The mangroves of Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates, have long been recognized as vital coastal ecosystems, but a groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications (IJSRP) has elevated their profile as a thriving hub of marine and terrestrial life. Titled "Baseline Ecological Assessment of Mangrove (Avicennia marina) in Al Bidyah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates," this research by Romina L. Nuqui, Dr. Majd Al Herbawi, and Hanadi Al Ali from the Marine Environment Research Department of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) documents the remarkable success of restoration efforts initiated in 2018. What started as 2,500 planted seedlings has evolved into a dynamic habitat supporting everything from green sea turtles to devil’s flower praying mantises, underscoring the potential of strategic mangrove planting in arid coastal regions.

This assessment, conducted over six years from 2018 to 2024, marks the first such effort in Fujairah, an emirate previously without natural mangrove stands due to its rocky shoreline and steep topography. The findings reveal not just survival and growth but also natural reproduction and a burgeoning faunal community, positioning Al Bidyah as a model for UAE's ambitious national pledge to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030—a commitment announced at COP26 to bolster blue carbon ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal resilience against climate change.

The Pioneering Restoration at Al Bidyah

In June 2019, MOCCAE, in collaboration with local authorities, planted approximately 2,500 Avicennia marina seedlings along the Al Bidyah shoreline, between Khor Fakkan and Dibba (coordinates approximately 25°26.825'N, 56°21.553'E). Sourced from the Marine Environment Research Centre (MERC), these three- to five-month-old seedlings, measuring 6-14 cm in height, were strategically placed across high, mid, and low tidal zones to test adaptability in Fujairah's challenging environment—characterized by shallow sandy-rocky substrates, high salinity, and intense tidal inundation.

Unlike Abu Dhabi, which hosts the bulk of UAE's 183 km² of mangroves, Fujairah's east coast lacked natural stands, making this initiative a bold experiment. Early monitoring showed promising results, with survival rates at 98% in 2018, though dropping to 28% by 2020 due to factors like biofouling from barnacles and algae (Chaetomorpha spp.), hypersalinity, and insufficient soil depth. By 2024, heights had surged to an average of 181 cm from 41.2 cm initially, with statistical significance (t(4.19) = −6.69, p = 0.002), demonstrating robust establishment in mid-tide zones where soil depth exceeded 6 cm and moisture was optimal.

Methodology: Rigorous Field Surveys and Analysis

The study's methodology combined longitudinal monitoring with multi-disciplinary analysis. Seedling height was measured annually using trigonometry with a protractor and 360° inclinometer: H = (Tan A × D) + (Tan B × D). Water quality parameters—temperature, salinity (up to 38.85 ppt), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and electrical conductivity (EC)—were recorded in situ across seasons.

Soil samples from mangrove and non-mangrove areas revealed higher organic matter (5.69%), potassium (515 mg/kg), and iron under canopies, with pH around 8.1. Leaf morphology (length 4.2-10.4 cm, width 0.6-4.5 cm) correlated positively with landward zones (Spearman r² = 0.6205 for width, p = 0.00048). Phenology tracked flowering (May-June) and propagule production (June-August), reaching 90-95% maturity by 2024. Fauna inventories used video and photographic surveys during tidal cycles, identifying species via regional guides.

Statistical tools included t-tests, ANOVA (no significant soil differences, p = 0.9318), and correlations, ensuring robust data on ecosystem dynamics. This comprehensive approach provides a blueprint for future restorations. Read the full IJSRP study here.

Biodiversity Boom: A Diverse Faunal Community Emerges

The study's fauna survey documented 17 species, spanning fish, crustaceans, mollusks, reptiles, and insects, confirming the mangroves as a "hotbed of marine life." Mid-tide zones hosted the highest diversity and abundance, thanks to denser canopies and stable conditions. Pre-existing crabs and mollusks facilitated nutrient cycling, while prop roots created nursery habitats for fish larvae.

• Fish: Jarbua terapon (Terrapon jarbua), common silver biddy (Gerres oyena), two-bar sea bream (Acanthopagrus bifasciatus), black-spot snapper (Lutjanus fulviflamma), spotted whip-tail stingray (Himantura uarnak), gobies (Gobiidae).
• Crustaceans: Swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus), blue swimmer crabs.
• Mollusks: Rock oyster (Saccostrea cuccullata), pearl oyster (Pinctada spp.), mangrove snails, bivalves, sea slugs, mud creepers.
• Reptiles: Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), foraging on algae and propagules.
• Insects: Butterflies, devil’s flower mantis (Blepharopsis mendica).

Consistent sightings of T. jarbua and S. cuccullata underscored habitat suitability, with intermittent appearances of larger species like stingrays linking to broader marine food webs. The National's coverage details these observations.

Iconic Species Spotlight: From Green Turtles to Praying Mantises

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), a protected species in UAE waters, were observed foraging on mangrove algae and propagules, highlighting connectivity between restored habitats and open seas. Five of seven global sea turtle species frequent UAE coasts, making this a critical foraging ground.

The devil’s flower praying mantis (Blepharopsis mendica), a terrestrial insect, ventured into the mangroves, symbolizing terrestrial-aquatic linkages. Though transient, its presence indicates habitat spillover benefits. No mantis shrimps were noted, but the spectrum from turtles to mantises illustrates the ecosystem's appeal to diverse taxa.

These species underscore mangroves' role as biodiversity corridors, supporting IUCN-vulnerable marine life amid Gulf declines (14.3% loss since 1996).

Mangrove Health and Survival Dynamics

Survival stabilized at 28% post-2020, with mid-tide thriving due to optimal hydrology. Shallow soils (<6 cm) caused stunting, while biofouling and salinity stressed seaward plants. Leaf traits—larger, darker landward—signaled vigor gradients. Reproductive phenology confirmed self-sustainability: buds January-February, full propagules by August.

Water quality fluctuations (salinity 38.85 ppt, declining DO) reflect arid stressors, yet soil enhancements under canopies (higher OM, nutrients) show ecosystem engineering at work.

Environmental Factors Shaping Success

Soil depth (12.73 cm average 2024) and tidal position were pivotal; ANOVA showed no broad differences but localized improvements. High carbonate (CaCO₃) and pH suited A. marina's tolerance. Fauna like crabs aerated sediments, boosting fertility. Comparisons to global studies (e.g., Naidoo 2006) affirm site's potential despite constraints.

Implications for UAE Mangrove Restoration Goals

Al Bidyah validates planting in non-traditional sites, aligning with UAE's 100 million target by 2030 for blue carbon (43,000 tons CO₂/year sequestered nationally). Mangroves buffer erosion, storms, and sequester carbon 3-5x faster than terrestrial forests. Lessons: prioritize mid-intertidal, deeper soils, monitor phenology.

Challenges mirror Qatar findings: planted stands lag natural ones in biomass/food webs, but "better than none," per Dr. Yousra Soliman.

Challenges, Lessons, and Best Practices

Early mortality (72%) from inundation, salinity, poor vigor highlights needs: site assessment, soil augmentation, predator guards. Mid-tide success suggests zoning strategies. Long-term: tidal monitoring, invasive control. Globally, 3.6M ha lost since 1980; UAE's 2% loss shows proactive stance.

• Site selection: hydrology, substrate.
• Seedling sourcing: local genetics.
• Monitoring: multi-year, multi-metric.

Blue Carbon and Climate Resilience

Mangroves sequester ~1,000 tons C/ha, vital for UAE's net zero. Al Bidyah's propagule production signals carbon sink maturation. Restoration combats Gulf threats: development, warming. UAE initiatives like Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (drones planting millions) amplify impacts.

Future Outlook and Research Directions

Baseline data enables longitudinal tracking, blue carbon credits, policy. Expand to rocky coasts, integrate community/volunteers. UAE universities (e.g., University of Sharjah) can lead genomics, AI monitoring. Global model for arid restoration.

Fujairah's success inspires, proving mangroves thrive where intentional. As UAE races to 100M trees, studies like this guide sustainable futures.

Photo by Elmar Stoessel on Unsplash