Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) has launched a unique project to protect coral reefs in Musandam governorate. It is developing artificial reefs, using palm tree waste, which will help in the growth of corals off the coast of the governorate.

In a statement, EA said that it is a first-of-its-kind project to boost coral reef growth in the region.

‘The project aims to develop and protect the environment of coral reefs. Using palm waste helps as it is a natural material and hence not harmful to marine life. The authority has placed these artificial reefs at five sites in the wilayat of Khasab in Musandam governorate as a first stage.’

The project comes ahead of World Oceans Day, celebrated on June 8. This year, the day will be celebrated under the theme Revitalisation: Collective Action for the Ocean.

Since recognition of the day in 2008, United Nations has celebrated the ocean and its importance to the planet and human beings, while raising awareness about the many threats it faces. ‘As the challenges to the ocean continue to grow, so does the need to understand and mobilise globally,’ UN stated.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has established large-scale artificial coral reef projects in 14 wilayats of the sultanate. A total of 13,906 artificial reefs were grown at these sites from 2003 to 2019. The development of these projects aims to increase fish stock, provide an environment conducive for fishing and, consequently, increase income of fishermen.

The ministry also aims to develop the tourism sector by creating an environment ideal for diving and related tourist activities, besides creating an environment suitable to carry out scientific studies.

In 2019, the ministry inaugurated its largest artificial coral reef off the coast of Suwaiq spread over an area of 20km x 7km. The project, called Suwaiq Marine Farm Artificial Reef Complex, has 4,280 coral reef units. Besides benefitting Suwaiq’s fishermen, it is expected to boost tourism.