Al Suwaiq: Situated within the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq, North Al Batinah Governorate, stands the largest artificial coral farm in the Middle East. Spanning an impressive 20 kilometers along the coastline, with dimensions of 7 kilometers in width and varying depths of 15 to 30 meters, this farm is a testament to human ingenuity and environmental stewardship.
Located a mere 4 miles from the shoreline, the farm boasts a rich diversity of coral reefs, herbs, fish, and other marine life, creating a haven for numerous sea creatures.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hadabi, the Director General of the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in North Al Batinah Governorate, highlighted the significance of the coral reef farm in the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq. He described it as a pivotal project undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, inaugurated in December 2019, at a cost of OMR2.6 million.
Al Hadabi further explained that the fisheries department personnel stationed in the governorate engage in diving operations at the farm to monitor the growth of coral reefs and observe the behavior of sea creatures.
He noted that the coral reef farm has contributed to an increase in the stock of fish within the artificial reef area.
Sultan bin Hassan Al Marzooqi, the Director of the Fisheries Department at the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in North Al Batinah Governorate, emphasized the farm's role as an ideal setting for diving and recreational activities. He also pointed out that the farm serves as a critical platform for research and studies focused on artificial reefs and marine life.
It is noteworthy that the coral reef farm in the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq is home to 4,280 artificial reef units, each positioned at depths ranging from 15 to 20 meters.
