midaf nature conservation society-news

Examination of the Stranded Dolphin Carcass on the Beach of Ziarat Village, Parsian County

2025-February-22

On February 21, 2025, a member of the Midaf Society in Bushehr reported a dolphin carcass in the village of Ziarat-Parsian, Hormozgan province. Following the report, the head of the Ziarat village council moved the carcass to a safe area to allow experts from the Midaf team to conduct a final examination.
Upon standard measurements, the total length of the dolphin, excluding the fluke, was recorded at approximately 1.55 meters, and its sex was determined to be female. The fluke, which aids in forward movement and buoyancy, was likely severed by a boat’s propeller, possibly contributing to the animal's death.
During the autopsy, parasites known as Braunina cordiformis were found in the dolphin's stomach, causing damage to the stomach tissue. Morphological characteristics confirmed that this dolphin likely belongs to the species Stenella longirostris (Spinner Dolphin). To confirm the findings, the animal's skull was removed and sent to the Midaf team center in Bandra Abbas.
Each year, numerous dolphins lose their lives due to collisions with vessels. To reduce these incidents, it is essential to identify suitable habitats and train boaters and fishermen in Hormozgan Province. Additionally, proper education for tourists on how to observe and maintain a safe distance from marine mammals is crucial.

Struggle for Survival: Rescue and Conservation of the Green Turtle in Bandar Abbas

In a rare and noteworthy event, marine experts at the Department of Environment of Hormozgan Province observed and endeavored to rescue a Chelonia mydas green turtle, again emphasizing the critical importance of conserving endangered species.

Observation of a Turtle in Need
On Wednesday, January 24, 2025, a report regarding a turtle in need of assistance at Shahid Bahonar Port in Bandar Abbas was received. Environmental experts immediately arrived at the site and encountered a turtle urgently needing treatment.

Initial Examination and Treatment
The juvenile turtle, weighing 2,400 grams and measuring 303 mm in carapace length, was assessed by veterinarians and subsequently transferred to the “Midaf” Nature Conservation Society for continued care. The turtle’s carapace was severely infested with barnacles, algae, and bacterial infections, which posed significant challenges during treatment. It was taken to Petland Veterinary Clinic in Bandar Abbas, where Dr. Mohammad Babaei voluntarily initiated its treatment.

Challenges in Treatment and Hope for Recovery
Radiological examinations revealed severe lung infections; however, no foreign objects were found in other internal organs. Despite the less than 5% chance of recovery, the Petland veterinary team, alongside Midaf experts, commenced treatment. The process included daily antibiotic injections, shell cleaning, and feeding through gavage. Initial signs of improvement in the turtle's condition were observed.

Efforts to Revive
After six days of intensive care, the turtle, unable to breathe naturally, experienced severe respiratory distress. On the seventh day, despite several attempts at respiratory resuscitation, the turtle sadly passed away.

Recommendations and Lessons for Better Conservation
Given that irresponsible tourism, fishing gear entanglements, and habitat destruction pose serious threats to this vulnerable species, this incident highlights the need to improve education regarding sea turtle conservation and establish specialized centers for their treatment.

The Importance of Protecting the Green Turtle
The green turtle, scientifically known as Chelonia mydas, is listed as Endangered (EN) in the IUCN Red List. This species plays a crucial role in maintaining habitats like seagrass beds, making their conservation essential for preserving marine ecosystem balance. This rescue story, despite its unfortunate ending, reminds us that the protection of nature and endangered species requires knowledge, collaboration, relentless effort, and unwavering commitment.

2025-January-24

Midaf's presence at the 22nd International Environmental Exhibition: ''Public Participation, Green Economy, Sustainable Future''

2024-December-18

The 22nd International Environmental Exhibition commenced on December 19th at the Shahr-e Aftab International Exhibition Center in Tehran, with the theme "Public Participation, Green Economy, Sustainable Future." This prestigious event featured over 200 industrial, mining, and knowledge-based companies, and was inaugurated by Mohammadreza Aref, the First Vice President of Iran. The exhibition spanned four days and received significant attention and participation.
The booth of the Midaf Nature Conservation Society was highly acclaimed by the public, high-ranking officials, and renowned scholars. This enthusiasm underscores the growing importance of environmental conservation and highlights the effective initiatives undertaken by Midaf.
Prominent officials, including Dr. Shina Ansari, Head of the Environmental Protection Organization, visited the Midaf booth. Esteemed professors such as Dr. Esmaeil Kahrom and Dr. Houshang Ziaie were special guests who explored the latest achievements and activities of Midaf, sharing their insights and suggestions with the organization’s members.
Additionally, students and environmental activists engaged with the Midaf booth, discussing future projects and initiatives. These interactions enhanced public awareness and understanding of environmental issues and fostered new collaborations and expanded networking opportunities.
In summary, the exhibition provided a unique opportunity to showcase Midaf’s objectives, activities, and to attract new supporters and collaborators. The significant presence of both the public and officials at the Midaf booth reflects the organization’s commitment and efforts in marine environmental conservation. By presenting its achievements, Midaf once again emphasized the critical importance of biodiversity conservation and the role of education and awareness-raising.

Whale Shark Carcass Found in Tiyab Estuary: A Wake-Up Call for Marine Conservation

2024-December-11

Following a report from the Department of Ecosystem Protection and Marine Pollution Monitoring of Hormozgan Province regarding the sighting of a whale carcass in the Tiyab Estuary, the Midaf team, accompanied by Dr. Ali Reza Rastgoo and the Minab Environmental Protection Agency, were dispatched to the scene. Upon initial inspection, it was confirmed that the carcass belonged to a whale shark, locally known as "Koli Kar" by the people of southern Iran.
Whale Shark: The Largest Fish in the Oceans
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the oceans, capable of reaching lengths of over 18 meters and weights exceeding 19,000 kilograms. Unfortunately, the caudal fin of this whale shark was likely severed by a ship propeller, a probable cause of death for this magnificent creature. The shark measured 7.5 meters in length, excluding the missing caudal fin.
Threats from Vessel Collisions
These colossal animals, like many other marine species, are at risk of injuries from ship collisions. According to global studies, at least 75 marine species, including whale sharks, are harmed by ship propellers. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for awareness and education on the responsible use of marine vessels and protecting marine wildlife.

**Stranding of dwarf sperm whale Kogia sima (Owen, 1866) on the beach of Naqasheh village, Qeshm Island**

2024-November-02

On Sunday, November 2, we were alerted by the Marine Environmental Office of Hormozgan Province and the Environmental Office of Qeshm regarding a whale stranded on Qeshm Island, in the village of Naqasheh. We traveled to Naqasheh to conduct the necessary investigations.
The stranded whale was a male dwarf sperm whale, measuring a Total length of 2.33 meters and weighing around 225 kilograms. Our examinations revealed that the whale was adult and male. Despite initial reports of bleeding, further investigations showed that the dark substance expelled from the whale's anus was the squid-like ink this species uses to defend against predators such as sharks and orcas. This substance is stored in a sac in its intestines and is released as a defense mechanism.
No injuries or wounds were observed on the whale’s body, and the cause of death remains undetermined due to the lack of necessary facilities for tissue and microbiological testing. Local reports indicated that villagers had attempted to return the whale to the water just a day prior. This action could have been useless to the whale and underscores the need for proper education on the protection of stranded marine mammals. Therefore, raising awareness in local communities about this issue is essential to prevent the recurrence of such ineffective actions.

The second training course on "Protection of Endangered Species" was held with the participation of a group of fishermen, women, and children in the village of Ziarat in Parsian County. This training course was organized in collaboration with the Marine Environment Department of Hormozgan Province, the Midaf NGO for Nature Conservation, and the Ziarat Village Council to raise awareness among fishermen and local communities regarding the protection of endangered species in Parsian County.

During this one-day training session, participants were introduced to topics such as endangered species in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, their ecological importance, rescue and release methods, and the collection and sharing of information with researchers.

The course emphasized the role of local communities in environmental preservation and provided opportunities for questions and answers, allowing participants to discuss their concerns and experiences with experts.

It is hoped that with the continuation of such training programs, we will witness a reduction in threats and the establishment of necessary measures for better protection of these species, as well as an increase in awareness among local communities, promoting the culture of "every citizen as an environmental steward."

2024-october-08

The Second Workshop on the Protection of Endangered Species Held in Hormozgan- Parsian

On the occasion of National Children's Day, the Midaf Nature Conservation Association, in collaboration with the Department of Environment of Bandar Abbas, participated in the Khajeh Ata Sports and Tourism Festival. This event served as an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the importance of environmental protection and biodiversity.

During the festival, a special educational program titled "Birdwatching and Identifying Birds by Their feet prints" was conducted for children, featuring Mr. Ali Karimi, a ranger from the Hormozgan Province Department of Environment. The aim of this program was to raise children's awareness about aquatic and coastal birds and their natural habitats. Participants learned about bird identification methods and the critical roles these birds play in ecosystems.

The program received a warm welcome from children and families alike, fostering a sense of responsibility in the younger generation regarding environmental conservation. The Midaf Association believes that educating and raising awareness among children is key to preserving nature and biodiversity for the future.

This event exemplified effective collaboration among various organizations to enhance public awareness about environmental protection and support the younger generation for a more sustainable future.

Educational Birdwatching Program Held at Khajeh Ata Sports and Tourism Festival

2024-october-09

With the efforts of the Marine Environment Department of the Hormozgan Environmental Protection Organization and the Midaf Nature Conservation Association, a training workshop on the protection of endangered species is being held for fishermen in the coastal cities of this province.

The first session of this workshop took place over two days in Bandar Lengeh, aiming to familiarize fishermen with endangered species (cartilaginous fish and marine mammals), rescue and release methods, data collection, and collaboration with researchers, all in an effort to raise awareness in the local community.

The workshop was conducted in cooperation with the fishing docks of Bandar Lengeh, Kong, Shenas, Boostaneh, Molo, Mohajerin, and Divan.

The Fisheries Department of Bandar Lengeh County, local fishing cooperatives, and fishing communities also participated in organizing this workshop.

This initiative is an important step towards the protection of marine biodiversity and enhancing public awareness regarding the significance of conserving endangered species.

The First Workshop on the Protection of Endangered Species Held in Hormozgan- Bandar-e Lengeh

2024-August-24

Presence of Haleh Ali Abadi, Managing Director of MIDAF, on "Charkh" Program Discussing Dolphins

2024-July-29

The scientific magazine "Charkh" is a prominent television program recognized as one of the oldest and most important scientific shows on Channel Four on international Television in Iran. The program covers current scientific topics and issues from Iran and worldwide, utilizing experts and specialists to provide information about its subjects. In a recent episode titled "Dolphins," the Managing Director of MIDAF spoke about the importance of Cetacean along the southern coasts of Iran, emphasizing the necessity of protecting these species. To watch this episode of "Charkh," click here.