Dolphin Energy Limited will conduct the first ever EcoReef coral growth study in the Arabian Gulf, which will begin offshore Qatar before the end of 2007.
This project is being implemented in cooperation with Qatar's Qatargas. Dolphin Energy has awarded the initial contract to coral experts Continental Shelf Associates International (CSA) of the USA, who will use unique EcoReef technology.
Qatar's Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR), the Ras Laffan Environmental Association and Qatar University have all been consulted on this pioneering initiative, and World Bank Reef Guidelines are being followed for the study.
Unique materials supplied by specialist engineers EcoReefs will be used. The installation will create complex reef habitats using ceramic modules that mimic natural branching corals. The ceramic is non-toxic, pH neutral, food-grade stoneware, and much success has been achieved with the system elsewhere. The ceramic surfaces are unglazed so as to provide a rough surface that will assist young corals to attach and grow.
Dolphin Energy CEO Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh said: "These installations slow water currents, shelter the small fish which keep coral clean and alive, and provide the necessary microenvironments for successful coral growth.” He added: "Dolphin?s current three year coral reef mapping project in Qatari and UAE waters has already shown us the need to regenerate older coral reefs in selected areas. Dolphin is pleased to have sourced a system that will contribute sensitively and positively to the marine environment in which we work.” Dolphin's project aims in part to determine what levels of species colonization and growth may occur in offshore Qatar waters.
Under the terms of its contract with Dolphin, CSA will also work closely with local authorities to gather, evaluate, and synthesize existing reef information, prepare a detailed execution plan, and conduct field surveys of alternative locations. They will additionally select the preferred site, develop the experimental design, conduct monitoring over 1-2 years, prepare a final report, and present the results at an internationally recognized conference. (Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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