Browse through our coral planting sites around the UAE.
Steel frames are sunk to the seabed, where coral fragments are planted using environment friendly wires and marine epoxy.
The survey process involves an intricate scanning method that determines the existing types of corals, the depth of the sea, the water temperature and salinity, and the quality of sea bottom currents. Our survey gives us a holistic understanding of the suitability of selected coral species whose numbers have decreased due to climate change or bacterial diseases.
As an organization, we have taken an oath to give back to the community and the natural world. Reefs are a crucial part of the marine ecosystem, and the rate it is deteriorating, the consequences will be devastating to the ocean and humanity. Our efforts are pivotal in preventing that, beginning from our UAE’s very own surrounding seas, and eventually extending a hand out to similar reef restoration efforts across the globe.
The UAE reefs are simply a starting point, since the marine ecosystem all around the globe are interconnected. By volunteering for the CRRP, you are taking the first step in safeguarding the oceans surrounding the UAE, and indirectly the rest of the world. In addition, it’s an experience of a lifetime for our volunteers. Just check out their testimonials on our home page!
A variety of corals are situated in the eastern region of the UAE, and it is where you will find the most striking submarine coral colonies. Various species of hard corals are located in this area, including elkhorn and staghorn and soft corals such as gorgonian.
The biggest cause of coral bleaching is due to human-related activities such as pollution, excessive fishing, oil spills, ocean acidification, and plenty more. All of these activities are the main cause of climate change, which is causing a rise in ocean temperatures that directly lead to corals losing out on their algae which they depend for on food, leading to more bleaching. It’s a vicious cycle, and awareness is only the first step.
Some of the corals that are being planted include Acropora and brain corals. We are also currently experimenting with new species that can be planted in UAE waters.
Preserving coral reefs starts with the accurate selection of appropriate locations for planting, followed by continuous maintenance, health-checks, and awareness campaigns about the importance and benefits of corals.
Over the years, there has been an increasing danger to coral’s existence. With the threat of climate change and human interference, we are raising awareness of implementing the best practices to sustain the coral reefs. Ongoing environmental campaigns are also being done to further educate people about the significance of coral reefs and how it is an essential part of the marine environment.
While corals are beautiful to look at, they are very fragile. Avoid touching the corals when you swim because even minor contact can damage or kill them.
The corals are the fundamental basis of the marine ecosystem, for which the coral reefs wouldn’t exist. Coral reefs have many benefits, including the many new treatments and medicinal remedies coming to humans from the sea. Coral reefs also act as barriers, protecting the land from cyclones and other natural threats.
Corals come in various shapes and sizes and come in different species. More than 2,000 species of corals have already been identified, and more are being discovered.
Located on the northeastern coast of Australia, The Great Barrier Reef is home to about 3,000 coral reefs stretching almost 2,300 kilometres! It’s so big that it can be seen from outer space!
These incredible marine species are believed to have existed long before humans. In fact, there is evidence to suggest some corals alike today started growing more than 50 million years ago!
Corals are wonderful to look at, and their brilliant colour is due to the algae found inside them. Colour is the best indicator of their health because a stressed or dying coral will come in white or translucent colour.
Coral reefs make up a small portion of the ocean’s topography, and it is estimated to be the home of around 25 per cent of all marine life on the entire planet.
Corals are more than just home to marine animals. Corals provide various benefits that don’t just benefit the sea but also us humans!
With their deep passion for ocean preservation and dedication to coral reef restoration, our diverse team members form a collective body of knowledge and experience that has been integral to the CRRP’s success. The CRRP progresses to new peaks day by day, and every small milestone brings tremendous excitement to our team members and volunteers.
To date, the CRRP team has firmed up this unique programme to raise awareness on the importance of adopting the best practices in sustainable management and restoration of coral reefs. This is done with the support of expert divers and volunteers across the UAE.
This programme is in line with the UAE and GCC efforts to preserve coral reefs across the region and reflect the UAE leaders’ commitment to sustainability, improving coastal society, economy, and securing generations for a better tomorrow. The team’s motivation to put more effort and passion into their work is the key to the programme’s success. Our community and partners’ efforts demonstrate that we are moving to greater heights in inspiring others to join our cause and make a difference. We will continue influencing people because we should be the cause of change that these corals deserve!
Raised in an environment of avid divers, Saleh started diving at a young age, where he also received his diving certification. His passion for diving motivated him to explore other causes, including saving the coral reefs.
Saleh delivers online courses using his background in Marine Ecology, where he shares his coral restoration knowledge with future generations.
More than just preserving the coral reefs, Saleh is also a marine activist and a member of Reef Check Foundation. He dedicates most of his time to discovering and documenting new coral diving sites.
After working for most of his life in finance, Ahmad realised that this wasn’t for him, and he studied to get a PADI certification. He then went on to make numerous research trips that explored the impact of climate change in coral communities in the region.
Ahmad finds solace underwater, as corals have always intrigued him every time he goes on his weekly dives.
A PADI licensed open water scuba instructor (member number 395588) and Emergency First Responder Instructor, who specializes in deep, wreck, night, and enriched air diving. To make each of his dives extra special, Ahmad captures scenic underwater shots using the latest state of the art photography equipment. In fact, the stunning images on our website are all credited towards him!
A sea lover from an early age, Paul is a PADI Instructor (member number 618162) with over 20 years of experience in technical deep water, wreck, and cave diving, with dives reaching below 470 feet (140m).
Paul’s always been fascinated by corals, exploring reefs located on every part of the planet. He spent more than a decade diving in the Red Sea.
It is also worth mentioning that Paul is the Head of Marketing at Emirates Draw, where he gets to combine his professional and personal values creating a better tomorrow for both the community and the environment!
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