugongs
“However, animal behaviour is changing as a result of various factors, most importantly climate change, which is a significant topic that the majority of scientists and artists are currently exploring.
“There needs to be a greater understanding of how the climate affects both nature and cultures.”
Shaikh Khalifa was speaking on the sidelines of “The Living Sea” photography exhibition, which features images by ace underwater photographer Prince Hussain Aga Khan and documentaries by his Italian colleague Simone Piccoli.
The exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum – held in collaboration between Baca, the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, and Focused on Nature, a Swiss association created by Prince Hussain to channel funds for the protection of endangered species – runs until March 9 next year.
Prince Hussain and Mr Piccoli agreed with Shaikh Khalifa’s assessment of the dugong population in Bahrain, attributing it to the presence of seagrass in Bahraini waters. The duo also said they intended to probe dugongs by spending more time in Bahrain in May next year.
“We would like to return in May and study dugongs as well as other components of Bahrain’s rich marine wealth,” said Prince Hussain.
Seagrass plays a vital role as it suppresses a lot of carbon, he added.
According to studies, carbon accumulates in seagrass over time and is stored almost entirely in soil, up to four metres deep. Although seagrass accounts for less than 0.2 per cent of the world’s oceans, they sequester approximately 10pc of the carbon buried in ocean sediment annually.
“Vulnerable species like dugongs deserve more public attention and there should be higher awareness about the importance of conservation,” Shaikh Rashid added.
raji@gdnmedia.bh
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