Study Reveals Qatar's Coral Riches
A mapping of coral reef habitats in the sea around Qatar reveals that Halul Island has the maximum number of coral reef species. The north-eastern island’s waters are dotted with 16 species of coral reefs. The two-year Qatar-Abu Dhabi joint mapping also revealed that this island has the maximum number of live corals in Qatar — 12 different species.
Umm Al Arshan has the second largest number of species. In a single dive, the experts detected 14 species of coral reef in the waters of Umm Al Arshan. Nine species were found at Ras Laffan and eight were detected at Khor Al Odaid.
The coral reef species found at Al Halul include two-year-old Acropora arabensis and five to six-year-old Acropora downingi.
“Halul Island has the best coral growth in Qatar. The deep waters of the island help reduce potential stress caused by unusually warm sea water. The stronger undercurrents in the area also favour the reef deposit,” said Dr Mohammed Alaa Abdel Moati, Marine Environment Head, Ministry of Environment.
