Why are coral reefs important?

Life under the sea is not any less important than life above the sea level and it needs protection too, for it supports the living creatures on the surface of the earth. One among them is probably is the coral reefs which undoubtedly Oman has a rich amount of in its sea.

The benefits of supporting coral reefs are many, according to Yousuf Mohmmed Saud al Hasni, representative of the SME called Qantab Tourism which is engaged in taking visitors to engage in snorkeling and helping them see coral reefs.

"Coral reefs constitute one of the richest reserves under the sea as they protect coastlines from storms and erosion and offer opportunities for recreation," says Yousuf who makes it a point to educate his guests not to hamper this creature. "Do you know, coral reefs are a source of food and new medicines," he asks.

According to a statistics released by Reefs at Risk Revisited (RRR), more than half a billion people across the world depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.

Oman has nearly 14,022 artificial coral reef units distributed at 154 sites in various governorates that help in preservation of its biodiversity.

The Governorate of North Al Batinah had the highest number of 7,992 artificial coral reef units distributed over 89 sites, followed by the Governorate of Muscat (2,661 units at 27 sites), Governorate of South Al Batinah (2,115 units at 22 sites), and Musandam Governorate (1,194 units at 12 sites). The governorates of South Al Sharqiah and Dhofar host the lowest number of artificial coral reef units with 50 and 10 units, respectively.

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources launched the artificial reefs farm project in the Wilayat of Suwaiq, which is the largest farm in the Middle East, with a length of 20 km on the coastline, a width of 7 km, and a depth ranging from 15 to 30 meters. The project includes the landing of 4,280 units of artificial reefs of three different models: The Arab pyramid, the cube, and the steel model.

"Coral reefs are considered a safe environment for the survival and reproduction of many living marine organisms as they are one of the most suitable environments for the reproduction of benthic fish," a report on the coral reefs by the ministry said.

The ministry, along with the law enforcement wings are sparing no stones unturned in protecting, preserving and helping to reproduce them.

"The most detrimental human actions that damage coral reefs are overfishing and destructive fishing, watershed-based pollution, marine-based pollution and damage, coastal development, thermal stress, and ocean acidification," adds Yousuf.

The fact that they create the perfect ecosystem for life underwater, protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast, and the they are means of income for millions of people worldwide cannot be underestimated.