Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has established 22 coral reefs in the wilayat of Sur, South Sharqiyah, as part of its efforts to increase fish stock and marine biodiversity in the sultanate.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Ismail al Farsi, Director of Fisheries Resources Department in South Sharqiyah, said, “The ministry, in cooperation with Oman India Fertiliser Company, has launched the second phase of the artificial coral reef project. It has the potential to boost local economy and tourism.”

He informed that the project, including manufacture and landing of artificial coral reef units, was implemented with funding from OMIFCO in two phases. In the first phase (2017), 25 units were deployed, and in the second phase, 22 additional units were installed in an area of 80,000sqm.

Of the 22 units, 20 were made of reinforced cement, each weighing 9.8 tonnes and 3.6m in height. “The concrete units were lowered to depths ranging from 20m to 30m. The two remaining units were made of steel, weighing ten tonnes and 8m high each.”

According to Farsi, this is the third project of the type implemented in the governorate, after a number of units were deployed in Sur in 2016. “These projects aim to increase fish stock, provide an environment conducive for fishing and, consequently, increase income of fishermen.”

He informed that the artificial coral reef projects have shown positive results, such as growth of algae, sponges and corals. Ten new types of corals have been registered as a result of these projects.

“The reefs have helped the return of many types of fish – including coffer, Sultan Ibrahim (Pink Perch) and sal fish.”

Elaborating on the ministry’s efforts, Farsi said, “The establishment of artificial coral reefs in the correct way to increase marine vegetation in any area which provide food for small fish that attract large fish, thereby becoming a rich habitat encouraging reproduction and propagation, protected from strong water currents.”

MAFWR has implemented large-scale artificial coral reef projects at 154 sites spread over coastal governorates of the sultanate. Over 14,000 artificial reefs have been installed at these sites so far.