Coral relocation plan protects marine life

Conducted in partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Khalifa Port’s coral relocation forms part of a series of mitigation measures to lessen the environmental impact from dredging, whilst reclaiming waters that separate the offshore port’s breakwater from the nearby Ras Ghanada coral reef.

Mohamed Eidha Tannaf Al Menhali, port director – Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Championing and protecting Abu Dhabi’s natural aquatic ecosystems have always been key considerations in the ongoing development of Khalifa Port, one of world’s most advanced deep-water ports. Abu Dhabi Ports is committed to driving both local and global initiatives aimed at introducing new technologies and solutions that will protect marine life and limit the impact of port activities on the local environment.”

Rail project ahead

The plan has been unveiled ahead of the construction of a heavy rail terminal that will connect Abu Dhabi Ports’ flagship, offshore deepwater port to the UAE’s future rail network, Etihad Rail.

Under the supervision and guidance of the EAD, certain species of coral will be relocated from Khalifa Port’s northern revetment to its environmental breakwater.

Using several methods of transporting and fixing the coral, the results and outputs of the project will be evaluated, with a view to determine the best methods and mechanisms for coral transfer and relocation.

All data gleaned from the coral harvesting and transplantation will inform a forthcoming technical paper that is set to be published by a marine biologist from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU-AD).