EPAA launches project to protect coral reefs

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

As part of annual Island conservation initiatives, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority Sharjah has launched a project focused on the culture and growth of corals of Sir Bu Nair Island. Such initiatives raise awareness of marine coastal environments and address the global phenomenon of coral bleaching. Coral bleaching typically occurs due to changes in environmental conditions.

Increase in sea temperature is the primary cause contributing to death of living organisms and is particularly hazardous to coloured algae resulting in corals turning white. Environmental scientific authorities consider climate change as the greatest threat to coral reefs currently and in the future.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority said the EPAA has made considerable efforts to preserve coral reefs and address the phenomenon of regional bleaching that impacted local areas between 2016 and 2017.

In order to mitigate the impact of past bleaching events, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), in cooperation with the Emirates Marine Environment Group (EMEG), aim to restore coral reefs of Sir Bu Nair Island through the creation of a large-scale coral nursery.  The nursery involves the installation of multiple semi-fixed cages fixed with ropes. Corals are inserted at 5 to 10 cm along the rope by temporarily twisting, moving fragments into rope openings and sealing the rope taught.

Ongoing monitoring of coral survival and growth rates will ensure approximately 94% survival rate of healthy, sizeable corals available for transfer to restoration sites requiring increased coral cover and diversity enhancement. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi stated that uncommon, rare or endangered coral species will  be prioritised for nursery selection to conserve species and enhance site restoration outcomes.

Large-scale coral nurseries are a renowned method supporting the conservation of local species and an invaluable resource to restore damaged reef areas. Future initiatives focused on culture expansion to include 40 species of rare or endangered species as recognized by the IUCN Red List to expand conservation footprint.

Sir Bu Nair Island Reserve is internationally acclaimed, recognised by the International Convention on Wetlands “Ramsar” for its diverse offerings.