More than 60 marine species were found in the breakwater and artificial reef habitats off the coast of the Barakah nuclear energy plant.

 

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and Nawah Energy Company said more than 63 marine species were found on the breakwater habitats and 35 were found in the artificial reef built by ENEC and Nawah in 2014.

 

Marine organisms in the breakwaters included a variety of species of algae, invertebrate species, species of fish and one species of marine mammals.

 

"The findings of this recently conducted survey reveal that ENEC’s proactive approach to conservation and sustainability is having a positive impact," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive of ENEC. "It is wonderful to hear that a variety of marine life, including endangered species, have been able to settle in the waters around Barakah.

 

"ENEC works closely with EAD to regularly monitor and effectively mitigate any impact the programme may have on the surrounding environment."

 

A restriction on marine activities, particularly fishing, has provided a favourable habitat for species, such as the orange-spotted grouper, locally known as hamour, the near-threatened Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. (The National)

 

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.