SGS Assessing the Health and Conservation of Abu Dhabi's Mangrove Ecosystems

They function as nurseries, feeding grounds, and shelter for numerous marine species, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and birds.

The importance of mangrove ecosystems extends far beyond their ecological richness; they are invaluable coastal habitats that play a pivotal role in supporting the livelihoods of millions worldwide. Protecting and preserving these ecosystems is crucial for biodiversity conservation, coastal resilience, and climate change mitigation.

In respective of the marine ecological services, mangroves are listed under the Habitat Conservation category globally. The UAE has several laws to protect the conserved mangrove habitat. The Abu Dhabi Emirate holds the maximum reserve of natural mangroves compared to other emirates. They also initiated numerous mangrove plantation projects to enhance as well as to protect the coastal biodiversity.

In respective of this ecological value, an Abu Dhabi company from the dredging and marine sector approached SGS to assess the structure and composition of mangrove vegetation, which involves documenting the abundance, diversity, and health assessment of mangrove tree species within the ecosystem. The focus of the current survey is to assess the detailed status of the mangrove ecosystem to conserve it from the ongoing and upcoming construction activities.

Our marine team in the UAE is equipped with expertise and a decade of specialized experience tailored to the requirements of this survey. This experience equips us to meticulously plan and execute the assessment in accordance with the designated schedule, ensuring precision, thoroughness, and impactful results.

In addition to our comprehensive assessment, our marine team offers a range of specialized services to further understand and protect marine ecosystems:

• Underwater Ecological Studies
• Sensitive Habitat Studies 
• Coastal and Intertidal Ecology
• Marine Mammal and Reptile Observation
• Mangrove Survey and Health Assessment
• Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) for Fish Survey
• Plankton (Phyto and Zooplankton) Sampling and Analysis
• Benthic Infauna Survey (Meio & Macrfauna)
• Seawater and Sediment Sampling and Analysis
• Sediment Profile Imaging (SPI)

The study site is a mangrove island located at Abu Dhabi Emirate, reserved with the natural dense mangroves contained all the three categories such as recruitment, regeneration and mature. Our team's engagement with this habitat during the walkover survey has deepened our understanding and appreciation for the ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems. This hands-on experience reinforces our commitment to environmental research and highlights our dedication to providing comprehensive and precise data for our clients.