The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has announced the discovery of a new species of soft coral that belong to the “Sea Pen” family, in Umm Al-Sheif Marine Reserve.
The discovery was made during marine surveys conducted by the MoECC following the Cabinet's decision to designate the area as a marine reserve, a statement said Friday.
The MoECC explained that a scientific team from the Wildlife Development Department detected the coral at a depth of 20m.
The new species of soft coral has the unique ability to bury itself in the sand during the day, making it one of the rare marine species that are difficult to spot.
The “Sea Pen” is a unique type of soft coral that thrives in muddy environments and plays a crucial role as a filter-feeding benthic organism.
The MoECC stressed that this discovery underscores the significance of Umm Al-Sheif Marine Reserve as a key site for preserving biodiversity and supporting scientific research on coral reefs and marine life.
It further affirmed the continuation of research programmes and environmental monitoring initiatives to enhance the sustainability of marine ecosystems in Qatar.
