Students in Marine Biology, fourth-level students in the Department of Environmental Sciences, and several staff members and assistants in the Marine Biology Department visited Sharmah Reserve on Thursday evening, November 2, 2023, for a scientific visit. The purpose of the visit was to learn about marine turtle species, study some aspects of the reproductive life of marine turtles, biodiversity studies, and the management of natural reserves.
The students received safety instructions and were informed about the objectives of this scientific visit, as well as practical guidelines for studying and documenting the life of turtles, the classification keys for marine turtles, and the behavior of these creatures in their reproduction and egg-laying. Dr. Salah bin Fareejan also provided practical guidelines on biodiversity studies and the management of natural reserves, as well as how to gather information in the study area.
Subsequently, an environmental survey was conducted at the nesting site of marine turtles. During the survey, the students got acquainted with the turtle species. They learned how to take visual measurements of the turtles, how to excavate and locate the eggs, and how to document the traces of turtles crawling on the coast. The behavior of egg-laying and the counting of eggs for several turtles were also documented through video recording. In the early morning of Friday, November 3, 2023, the students received training on some fishing equipment and swimming.
The students were accompanied by Dr. Jafar bin Omar Baamar, the head of the Marine Biology Department, Dr. Ahmed Ali Belkadi, Dr. Salah bin Fareejan, and Mr. Mustafa Baredi.
These activities are part of the plans and programs of the Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology Faculty to provide students with specialized knowledge and experiences and to link the scientific aspect with the practical aspect of the labor market.