Qatargas has relocated over 12,000 pieces of live coral from nearshore pipelines to offshore protected areas since 2007, including the deployment of over 1,200 artificial reef modules to enrich the local marine environment.
Qatargas presented its marine biodiversity projects to a wide range of stakeholders during a workshop jointly hosted with Qatar University at the Aquatic Fisheries Research Center (AFRC) in Ras Matbakh in February 2023.
Locally fabricated, these reef modules use an environmentally friendly low pH concrete mix; they were installed at recipient sites following comprehensive Marine Environmental Assessments.
Qatargas’ multi-year coral management programme also includes long-term, post-relocation monitoring with handover of all relocation zones to the regulatory authorities for incorporation into Qatar’s protected natural reserve.
The forum provided a unique opportunity to share biodiversity expertise and best practices from environmental and marine scientists, researchers, and practitioners from the Ministry of Municipality, QatarEnergy, Qatargas, Qatar University, AFRC and other key energy sector companies including ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, North Oil Company, Shell, and Ras Laffan Olefins Company.
Qatargas showcased its environmental initiatives dedicated to preserving Qatar’s marine biodiversity, including a range of projects focused on the essential role of coral in protecting the country’s vulnerable coastline while providing a sustainable habitat for vibrant populations of fish, sea urchins, algae, and varied flora and fauna.
The workshop also focused on Qatargas’ collaborative partnership with Qatar University on a first of its kind coral nursery inaugurated in 2021 at AFRC in Ras Matbakh.
The latest insights and results from coral propagation at the coral nursery were presented and discussed with technical experts and the wider audience, including the potential for the Qatargas coral nursery to be utilised as a national coral bank, thereby contributing to future marine biodiversity and coral protection projects, both in Qatar and the region.
