Qatar coral reef at risk from warming seas

Researchers are concerned about the long-term impact of rising temperatures on Qatar's coral reefs as water temperatures last week crossed 36°C.

Doha // High sea temperatures off the coast of Qatar threaten precious coral reefs and have caused mass deaths among some 20 types of fish.

Water temperatures last week crossed 36°C, researchers from Qatar University, the environment ministry and the interior ministry found.

The researchers say there is cause for concern once the water temperatures cross 34°C and they are particularly worried about the long-term impact on coral reefs.

“The coral reef may be affected by the temperature, we don’t know yet,” said Qatar University marine biology professor Ibrahim Al Maslamani. “Thirty-six degrees, this is really too much. It’s really sensitive to high temperatures.

“If the system shuts down it will really be a disaster.”

Coral reefs can be found in several areas along Qatar’s coastline, including the offshore Halul Island, north-east of Doha.

Prof Al Maslamani estimated that “more than 18” species of fish were killed by the high temperatures and a low level of dissolved oxygen in sea waters.

Among the species affected in the past week are Safi, an edible local type of rabbitfish, and Jesh, also known as the Gold Spotted Trevally.

Less mobile fish which swim closer to the sea bed are thought to be most at risk.

Pro Al Maslamani said further study was needed to determine exactly how many species of fish perished.

The work carried out last week from a research vessel included studying samples of dead fish as well as monitoring the sea water to a depth of 29 metres, including water salinity and purity.

The study found that sea bed temperatures reached up to 35.9°C.

Qatar University professor Ibrahim Mohamed Al Ansari said the higher sea temperatures can occur in the region every “two or three years during the last week of August and the first week of September”.

The university has been monitoring fish mortality since the mid-1990s.

Further tests are expected to be carried out in the next few weeks to determine the potential for any long-term damage caused by warmer waters.

It is expected that water temperatures will fall slightly throughout September.

* Agence France-Presse