UAE diver’s photos help scientists

DUBAI // A series of pictures taken by an avid diver during his underwater explorations of the Arabian Gulf have helped a local scientist find out more information about an endangered ray.

The rare species of whip ray was previously not known to live in UAE waters.

The pictures, given by an Abu Dhabi diver to conservationist Dr Rima Jabado, represent the first local sighting of the species. The pictures were taken in 2007 and Dr Jabado was handed them in June this year. She is about to publish a scientific paper with the findings.

The conservationist is appealing to members of the public to send records of sharks, rays, guitar fish or saw fish. Pictures and observations made during diving trips or fish market visits can reveal valuable information, said Dr Jabado, whose studies on sharks offer the most exhaustive account of local shark populations to date.

“You cannot compare what you do not know,” she said, explaining that information is important to tracking the status of populations of marine creatures over time.

Ms Jabado’s work helped establish important facts about the distribution of shark populations in the UAE, also assessing the impact of fisheries and identifying important conservation measures.

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