Bahrain plans to deploy artificial reefs for marine conservation

TDT | Manama                                                                  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is set to deploy artificial reefs in various regions as part of an environmental conservation initiative to protect the local ecosystem and promote the growth of marine life.

According to a tender launched, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture is offering a five-year contract for those interested in taking up the project. The project is an integral part of Bahrain’s efforts to conserve its natural resources and protect its environment.

The artificial reefs will provide a habitat for various marine species, support biodiversity, and help restore damaged coral reefs. The scope of work includes manufacturing, deployment, and installation of high-quality artificial reef materials made of environmentally friendly and harmless materials that are resistant to breakage and have excellent strength and durability.

Historically coral reefs of Bahrain were among the most extensive in the southern basin of the Arabian Gulf. Reports, however, say these reefs have declined significantly in the last four decades thanks to large-scale coastal development and elevated sea surface temperature events.

According to an earlier report by Pubmed, Fleshy and turf algae now dominate Bahrain’s reefs (mean: 72% cover), and live coral cover is low (mean: 5.1%). The report also says that formerly dominant Acropora was not observed at any of the six sites surveyed by the study.

It also says that the offshore Bulthama reef had the highest coral cover (16.3%) and species richness (22 of the 23 species observed, 13 of which were exclusive to this site). Those interested in taking up the work should bid for the project before the 4th of June 2023 with a BD5,000 bond having 180 days of validity.