Companyasas

Three Year Collaboration with Emirates Wildlife Society/World Wide Fund for Nature and Government Auhtorities

Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 2, 2008 – Dolphin Energy Limited today published a unique research and photographic work, “CORAL in the Southeastern Arabian Gulf.”

The coffee table book entitled ‘CORAL’ describes a pioneering three year investigation of regional coral habitats & status growths, sponsored by the company in the period 2005-7 in partnership with the UAE’s Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF).

The history of the research activity, and its findings – both alarming and heartening – are illustrated and enriched by a large selection of brilliant color photographs.

The book reviews the extensive range of coral reefs lying in Abu Dhabi and eastern Qatari waters. It records and maps the reefs, assesses their condition – and the potential for recovery of the degraded systems – and it explains how teams of national researchers in both Abu Dhabi and Qatar were recruited and trained.

It has been developed from the original regional research project ‘Coral Reef Investigations in Abu Dhabi and Eastern Qatar.’

The project was a highly successful collaboration between the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Qatar’s Ministry of Environment  with technical support from the US based National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI). It was sponsored by Dolphin Energy and managed by the EWS-WWF.

“CORAL” has made use of the extensive findings of the resulting research. Over the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2007, project teams undertook fine scale mapping of the coral, using satellite imagery as well as ground verification, offshore fieldwork, training of scientific personnel, production of a conservation master plan and completion of a definitive coral reef documentary. All these activities are explained and featured in detail.

Dolphin Energy’s CEO, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, introduced the publication. He explained: “Dolphin Energy has been involved in environmental protection of the Southern Gulf ever since the company was established – tracing a pipeline route from Qatar to Abu Dhabi that would avoid seabird colonies, turtle-nesting grounds sea-grasses & coral habitat.

“This book shows the beauties of Arabian Gulf reefs which are very much alive and growing – but it does not shrink from pointing out how regional coastal development is accelerating coral die-off in certain areas, and the measures needed for coral protection.”

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EWS-WWF, said: “The EWS and WWF have worked alongside Dolphin Energy for the past four years in getting this wonderful and vital project off the ground, then successfully completing the task.

“This book captures the essence of our joint achievements – it also confirms that the science and methodology behind this project have been very robust and will produce long-lasting and beneficial results.”

• Download English Press Release
• Download Arabic Press Release