Oman is gearing up to extensively use artificial coral reefs in its sea to increase the productivity of fish stock.
This method would provide a marine environment suitable for the reproduction of fish and other marine life, especially in places with lesser amount of these natural corals. From 2009 until 2013, 5,200 units of artificial reef were sent to various coastal areas of the Sea of Oman, according to Abdullah bin Hilal Al Balushi, director of development and management of fisheries resources at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Oman is working on the idea of using artificial coral reef and has roped in some international players for the project for designing and implementation.
Musannah coast
“This is one of the largest such projects in the region. It will stretch up to 20 kilometres, at a depth of 10 to 20 metres along the Musannah coast. There will be more than one form of these artificial coral reefs of various dimensions, depending upon the depth of water,” Al Balushi said.
The project is expected to begin during the second half of this year and is to be completed within two years. This project will also include training Omanis and equipping them with all the required hardware and equipment to carry out surveys for the development of biological life for farming of artificial reefs on a regular basis, Al Balushi informed.
Arab pyramids
In 2013, there was significant development in terms of the models used which were called locally as Arab pyramids. These reefs were in the shape of pyramids and were heavy, with a height of 190cm. While designing these, the sea bed was taken into consideration. Around 120 units of artificial reefs of Arab pyramid design were dropped in Al Suwaiq and 60 units were dropped in the sea between the Bausher and Seeb coastlines, he said.
The coastal areas of Oman lack places of refuge, breeding and feeding for living fish because of the surrounding terrain. The establishment of artificial reef in those areas is expected to attract fish and increase the biodiversity in the region.
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