Musandam (Muscat Daily, Oman, December 2013)

Research organisation welcomes MoAF decision to protect coral reefs in Musandam peninsula Muscat Daily staff writer December 01, 2013 Muscat Also at http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Research-organisation-welcomes-MoAF-decision-to-protectcoral-reefs-in-Musandam-peninsula-2qv4 The new ministerial decision banning all forms of fishing except handline, in two creeks in the coral-rich waters of Musandam peninsula, has been welcomed by the research organisation Biosphere Expeditions. The organisation had spearheaded an underwater research effort and campaign for greater protection of coral reefs. Talking about the organisation’s work in the area since 2008, Dr Matthias Hammer, founder and executive director of Biosphere Expeditions said, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ (MoAF) decision prohibits the use of all kinds of nets and cages, and any other fishing equipment, except handlines. This is a wise and important step in ensuring the survival of this unique marine ecosystem.” A senior official at the Marine Sciences and Fisheries Centre, on whose recommendations such decisions are taken, said that both the Khor Najd and Khor Hablain bay areas are rich in corals, and fishing would destroy them. “Destruction of corals means severe damage to marine life in the area. So this measure not only protects reefs, but also helps in the sustainability of marine resources.” The next stage, said Hammer, is to obtain formal support to extend protection from fishing ban to a full Marine Protected Area (MPA). “Biosphere Expeditions will continue its research, including studying the effects of the fishing ban. It also plans to extend its efforts to conduct comprehensive surveys (including fisheries landings, stakeholder consultations, etc) and a roadmap towards an MPA with the help of available funds and government support.”