Environment Protection (Sea Mammals)

United Arab Emirates25 January 1996Draft

Although so little is known about Dugongs, recent research in the UAE by the Arabian Seas Expedition has resulted in DNA studies and started a satellite tagging programme, both of which should provide useful information for conservation efforts to be started in the near future. The number of deaths of dolphins in the UAE is a cause for concern. Fishing nets set for sharks and fish are responsible for accidental catch of hundreds of dolphins. Coordinating with the efforts to protect the environment and the harmless sea mammals, the General Postal Authority is issuing a special set , of stamps in three denominations with a Souvenir Sheet. The Humpback Whale: Of all the baleen whales, the Humpback Whale is the easiest to recognize with its dark gray back, dorsal fin, diagnostic white undersides of its serrated tail flukes, and distinctive long flippers. Looking close, you will see characteristic fleshy knobs on the head called tuberosites. Humpback whales are known for their plaintive singing which they , use to communicate over great distances, especially during courtship. Humpback whales are known off the UAE's east coast, and were once present in great numbers. Today, sadly they are threatened with extinction. Humpback Whales are also known to undertake fantastic feats of , breaching sometimes heaving two thirds of its body out of the water.