Artificial coral reef to boost fish output

This is the largest artificial coral reef in the region in terms of investment, size and expectations and the results will be huge as these reefs will attract fish as we have seen in other parts DR FUAD AL SAJWANI Minister of Agriculture

and Fisheries

An agreement to create the governorate’s largest artificial breeding ground for unique coral reefs in Al Suwaiq was signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with a Korean firm Hae Joo at the Ministry on Monday.

The two-and-half-year long agreement which is valued at RO 2.65 million will, upon its implementation, give a major fillip not just to the Sultanate’s fisheries sector but to eco-tourism and other allied sectors, according to the ministry.

“This is the largest artificial coral reef in the region in terms of investment, size and expectations and the results will be manifold,” Dr Fuad bin Jaafar al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, told the Observer.

“These reefs will attract fish as we have experienced in other parts of the country and the quantity of sea wealth will go up resulting in increased income for the fishermen in Al Suwaiq and elsewhere,” he added.

Measuring 20x7 km, this huge underwater reef farm which will be completed in two and half years is a milestone that has a sustainable impact on Oman’s agro wealth, eco-tourism and environment.

“This significant project involves going into the sea to create a marine farm to gain value for Oman’s fish resources. This has been designed to provide habitats,” says Ryan of Hae Joo Korean company.