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ADOC SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2024  Fish biodiversity survey


               A study was undertaken by ADOC to investigate the biodiversity value of offshore oil and gas wellheads in the southern
               Arabian Gulf, with a particular focus on their role as habitat for fish communities and comparing these with nearby
               natural habitats. The  study revealed that while  wellheads support abundant and diverse communities  of  fish, these
               assemblages are distinct from those occurring in natural habitats.

               At least 10 of the 30 fish species observed in this study were exclusive to wellhead infrastructure, indicating
               that these structures support a unique species assemblage that adds to the overall diversity of assemblage
               types in the region

               This suggests  that  offshore  oil and gas  infrastructure plays an important  ecological  role by providing  habitats  that
               contribute to the marine biodiversity in the Arabian Gulf. Being a critical offshore oil and gas producing region, the
               Arabian Gulf houses over 2,000 wellheads that offer substantial complex, three-dimensional marine habitat, potentially
               serving as artificial ecosystems to a wide suite of marine species.






































               Mubarraz environmental monitoring - Causeway culvert
               Environmental monitoring activities were conducted to assess the exchange of fishes and zooplankton (including larvae)
               through a series of four culvert gaps in the causeway of Mubarraz Island and examine their effects on local water quality.
               Originally, the causeway was a completely closed structure. However, culverts were added to enhance the ecological
               connectivity and water exchange between the two sides of the causeway. Insights from monitoring study pointed out
               the benefits from culverts:

               • major exchange of zooplankton, larvae and eggs of marine fauna between east and west
               • considerable exchange of fishes, shrimps, crabs and drift algae between the eastern and western part of Mubarraz
                 Shoal
               • enhanced habitat connectivity and genetic interchange

               • dispersal and recolonisation

               • maintain population and ecosystem processes.





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