ASFB Home > Potential Changes in Prey Population Structure Following Removal of Predators by Fishing

Ecology, Importance and Conservation of Coastal Lagoons of the Southern Coast of the Sultanate of Oman

Rajan Anbiah, Alawi Salem Al Hafidh and Ali Rajab Al Mushekhi

Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency, ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Theme: TH5

The Dhofar region of southern Oman has been recognized as one of the most outstanding regional coastal landscapes from an historical, biological and cultural perspective, with the area containing a large number of regionally-important and unique coastal lagoons. These lagoons contain important historical sites linked to the ancient frankincense trade, are important nursery areas for commercial fish species, are utilized by a large variety of migratory wading birds, and are increasingly important as a recreational and amenity resource. Despite the environmental importance of this coastal landscape and the lagoon areas, these unique environmental systems are being threatened with degradation due to the encroaching residential and industrial development, and they require immediate attention. The present study was undertaken to monitor general features such as the physical and chemical nature of coastal lagoons, in view of their ecological, economical and conservation importance. A total of 44 coastal lagoons including mangroves have been recorded in Dhofar, nine of which are now fully protected. The flora is varied according to the salinity distribution in lagoons, from reed mace to mangroves. The fauna includes nearly 40 species of fishes and many macro-invertebrates including crustaceans. In addition, the coastal lagoons of Dhofar are the stop-over place and winter feeding ground for many migratory birds including Phoenicopterus ruber (greater flamingo), Platatea leucorodia (spoonbill), Plegadis falcinellus (glossy ibis), Gallinula chloropus (moorhen) and Fulica atra (coot); ducks, herons, gulls and terns are some of the other birds observed in the coastal lagoons. The socio-economic uses, conservation values, principal types of threats to the environment and resources of the area and their sustainable uses, are discussed in detail as baseline information required to better-protect and manage this unique environment.