Fahal Islands in Muscat is a centre of coral diversity

Exposed rocky shores facing north and east is the hub of soft coral growth, while south and west facing shores contain hard coral growth, for example at Cat Island, Cemetery Bay and Fahal Island.

The Damaniyat Islands, about 17-km offshore, support extensive reef development. Damaniyat reefs are typically dominated by a few genera, but at some sites where the assemblage is mixed, coral diversity is known to be high. Damaniyat reefs provide a diverse habitat and feeding grounds for commercially important fish and a high potential value to Oman’s tourist industry, says Mussallam, who being an active diver has watched coral reefs from close quarters.

Sharqiya coast, which used to be an area of luxuriant coral growth, has only a few reef formations now. Much of the previously luxuriant coral growth was destroyed in a storm a few years ago.

Facts about Fahal island

• It is in Oman
• Fahal island is in the Arabian Sea.
• The typical depth is 0-40 Metres 0-130 Feet.
• The typical visibility is 10-30 Metres 30-100 Feet.