‘Secret Seas’ reveals beauty of Oman’s marine life

The Secret Seas is part of Omran’s efforts to promote the beauty of the Omani marine environment, which is home to rare and endangered fish, turtles and various types of corals

Hassan al Zadjali

Under the auspices of H E Dr Saoud Hamoud Ahmed al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) officially launched the Secret Seas book at the Oman Maritime Exhibition in Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Tuesday.

The central theme of the book is to reveal the beauty of Oman’s marine life and present it to visitors, tourists, and the general public in a captivating format that properly reflects seven years of work by the authors, Paul Flandinette and marine sciences Professor Michel Claereboudt.

This book presents extensive photographic documentation of marine life in various regions of Oman, including Khasab, Daymaniyat Islands, Al Fahal Island, Bandar al Khairan, Masirah, Mirbat, Salalah, and Al Hallaniyat Islands.

Commenting on the book, Hassan al Zadjali, Art and Culture Expert at Omran, said, “The Secret Seas is part of Omran’s efforts to promote the beauty of the Omani marine environment, which is home to rare and endangered fish and turtles, as well as various types of corals.”

Underwater photographer Paul Flandinette explained that the book was part of a larger effort to document Oman’s marine life. “It was a very successful journey of discovery. It was our goal to capture the hidden secrets of Oman’s seas in breathtaking detail for researchers, divers and everyone for a passion for this unique underwater world,” he said.

In addition, he thanked all the authorities and individuals involved for their efforts in the success of this book.

Oman’s unique location and stunning 3,165km coastline overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman makes it an ideal sanctuary rich in marine life.

It is home to 1,600 species of fish, some 20 species of cetaceans and nearly 200 species of corals. As a result of the abundance of marine life, new species are regularly being discovered.

The Omran Group signed the agreement to support and sponsor Secret Seas, which adds a distinctive element to Oman’s marine resources.

This falls within the framework of the group’s effort to support national tourism through several initiatives and projects based on its four main pillars: Economy, society, environment and cultural heritage.