Artificial reefs at The Wave, Muscat attracts new Marine Life
June 2014

Muscat, June 2014 : The manmade reef project at The Wave, Muscat, Oman’s lifestyle and leisure destination, has shown substantial progress in its five months growing significantly in size and biodiversity. The latest reports have shown that advancement of the man-made reef which is not only attracting new species but also encouraging marine life to the reef’s surrounding area.

Launched towards the end of December 2013 in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the project has introduced 60 triangular concrete modules to 2 km of seabed between Seeb and Bausher to create an artificial reef effect. Each unit, known as the ‘Arabian Pyramid’, measures 2.5 meters in length and width and 1.9 meters in height, is expected to grow in mass as more species colonize the structure.

Hawazen Esber, CEO of The Wave, Muscat commented: “This project is the first of its kind in Oman and symbolizes The Wave, Muscat’s commitment to the country’s environmental, social and economic development. Our deeply rooted belief in the importance of supporting local communities has led to the selection of the Wilayats of Seeb and Bausher as both lacked ocean habitat and are set to benefit from increased marine life as the surface area of the reef increases and more species move into the area. Regenerating the seabed by bringing marine life back to our shores, the reef will become a site of great significance to the local fishing communities and other fishing enthusiasts in the Wilayats.”

Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Mazroui, Director-General of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, said, “The development of aquatic life is already ahead of schedule and shows that we have achieved the level of growth usually expected after six months. The flora and fauna living on the artificial reefs will support an evolving food chain and promote sustainable growth in these areas, which in turn will lead to larger catches and positively impact local fishing industries.”

He added, “Fisheries activities facing various challenges among them has increased fishing efforts specially in the narrow coastal zone, thus we look forward for the artificial reef to increase fish harvesting in the Sultanate which has been in decline, and the establishment of an artificial reef will help increase levels of marine life in our seas as well as provide valuable data to monitor fish populations and breeding patterns. We extend our sincerest gratitude to The Wave, Muscat, for their commitment to this project, which will preserve the natural environment and contribute to development of local fishing industries and employment opportunities. The reef will lead an ocean revival, transforming a previously-barren seabed into a thriving underwater community and develop Oman’s sustainable fishery resources while accomplishing the planned partnership between government and private sector institutions.”

Ryan Paik, General Manager of Haejoo Oman Branch, said, “Our initiatives start with a strategic site survey to investigate the site condition and target species of fish. Based on these findings we introduced a custom-made purpose-built artificial reef that occupies over 4,000 square meters that offers ideal breeding ground for fish and other marine creatures for over 40 years. The modules have been designed specifically for the underwater terrain in Oman to develop into a marine farm that will boost fisheries biomass exponentially by providing a new marine habitat for sea life.”

The reef is now completely covered and home to increased stocks of juvenile and reef fish. The different light, shade, texture and water flow patterns created by the reef has enticed barnacles, crustaceans, plankton and algae, while providing shelter for smaller fish, establishing a breeding zone for larvae and growing into a sustainable marine farm.

Artificial reef projects around the world have transformed areas of low marine biodiversity into ecological hotspots by providing complex environments and generating an enormous increase in fish populations. The reefs can deliver thriving fishing areas in places where none previously existed and provide new areas for snorkeling and diving which in turn, contributes to local tourism and creates new employment opportunities.