September 28, 2005 Doha, Qatar
Doha, Qatar September 28, 2005 – Scientists from Qatar and the UAE this week completed the first-ever joint scientific research cruise to study coral reefs in the Arabian Gulf.
The seven-day cruise, which ended on September 24, was a collaboration between researchers from Qatar’s Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), formerly known as ERWDA, to examine threatened coral habitats in the waters of Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The assessment is part of a three-year project - “Inventory and Mapping: Coral Reefs of Abu Dhabi and Eastern Qatar” - sponsored by Abu Dhabi Oil Corporation Limited and managed by the UAE’s Emirates Wildlife Society and the regional branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The overall goal is to map the reefs and to develop a comprehensive conservation and management programme for coral ecosystems.
Ten scientists from SCENR and EAD have been chosen to receive on the job training during the three-year project period, and the cruise was an important field training session for them.
During the cruise, the Dolphin team and the researchers visited 20 shoals, reefs and islands, with four teams making two diving trips per day – a total of 80 dives. The best coral growth was found on Halul, Sir Abu Nuair, Ras Ghanada, and inside the protected areas of the UAE.
Graham Rae, Vice President QHSE at Abu Dhabi Oil Corporation stated: “The project to study and map corals in the UAE and Qatar is an excellent case of collaboration to protect the region’s environment.
“Dolphin will be transporting natural gas from Qatar to the UAE at the end of 2006. There is coral around some areas where Dolphin facilities are being
constructed – it is a vital part of our environment management program that this coral is conserved and protected in every possible way, for the benefit of future generations.”
Hassan Al-Qasmi, Assistant Director of Technical Affairs, at SCENR said: “During the cruise, the teams studied coral cover, species diversity and level of recovery of degraded reefs. Groundtruthing, or confirming the accuracy of reefs mapped using aerial surveys, was another purpose. SCENR is pleased to have the opportunity to train under experts in the field.”
Dr. Thabit Zahran Al Abdessalaam, Director of the Marine Environment Research Centre of EAD explained: “Abu Dhabi’s offshore islands support extensive reefs that need to be protected against natural and man-induced disturbances. A project such as this is critical for the development and implementation of a management plan to conserve our coastal marine resources, particularly corals.”
Razan Al Mubarak, Managing Director, Emirates Wildlife Society added: “It is our mission to help preserve the precious natural resources that face rapidly escalating developmental pressures. Marine resources are a high priority for the EWS/WWF-UAE conservation programme, and we gratefully acknowledge the generous support of Abu Dhabi Oil Corporation .”
A documentary film of the project, from inception to completion, is also being prepared, including underwater filming of corals and associated marine life.