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Dolphin Energy Will Support Offshore Environment With New Artificial Reef Technology
Pioneering Coral Growth Study in Cooperation with Qatar Government
Dolphin Energy Limited is conducting the first ever “EcoReef” coral growth study in the Arabian Gulf, which got under way offshore Qatar in December 2007.
This project is being implemented in cooperation with Qatar’s Qatargas. Dolphin Energy has awarded the initial contract to coral experts Continental Shelf Associates International (CSA) of the USA, who are using unique “EcoReef” technology.
Qatar’s Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR), the Ras Laffan Environmental Association and Qatar University have all been consulted on this pioneering initiative, and World Bank Reef Guidelines are being followed for the study.
Unique materials supplied by specialist engineers “EcoReefs” have been specified. The installation will create complex reef habitats using ceramic modules that mimic natural branching corals. The ceramic is non-toxic, pH neutral, food-grade stoneware, and much success has been achieved with the system elsewhere. The ceramic surfaces are unglazed so as to provide a rough surface that will assist young corals to attach and grow.
Dolphin Energy CEO Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh said: “These installations slow water currents, shelter the small fish which keep coral clean and alive, and provide the necessary microenvironments for successful coral growth.”
He added: “Dolphin’s current three year coral reef mapping project in Qatari and UAE waters has already shown us the need to regenerate older coral reefs in selected areas. Dolphin is pleased to have sourced a system that will contribute sensitively and positively to the marine environment in which we work.”
Dolphin’s project aims in part to determine what levels of species colonization and growth may occur in offshore Qatar waters.
Under the terms of its contract with Dolphin, CSA is working closely with local authorities to gather, evaluate, and synthesize existing reef information, prepare a detailed execution plan, and conduct field surveys of alternative locations. They have additionally selected the preferred site – and will now develop the experimental design, conduct monitoring over 1-2 years, prepare a final report, and present the results at an internationally recognized conference.
Dolphin Energy Limited
Dolphin Energy Limited was created to develop substantial energy projects throughout the GCC and to create long-term economic wealth and new business opportunities for GCC citizens, far into the future.
Dolphin Energy’s major strategic initiative, the Dolphin Project, involves the production and processing of natural gas from Qatar’s North Field, and transportation of the dry gas by sub-sea export pipeline from Qatar to the UAE, which begun in July 2007.
The long term customers for Dolphin gas from Qatar are ADWEA (Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority), UWEC (Union Water & Electricity Authority), DUSUP (Dubai Supply Authority) and from 2008 OOC (Oman Oil Company). Each has signed a gas supply agreement with Dolphin Energy for 25 years.
Dolphin Energy is owned 51 percent by Mubadala Development Company, on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi – and 24.5 percent each by Total of France and Occidental Petroleum of the USA.
Detailed information about Dolphin Energy can be found on:www.dolphinenergy.com
For further information contact:
Mariam Al Badr
Corporate Communications Manager
Tel +971 2 6995500
Fax +971 2 6995578