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Dolphin to Conduct Unique Coral Growth Study Publish Date: Thursday,3 January, 2008, at 01:26 AM Doha Time Business Reporter DOLPHIN Energy will conduct the first ever ‘EcoReef’ coral growth study in the Gulf, beginning offshore Qatar soon. The project is being implemented in co-operation with Qatargas. Dolphin Energy has awarded the initial contract to coral experts Continental Shelf Associates International (CSA) based in the United States, who will use unique “EcoReef” technology in the project. Qatar’s Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR), the Ras Laffan Environmental Association and Qatar University have been consulted on the pioneering initiative. Dolphin Energy said World Bank Reef Guidelines are being followed for the study. Unique materials supplied by specialist engineers will be used. The installation will create complex reef habitats using ceramic modules that mimic natural branching corals. The ceramic is non-toxic, pH neutral, food-grade stoneware, and much success has been achieved with the system elsewhere. The ceramic surfaces are unglazed so as to provide a rough surface that will assist young corals to attach and grow. Dolphin Energy CEO Ahmed Ali al-Sayegh said: “These installations slow water currents, shelter the small fish which keep coral clean and alive, and provide the necessary microenvironments for successful coral growth. “Dolphin’s current three-year coral reef mapping project in the Qatari and UAE waters has already shown us the need to regenerate older coral reefs in selected areas. Dolphin is pleased to have sourced a system that will contribute sensitively and positively to the marine environment in which we work.” Dolphin’s project aims in part to determine what levels of species colonisation and growth may occur in offshore Qatar waters. Under the terms of its contract with Dolphin, CSA will also work closely with local authorities to gather, evaluate, and synthesise existing reef information, prepare a detailed execution plan, and conduct field surveys of alternative locations. They will additionally select the preferred site, develop the experimental design, conduct monitoring over the next two years, prepare a final report, and present the results at an internationally recognised conference.
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