UAE: Endangered species of sharks, stingrays released into the ocean

UAE: Endangered species of sharks, stingrays released into the ocean

A species each of stingrays and sharks – both considered threatened or endangered – was released into the Arabian Gulf on Thursday morning.

Four Honeycomb Stingrays and ten Arabian Carpet sharks were released at the Jebel Ali Marine Reserve as part of the Atlantis Atlas Project that champions marine conservation in the region. This brings the total number of releases from the facility to 38 sharks and eight rays since 2019.

Arabian Carpet Sharks and Honeycomb Stingrays are native to the Arabian Gulf region and can be found off the coast in coral reefs, lagoons, rocky shores, muddy bottoms and mangroves.

Atlantis, The Palm allows sharks and stingrays to breed in a natural ecosystem. Aged between 8 and 10 months, the marine animals released were born at and cared for in the resort’s dedicated fish hospital.

The Animal Care team carefully assessed each shark and stingray before deeming them healthy and suitable for release. To prepare for their journey into the wild, the animals were encouraged to explore and interact with other compatible marine life and forage for their food.

Marine conservation

The resort’s Atlas Project has been at the forefront of marine conservation and is home to 10 shark and eight ray species. Led by