Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has announced the discovery of a new type of soft coral from the 'sea feather' family in Umm Al Sheif Reserve during marine surveys it conducted recently.
The Ministry explained that the scientific team of the Wildlife Development Department monitored this coral at a depth of 20 metres, noting that the new type is characterised by its ability to hide in the sand during the day, which makes it one of the rare marine creatures that are difficult to monitor.
In previous reports, MoECC stated it completed the first phase of the coral reef protection and restoration program in October 2024 after surveying 17 sites in the territorial waters, during which it spotted five species of soft coral two in deep water and three in shallow water along with 40 species of hard coral.
In December last year, Qatar Cabinet approved a draft decision declaring Umm Al Sheif area a nature reserve.
According to the Ministry, Umm Al Sheif area in northern Qatar is characterised by a rich marine environment as a result of the convergence of currents laden with nutrients, making it a rich habitat for marine organisms such as fish, shellfish and coral reefs.
