Researchers study Gulf coral growth

Scientists from Qatar and the UAE have completed the first-ever research cruise to study coral reefs in the southeast Arabian Gulf.

The seven-day venture, conducted in collaboration with the Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR) and Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD), ended on September 24. It examined coral habitat on the eastern Qatari coast and off Abu Dhabi.

SCENR and EAD officials told reporters that the goal was to map reefs and to develop a comprehensive conservation and management programme for coral ecosystems.

The assessment is part of a three-year project named