29 Aug
2006 - Abu Dhabi, UAE – Researchers studying coral
reefs in the Arabian Gulf have found encouraging
signs that corals in Abu Dhabi and Qatar are regenerating.
According to the WWF coral reef
study, at least 18 out of an original 36 species
of coral found in the region have recovered from
damage suffered due to past climatic events. In
particular, Halul in Qatar and Ras Ghanda in Abu
Dhabi are two areas where the most vigorous coral
regeneration is taking place. Yasat and Dalma
islands in Abu Dhabi have also recorded good coral
growth and high coral cover.
“We are encouraged by the results
of extensive surveys undertaken as part of the
coral reef project," said Razan Al Mubarak,
Director of the WWF office in the United Arab
Emirates.
"Assuming no further disturbances
to their habitat occur, the rate of regeneration
suggests that the entire range of the region’s
coral species would be re-established within a
decade.”
Completion of the report comes
ahead of a scheduled Marine Conservation Forum
to be held in Abu Dhabi from 11–14 September.
Dr Bernhard Riegl, the principal investigator
of the coral reef study, together with a team
of specialists from Abu Dhabi and Doha who are
working on the project, will be key participants
at the forum, which will discuss regional coral
reef conservation efforts.
“Developing region-wide cooperation
among various stakeholders is critical to ensure
effective conservation of environmental resources
in the Gulf," added Al Mubarak.
“The forum is an excellent opportunity
to develop a strategy for regional cooperation
in marine environment preservation.”
END NOTES:
• The coral reef study is sponsored
by Dolphin Energy Ltd., and managed by the Emirates
Wildlife Society in association with WWF UAE.
The implementation agencies are Environment Agency
– Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Supreme Council for Environment
and Natural Reserves (SCENR).
• Emirates Wildlife Society
(EWS) is a UAE environmental NGO established in
February 2001. EWS works at the federal level
and aims to promote the conservation of nature
in the UAE. To achieve its goals, EWS works in
association with WWF, one of the world’s largest
and most experienced independent conservation
organizations. Together, this partnership is known
as EWS-WWF.
Rashmi De Roy, Communications
Officer
