Community Outreach

Science

A large part of the company's scientific support has been given to the study of coral reefs in the southern Gulf. Too little is still known about these delicate and often endangered formations, which are known to play a vital role in the functioning marine eco-systems of these shallow waters.

Dolphin Energy has contributed $500,000 to the World Wide Fund for Nature in support of detailed and original research and mapping of corals over the three year period 2004-7. Its Coral Conservation and Management Project is a study of the distribution, diversity, status and sustainable development of coral reefs throughout Abu Dhabi and Eastern Qatar.

Further studies have since been undertaken into artificial reefs - so as to identify suitable locations for artificial systems within Qatar and possibly the UAE to assist reef rehabilitation. More recent investigations have looked at coral regrowth on a variety of natural and artificial substrate to identify the most suitable practical solution to regenerate coral habitat.

Other programs supported by Dolphin have dealt with turtle protection during construction activities at both Ras Laffan and Taweelah; and technical support for the development of a dugong conservation initiative s within Qatar.