MENA Oceans

To understand the significant impact of rising ocean temperatures on the region's marine ecosystems; we speak to Rumaitha Al Busaidi, about her recent article for the Oman Observer; which draws on research by New York University Abu Dhabi and the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology . Key information that stands out: 🐠 Fish size reduction: Fish species in the Arabian Gulf have been observed to shrink by 14-40% at maximum size compared to their counterparts in cooler regions, primarily due to rising ocean temperatures. ☀ Temperature tolerance: The study revealed that fish in the Arabian Gulf have adapted to summer water temperatures > 35.0°C, while fish from the cooler Gulf of Oman struggle to acclimate to these extreme conditions. 🔻 Projected decline in global fish populations: It also aligns with broader projections that global fish populations could decline in mass by 14-24% by 2050 due to the effects of climate change, particularly in warmer, tropical regions like the Arabian Gulf. 📉 Adaptation capacity: Only a small subset (less than 12%) of the species found in the Gulf of Oman have managed to survive in the much hotter Arabian Gulf, highlighting the limited adaptive capacity of many tropical fish species to rising temperatures. Source: Oman Observer Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/didSeV28 Rumaitha is an Omani scientist with nearly two decades of experience in environmental stewardship, specialising in the blue economy - particularly fisheries / aquaculture and sustainable development. #menaoceans #adaptation #marinebiodiversity

To understand the significant impact of rising ocean temperatures on the region's marine ecosystems; we speak to Rumaitha Al Busaidi, about her recent article for the Oman Observer; which draws on research by New York University Abu Dhabi and the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology . Key information that stands out: 🐠 Fish size reduction: Fish species in the Arabian Gulf have been observed to shrink by 14-40% at maximum size compared to their counterparts in cooler regions, primarily due to rising ocean temperatures. ☀ Temperature tolerance: The study revealed that fish in the Arabian Gulf have adapted to summer water temperatures > 35.0°C, while fish from the cooler Gulf of Oman struggle to acclimate to these extreme conditions. 🔻 Projected decline in global fish populations: It also aligns with broader projections that global fish populations could decline in mass by 14-24% by 2050 due to the effects of climate change, particularly in warmer, tropical regions like the Arabian Gulf. 📉 Adaptation capacity: Only a small subset (less than 12%) of the species found in the Gulf of Oman have managed to survive in the much hotter Arabian Gulf, highlighting the limited adaptive capacity of many tropical fish species to rising temperatures. Source: Oman Observer Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/didSeV28 Rumaitha is an Omani scientist with nearly two decades of experience in environmental stewardship, specialising in the blue economy - particularly fisheries / aquaculture and sustainable development. #menaoceans #adaptation #marinebiodiversity

The ocean is home to 250,000 known species & countless more awaiting discovery. Yet, marine species face a triple threat of rising temperatures, acidification, and deoxygenation. Through marine Protected Areas, we can #SaveOurOcean and all life it sustains. But more action is needed. Read UNESCO’s State of the Ocean Report for more insights and data: https://unes.co/qw1xpq

The Global Online Stakeholder Consultation for the UN Ocean Conference 2025, in Nice, France is now open to contributions from non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities and other actors. In preparation for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Conference, the Secretary-General of the Conference will prepare, in consultation with the co-hosts of the Conference, concept papers for each of the themes of the Ocean Action panels, based on the substantive inputs received from these consultations. Contributions will be shared broadly and will be available online on the Conference's website. A summary, including outcomes of the consultation and key inputs/messages, will be prepared by DESA and made publicly available. Deadline for submission: 30 August 2024 #menaoceans #sdg14 #unoc3 #oceanactiondecade Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Ashok Adicéam, Ignace Beguin Billecocq, Jamila El Mir

On the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the Global Mangrove Alliance’s comprehensive The State of the World’s Mangroves report is back with a new 2024 edition! A collaboration of over 100 authors from around the world, it features: * Over 60 case studies and photo stories from field teams and GMA members working hard every day to safeguard their local mangroves. * Information from FAO on drivers of loss and food security. * Findings from the influential new report by IUCN, The Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems, showing the threat that climate change poses to mangroves and the lives that depend on them. * Updates on the Mangrove Breakthrough and policy efforts. * Perspectives from funders on mangrove investment and innovative financing opportunities. * The new GMW v4 map and stories from the field demonstrating how the GMW loss alerts are improving monitoring efforts * New science on coastal protection. * A new fisheries model estimating how valuable mangroves are to support livelihoods and biodiversity. Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/gUrgR-6 #naturebasedsolutions #bluecarbon #conservation #coastalecosystems #mena

Last month, Goumbook had the incredible honour of welcoming 250+ thought leaders, policy makers, sustainable blue economy experts, scientists, researchers and the youth from more than 10 countries to the 2nd Annual MENA Oceans Summit, held under the patronage of the وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, UAE. Looking at the climate vulnerability of our regional ecosystems and advances across science and industry - the conversations brought forth important insights, focussed around the key themes of ocean governance, blue science and sustainable blue economies. Get a glimpse into our sessions and deep dives HERE: https://lnkd.in/dZMm37UV The need for unprecedented regional collaboration frameworks and a look at each of these thematic areas with a cross-sectoral lens as the foundation, was an evident outcome. In the lead up to COP29 and the UN Ocean Conference 2025, we look forward to working with all our stakeholders to drive tangible action through further consultations, research and focussed groups. We thank Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, our Advisory Board and Partners for your leadership in steering this dialogue: Strategic Partners: High-Level Climate Champions Team, United Nations - UAE, UN Ocean Conference 2025 Summit Partners: Fugro, DP World, Strategy& Middle East Knowledge Partners: Roland Berger, G20 CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform), Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Emirates Diving Association (EDA), Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Gulf Women in Environmental Sciences Network Youth Impact Partners: Global Shapers Dubai The MENA Oceans Network is currently welcoming Network Members to join our efforts this year. For more information - please email [email protected].

During Shark Week, we take a look at regulatory efforts in the United Arab Emirates by the وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to protect sharks and regulate the fishing and trade of sharks. The UAE is home to over 80 species of sharks and rays, which the country protects by banning the catch of 27 species; prohibiting harmful practices like finning; sharing specifications for fishing & shark fishing equipment; defining areas in which fishing is allowed; species prohibited throughout the year and seasonal prohibition mandates during breeding periods. Some of the species found in our seas include: - Whale sharks, one of the largest sharks in the world. - Sword sharks, considered one of the most highly endangered species in the UAE. It is well known as part of the local heritage, and has inspired many of the traditional stories across the country. - Hammerhead sharks, whose presence is important to restore the ecological balance in our waters. The Ministry works in cooperation with academic institutions, local authorities and the private sector to conserve them, restore their populations and ensure they are always there for future generations. Follow us, as we bring you more insights on regional policies, sustainable blue economies and blue science. To join the MENA Oceans Initiative as Partners and Network Members - email [email protected]. Goumbook; High-Level Climate Champions; United Nations - UAE; UN Ocean Conference 2025, Nice #sdg14 #biodiversity #oceanaction #menaoceans

*What's the status of mangrove projects and policies worldwide - and specifically in the MENA region?*🌊 🌳 Goumbook are proud to be members of the Global Mangrove Alliance community, who lead through their thought leadership, working groups, resources and best practices shared. Complete the Global Mangrove Alliance's 2024 Impact Stock Take to share your experiences, help measure worldwide progress towards 2030 Goals, and identify and connect viable projects with funding and training opportunities. This could include *your* project! ➡ Get your project seen! Click here (https://lnkd.in/d3t65pQg) to take our survey and learn more. The survey is open through Aug. 31. Available in: English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Swahili, and Hindi. #mangroves #survey #opportunity #funding #menaoceans

Thank you Reem Al Mealla for your support these past 2 years as part of our Advisory Board.

#oceansinthenews The UN Ocean Decade white papers published by UNESCO Ocean are now available to download, with each of the 10 comprehensive documents focussing on a specific Ocean Decade challenge. Each paper highlights the resources, infrastructure, partnerships, capacity development, technology solutions necessary and strategic recommendations to drive collaborative efforts. The UN Ocean Action Decade (2021 - 2030) places science at the core of the paradigm shift, increasing its uptake to inform policy shifts and action roadmaps. Recognising the need to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health to improve conditions for the sustainable development of the ocean, seas and coasts, the Ocean Decade framework aims to deliver ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’. To read the white papers, click here: https://lnkd.in/dPbYteNr #vision2030 #menaoceans #sdg14 Goumbook