Occidental Petroleum of Qatar, Ltd. (OPQL)
Reef Ball Project
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This abstract was prepared by Occidental Petroleum regarding the recent Reef Ball Project. THANKS OXY FOR YOUR HELP WITH THE ENVIRONMENT FROM REEF BALL! |
In the course of conducting the Environmental Baseline Study for the Idd El Shargi Development and Production Sharing Agreement, the Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Department became aware of the local scientific community and government officials' concern regarding the pressures on Qatar's marine environment. Of particular concern was the pressure on the commercial fishing industry, which has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Recent records indicate a downward trend in "landed" fish catches at most of Qatar's major fishing ports.
Further research identified scientific papers published on the fisheries in the Arabian Gulf, which pinpointed the major factors as loss of habitat and increased demand on available fish stock. Several papers indicated that, in addition to improved fisheries management, intensive artificial reef programs would improve habitat availability and diversity, thereby stabilizing the decline and ultimately reversing the current trend.
In 1996, the OPQL HSE Department began evaluating environmental awareness projects that would benefit the local community and one project in particular struck the HSE staff as having significant potential based on local environmental needs. The HSE Department elected to pursue an artificial reef project.
The Reefball Development Group Ltd., headquartered in the US, was contacted via the internet for information about the programs they had developed. The Reefball system uses concrete structures to create marine habitat. Historically, artificial reefs built of concrete did not develop diversity due to the pH and other properties of the concrete itself.
Seawater saturation and certain organisms can rapidly breakdown concrete and, as often was the case, by the time the pH of the concrete had moderated, saturation and biological activity had lead to the structural failure of the reef. The Reef Ball Development Group's design of concrete structures are not only stable on the sea floor, they are pH adjusted and utilize micro silica in the concrete mixture to prevent seawater saturation and structural breakdown. It has been estimated that Reef Balls made with concrete blended for the local environment can last as long as 500 years.
Based on the information gathered, in 1996 OPQL purchased three sizes of Reefball moulds and associated equipment necessary to begin the project. In order for the program to be successful, a local non-profit making organization was identified to act as the project administrator. The Qatar Scientific Club eagerly agreed to sponsor the program.
In May 1997, OPQL sponsored two representatives from the Reefball Development Group to travel to Qatar in order to train members of the Marine Department of the Qatar Science Club in the construction and deployment of Reef Balls. Special concrete blends and additives were identified to 'tailor' the composition to Gulf conditions. With the Reefball moulds and equipment donated by OPQL, the Science Club has already deployed the first Reef Ball artificial reef, off one of Qatar's most visited beaches.
As well as complementing and enhancing programs begun by the Qatar Scientific Club, the Reefball program has excellent potential for a number of other benefits:
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The direct involvement of a large, well established organization made up primarily of Qatari Nationals, ensures the continuing development and monitoring of the program
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The educational potential for primary and secondary schools on the marine environment cannot be understated
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The transfer of the technology to an established concrete industry could have benefits
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Customizing the Reef Balls to attract different species of fish, not only species with commercial value, but also to enhance marine bio-diversity
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The involvement of local Hotels and tourist trade groups could serve to increase tourist trade for those interested in diving on reefs or Eco-tourism. Programs are already operating in the Caribbean with tourist divers involved in the construction and launching of reefs
Reefball Development Group has informed OPQL that we are the first Oil company to sponsor a Reef Ball program. OPQL HSE is excited about future involvement and expansion of the Reef Ball Program in cooperation with the Qatar Scientific Club.
In all, artificial reefs constructed with Reefball technology, with a projected life span of some 500 years, promise to make a positive impact on Qatar's marine environment long after the OPQL DPSA is completed in the year 2019.
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