Qatar Turtle and Marine Watch!

Did you know that Turtles nest on various places around Qatar? Are you interested in knowing more about Turtles nesting and hatching and witnessing it? What about exploring the beautiful sea creatures of Qatar and much more! Read on to know more.......

Nudibranch in Qatar Waters

Neile Mcbride a resident of Qatar had a passion to share information regarding Turtle Nesting and Hatching in Qatar. In April 2014 he started a Facebook Group "Qatar Turtle Watch" so that people could share information about the amazing event of turtles nesting and hatching as well as get involved. Details about "Qatar Turtle Watch" can be found at www.rush360.qa

When Neil started the group the feedback he received was overwhelming and never thought it would be big as today. Qatar Tutrtle Watch Facebook group has 2400 plus members and more are joining and sharing information everyday. Neil says, "To be honest, I am happy there are so many people out there who share the same passion"

According to Neil, the type of turtles that are found in Qatar are Hawksbill Turtles. They nest on various sites around the peninsular, but the only one that public have access to is at Fuwairit beach The rest are beaches that form part of private company land.

Picture Courtesy of Entalek

 Find Fuwairit Beach Location at www.rush360.qa  pin your current location and set the radius to above 100KM (all this could be done by clicking the "Advanced Search" button just next to the Search Bar) then do an exact search for "Fuwairit Beach".

Fuwairit Beach

Directions and some tips by Neil with regard to Fuwairit Beach : " Fuwairit beach is very easy to find, simply head north on Al Shamal Road and exit at junction 79 (signposted Fuwairit). Follow the road to the end (just before a small village) and turn left. Travel for approx. 1km (its hard ground so no need for a 4x4) and you will see the car park. It is a good idea to park as far back, and on high ground, if possible as the car park does flood regularly".

So when do turtles nest and hatch at Fuwairit?

 "Turtles nest around May-July, and hatch for about a month or so at the end. The season may vary by a few weeks every year of course, but this is the general period. Luckily there are people who are kind enough to give us lots of information so we are able to pass this on and keep wasted journeys to a minimum. Its not an exact science of course, as nature never has, so we cant issue any guarantees I’m afraid" says Neil.

Qatar Turtle Watch is not limited to online only they do organize and arrange activities and field trips as well. This year they organised a beach clean up at Fuwairit, and helped people find the beach, so that many can witness the nesting and hatching. 

"Its so rewarding to see families and children on the beach and really enjoying themselves", says Neil and he continues,  "This year the wardens and marine biologists had things ready up there for the children. They had plastic trays for them to hold the newly hatched turtles in their hands….an experience I think they will remember for a long time to come. Maybe, in future years, we can expand this and include other activities? Who knows?!" 

 

We asked him what are the problems and harms that the turtles are exposed to over here, and this was his reply. "The biggest problem the turtles face, like all marine creatures, is from pollution. People can help by not leaving their litter on the beach when they use it. Plastic bags pose such a threat to turtles as they can mistake them for jellyfish and eat them. Imagine eating a plastic bag? 

Like we always say….

when you visit the beach please, take only photos and leave only footprints!

Isn't it great to have something like this in Qatar and a nice way to keep the inquisitive kids busy too during the hatching seasons.

Neil has also started a another Facebook Group "Qatar Marine Watch" as a way of expanding the activities of Qatar Turtlewatch to include all marine life. Details could be found at www.rush360.qa 

He started it with a view of replacing Turtlewatch, simply because the name limited their activities somewhat. Neil says, "Sadly, as we had already passed the 250 member mark, we could not simply change the name of Qatar Turtlewatch as the rules prevent it (although I am not a 100% sure why?), My original plan was for this to take over, but now we will run both at the same time so that we can reach a wider audience.

Neil has also started a website  so that they can reach out to people who are not on social media. If you are interested to know more and keep updated you can join the two groups too and yes, witness the next Turtle Hatching and Nesting!

The Rush360 Qatar team would like to thank Neil Mcbride for sharing all this wonderful information with us and we wish him all the best. Here are some Sea Creatures of Qatar that Northern Divers Qatar  happily shared with us! 

Mantis Shrimp