First phase of coral reef development project implemented in North Al Batinah

Sohar: The Environment Authority, represented by the Environment Department in North Al Batinah Governorate, has implemented the first phase of the coral reef development project in the Wilayat of Sohar by deploying 100 environmentally friendly marine modules to create new habitats for marine organisms, enhance biodiversity and support the sustainability of ecosystems and fish stocks in the region.Eng. Nasser Hamoud Al Yaquobi, Director of the Environment Department in North Al Batinah Governorate, stated that the modules were deployed at a depth of up to 9 metres below sea level, within a marine area of approximately 20 metres by 15 metres. He noted that the project represents one of the environmental interventions aimed at creating a conducive environment for coral reef growth and the settlement of marine organisms around them. He added that the project's significance lies in enhancing the marine environment, supporting coral growth, contributing to the development of fish stocks, and providing protection and shelter for juvenile and larval marine organisms, thereby promoting their reproduction and growth and preserving the ecological balance in the region. He affirmed that the site will be subject to regular monitoring and assessment to evaluate results and changes occurring during the forthcoming phases.He indicated that the work team will conduct periodic visits to the module deployment site to monitor environmental changes, track the presence of marine organisms and their adaptation and settlement around the modules, and observe coral reef growth. This will enable assessment of the project's environmental impact, measurement of its effectiveness, and utilization of the findings in subsequent phases.He explained that the project is being implemented amid growing challenges facing coral reefs globally as a result of climate change, rising sea temperatures, and various environmental pressures. A global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature published in 2024 showed that 44 percent of warm-water reef-building coral species face the risk of extinction.The module deployment was carried out in cooperation with Sohar diving team and specialists from the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in North Al Batinah Governorate, with support from a number of private sector institutions, within the framework of integrated efforts and partnership among relevant entities to protect the marine environment and conserve its natural resources.The project aims to restore and enhance marine habitats and prepare suitable sites to attract and support the reproduction of marine organisms, in addition to supporting environmental monitoring, surveying, and scientific follow-up, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainability of marine wildlife.It is worth noting that coral reefs play a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity by providing areas for shelter, feeding, and reproduction for various marine species, in addition to contributing to the support of fish stocks, the preservation of ecological balance, and the enhancement of the sustainability of marine ecosystems.