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.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

It will also contribute to the changing environment at the bottom of the sea and develop artificial reefs which are food for small fish. It will also attract larger sizes of the species. The artificial reefs act as shelter for fish and other marine organisms from the water currents and predators.