oapgrc newsletter marine 23-3-2… · considering kingfish fishery are as follows: firstly,...
TRANSCRIPT
For private circulation onlyTRANSFORMING GENETIC RESOURCES INTO VALUE
The Future of FishingProtecting Oman’s Coral ReefMarine Phytoplankton Guide PublishedOmani Kingfish Study
OAPGRCNewsletter
Q1 2017
content
Edition 5
connect with us
@oapgrc
4 Editorial
6 Stakeholders’ Views on Management Arrangements:
A Case of Kingfish Fishery in the Sultanate of Oman
8 Chitosan-Zinc oxide Nanoparticle Composite Coating
for Active Food Packaging Applications
10 Under the Microscope with Dr. Hussein Al Masroori ,
Dr. Michel Claereboudt & Haitham Khamis Al Busaidi
20 OAPGRC News
5
EditorialDear Readers
Welcome to this Q1 edition of the OAPGRC Newsletter.
We have an information packed and marine focused edition for you that includes two in-depth interviews – the first with Dr Hussein Al Masroori, Assistant Professor, Department of Marine Science & Fisheries at Sultan Qaboos University.
Dr Al Masroori talks to us about fish stocks, pollution, climate change, overfishing and acidification. He also gives us his thoughts on developing Oman’s aquaculture industry, opportunities and risks.
Our second one-on-one is with Dr. Michel Claereboudt, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean, Postgraduate Studies & Research, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University. The focus of this interview is the state of Oman’s coral reefs.
The Paris Agreement, if enforced, suggests Dr. Claereboudt may help the long-term survival of corals but unfortunately, he believes, the state of coral reefs will get worse before getting any better.
He points out that the global situation of the oceans in general and the Indian Ocean in particular result from very slow processes. The ocean-atmosphere interactions are massive flywheels and if we today stopped all additional CO2, things will continue to worsen for at least 25 years before we could even begin to see a slow-down of changes. An alarming situation that demands our immediate attention.
We have included an intriguing kingfish fishery article by Abdullah Hilal Al Balushi, Shekar Bose and Anesh Govender, scientists from OAPGRC and the College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University.
Today, Oman’s fisheries sector is at the core of the sultanate’s economic development agenda, and accordingly it is expected to play a vital role in the enhancement of the country’s socio-economic welfare, including food security. In this context, the article explores Oman’s progress towards achieving long-term sustainability in the fisheries sector.
There is also a great story on the recent publication of OAPGRC’s Marine Phytoplankton Guide to Oman’s Waters. This is the first phytoplankton guide to Oman’s coastal waters and is the result of an extensive six-year scientific study. Be in no doubt, the guide is of significant international importance, a publication we can all be deeply proud of.
A round-up of our recent events and activities is also included.
I hope you enjoy reading this OAPGRC Newsletter. We are always looking for ways to improve our communications and appreciate any comments you may have - please send any feedback [email protected]
Happy reading!
Dr. Nadiya Al Saady Executive Director Oman Animal & Plant Genetic Resources Center
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In the Sultanate of Oman, the fisheries sector is at the core of the economic development agenda, and accordingly the sector is expected to play a vital role in the enhancement of the country’s socio-economic welfare, including food security. In this context, progress towards the achievement of long-term sustainability in the fisheries sector is of paramount importance. Although the development plan for the sector projected average annual growth of 5.6% by 2020, high-value fish species such as kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson) have been experiencing a prolonged period of high fishing pressure. For instance, landings of kingfish have indicated a marked reduction (about 8.2% per annum) during the period 1988-2011. The decline in landings has caused legitimate concern among policy makers, scientists and fishers about its possible socio-economic consequences. Further reasons for considering kingfish fishery are as follows: firstly, kingfish is one of the most popular species in the traditional diet of the Omani people and fishery provides significant employment and income opportunities to the traditional fishing community in Oman; secondly, a considerable amount of scientific research has already been conducted on this species in Oman and the information generated through these research activities is of particular use in developing operational objectives with appropriate indicators and management options; last but not least, the shared and migratory nature of kingfish stocks.
Considering the overexploited status of the kingfish fishery the main objective of the paper is to elicit primary and secondary stakeholders’ views on the key issues pertaining to the effective management of fisheries in Oman. This type of participatory approach not only helps broaden decision makers’ understanding of stakeholders’ perceptions and attitudes, but also provides the basis for improved management through knowledge integration, fosters co-operation through the development of mutual respect, and promotes regulatory effectiveness by reducing the extent of non-compliance. The objective of this paper is achieved in two steps.
Stakeholders’ Views on Management Arrangements: A Case of Kingfish Fishery in the Sultanate of Oman
Abdullah Hilal Al-Balushi1, Shekar Bose2, Anesh Govender3
1Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center2/3College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences,
Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
To see the paper in full, please click on this link:http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/nr.2016.75022
Figure 2. Landings (ton) and gross value (RO ‹000) of kingfish for the period 1988-2011. 1 RialOmani (RO) ≈ USD 2.59.
First, following the literature, a simple objective-driven management plan for the fishery was drafted that encompassed the key dimensions of sustainable development. Second, the plan was communicated with the primary (i.e. fishers) and secondary (i.e. fishery managers and scientists) stakeholders with the purpose of eliciting their views and preferences, and obtaining their evaluations.
The study shows that there was consensus from stakeholder groups that the current stock condition is not biologically sustainable. It is found that fishing effort control and technical measures are preferred to catch control by both groups. The role of mass media and the traditional institution in communicating fisheries issues are found to be insufficient. Although the overall rating on the comprehensiveness of the proposed plan is promising, there are significant differences between the two groups with regard to legislative arrangements (χ2 = 24.793, p-value = 0.000), management goals (χ2 = 16.206, p-value = 0.001), operational objectives (χ2 = 19.884, p-value = 0.000), performance indicators (χ2 = 15.524, p-value = 0.001), and measures (χ2 = 13.483, p-value = 0.004).
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Microbial contamination is one of the most common problems in food products which can lead to quality deterioration and reduce shelf life of products. Packaging provides some level of protection to food products from external and internal unfavourable conditions. Antimicrobial packaging offers enhanced protection to products by the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into the packaging film in order to inhibit microbial growth and extend the shelf-life of the product. In this technology packaging materials are coated with antimicrobial agents leading to the death or inhibition of microbial growth on food surfaces. Polyethylene (PE) is the most frequently used polymer film for packaging, as it offers the advantage of being inert. PE has relatively high gas permeability, lower sensitivity to oils but poor odour resistance and does not possess antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial PE films can be prepared by the modification of film surface with coatings. Coating of plastic films with a polymer based solution is an inexpensive method often leading to a higher stability and adhesiveness of attached antimicrobial molecules.
Chitosan (1–4 linked 2-amino-deoxy-β-D-glucan) is a well-known biopolymer that could inhibit the growth of wide varieties of fungi, pathogenic bacteria and spoilage microorganisms. It has widespread application in biomedical, chemical and food industries due to its antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, high water permeability, low toxicity and susceptibility to chemical modifications. Chitosan is obtained through alkaline deacetylation of chitin, which can be extracted from a variety of crustacean shells. In food industries, chitosan has been extensively used for direct surface coating of meat and fruit products to reduce food deterioration and water loss, as well as delay in the ripening of fruits.
Chitosan-Zinc oxide Nanoparticle Composite Coating for Active Food Packaging Applications
Laila Salim Al Naamani
Ministry of Municipalities and Water Resources,
PhD student at Sultan Qaboos University,
department of Marine Science and Fisheries
In our study, chitosan was extracted from crab shells collected from Omani fish markets. Chitosan samples were modified by the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles to improve its mechanical and biological properties. This chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite was coated on polyethylene films in order to fabricate antimicrobial packaging. The idea of this modified packaging is that when microorganisms come in contact with the packaging, they are killed. Our results showed that while chitosan coating provided an effective antimicrobial defence against S.enterica, E.coli and S.aureus, chitosan-ZnO nanocomposite coatings fully inhibited growth of the pathogens after 24h incubation. The effect of these nanocomposite coated PE films on food preservation was assessed using Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The results showed reduction in bacterial and fungal growth in the treatment samples compared to the control. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that PE coating with chitosan-ZnO nanocomposite is a promising technique to prevent microbial growth and it can be used as an active food packaging to prolong shelf-life of packaged food. Finally, the results of our work showed that crab waste materials can be converted into industrially beneficial products.
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Under theMicroscope
Q: Can you tell us a little about your background, how you became interested in fisheries and your current research?
A: Although I was born and raised in the interior of Oman, I was always drawn to the ocean. When I got to Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), I was able to learn how beautiful marine life really is and this beauty was more than enough to convince me to select Fisheries Technology as my major. Thus began a long journey of knowledge, challenges and opportunities. I stayed on at SQU after my BSc to do a Masters in Marine Science and Fisheries, before moving to the Australian Maritime College at the University of Tasmania to pursue a PhD. Since completing my doctorate, I have been working as Assistant Professor in the College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences at SQU and in 2011 I served as Head of the Department for Marine
Science and Fisheries for a three year period.
Q: Today, large areas of the coastal seabed resemble a desert - the seas have been expunged of fish using increasingly efficient methods such as bottom trawling. What can be done to counter this?
A: It is true that bottom trawling has high catching efficiency, but it also has a high negative impact on the seabed, specifically on the seabed of coastal waters – something that compels us to act. Technically, it could be improved to be more selective but even then it would still impact on the seabed. The sultanate has recognised this problem and demersal trawling was banned by a ministerial decision issued on May 2009, which was effective as of June 2011.
Q: Fishermen should be given responsibility over the fish they hunt – they have a vested interest in seeing stocks improve. How do we help them achieve this?
A: To implement this strategy, we need to change the “open access” management approach which causes “the tragedy of the commons” condition. This might happen, for example, by introducing a quota system - a right-based management system - which I think is difficult to implement in the Sultanate at this present time due to limited monitoring and enforcement programs, low levels of awareness, socio-economic implications, the difficulty of share allocation decisions and so on, at least at the artisanal end of the sector.
Dr. Hussein Al Masroori Assistant Professor
Department of Marine Science & Fisheries
College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences
Sultan Qaboos University
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Q: In severely depleted zones, the only way to restore fish stocks is by introducing protected reserves where all fishing is banned. Is this really practical?
A: Introducing reserves or a Marine Protected Area (MPA), in principle, is an excellent idea. In fact, the goal of allocating and protecting 10% of coastal marine areas by 2020 was suggested at the Convention on Biological Diversity. It would help considerably in conserving stock as well as protecting habitats and ecosystems. However, to properly address the issue of stock collapse we first need to find out its exact causes. Without a doubt, introducing MPA is a must if degraded fishing ground is what’s behind stock collapse, but if the reason is, for example, high fishing activity, MPA will only be able to protect a limited area and, in most cases, not stock itself, as the activity will simply be moved to other areas. Basically, MPA is an excellent solution for severely depleted zones but is improved when combined with
other cause specific measures.
Q: With overfishing, pollution, climate change and acidification, what changes, if any, are you seeing to Oman’s marine ecosystem?
A: Overfishing, pollution, climate change, acidification and indeed some other threats are challenges we face here in Oman with their effects on our marine ecosystem overriding Mother Nature. We are seeing alteration in species composition and abundance, changes in habitats and ecosystems and so on to a degree where humans can barely do anything about it.
In essence, we face two types of threats – global and local. Climate change and acidification are global threats and are not limited to one country. However, local threats such as pollution cause, and contribute to, these global threats. And locally, we see too that overfishing is happening along some of Oman’s coastal areas and, as is clear from fisheries statistics, particularly for high value fish. Monitoring, enforcement, education and awareness play their part in reducing the impacts of local pollution and overfishing. But, in my opinion, to be really effective, resource conservation and environmental protection must be a priority and not an objective of the sustainable development that we are working towards. It is worth noting here that MPAs are certainly a valuable approach for marine ecosystem conservation.
Q: Already, more than half the fish we eat comes from farms. What are your thoughts on developing Oman’s aquaculture industry? What are the opportunities and the risks?
A: Most fish production comes from wild fisheries not from farms although we expect that the contribution of aquaculture will increase and eventually take over that of wild fisheries.
Aquaculture is an industry that both contributes to food production and reduces the pressure on natural resources, therefore enhancing food security. On top of that, it diversifies sources of national income, contributes to the national GDP, provides employment opportunities, and enhances natural fish stocks. It also offers possibilities for education and research and supports tourism.
Oman plans to develop aquaculture, and is currently setting up the appropriate regulations and structure for their monitoring and enforcement, enabling it to make a substantial contribution not only to production, but also to the economy and employment.
Q: What does the future hold for responsible artisanal fishing in Oman? And is there a need to promote and revitalize local artisanal fishing knowledge?
A: Unfortunately, it is obvious that some of the younger fishermen lack awareness of resource conservation and environmental protection. They don’t follow the Sunat Al-Baher, the Code of the Sea, and the main tool for managing fisheries before the formation of central government. The illegal presence of foreign labour is aggravating this problem. There is clearly a strong need to revive the traditional Code of the Sea, not only infusing it into the hearts and souls of our fishermen but also incorporating it, when and if possible, within the current modern fishing regulations. Happily, this is something the Ministry is actively addressing through local fishing committees in each coastal Willayah and
through the documentation of traditional rules and regulations.
Q: Currently, about 4% of the world’s oceans are protected, although by 2020 the international community has agreed to raise this to 10%. Is this level of protection enough?
A: This question made me think of a recent discussion about MPAs circulated in the Collaborative for Food from Our Oceans Data network.
Although the Convention on Biological Diversity targeted 10% of the world’s oceans as MPAs, in September 2016 members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress called to increase the area to 30% by 2030. This was based on a variety of research supported arguments showing that protecting at least 30% of the ocean would conserve biodiversity, and support both fisheries and human wellbeing. Bearing in mind the dilemmas and uncertainties we face in fisheries, the need for more MPAs is essential. It is worth noting that more area means a greater financial and administrative burden, along with more restricted access for humans. I think, however, we really need to face up to the fact that what is most important is not so much the size of the area we designate for protection but the effectiveness of its enforcement.
Q: Oman’s fisheries industry is thriving. However, it suffers from a poor public image. How do we change that and attract more Omani youth into this important sector?
A: I think the poor public image of fishing only exists among non-coastal communities. Coastal communities, on the other hand, have a healthy respect for the fishing industry as is indicated by the growth rate in the number of fishermen, as shown by fisheries statistics. The small and limited artisanal fishing boats make fishing a very tough profession, limiting the offshore expansion of the industry. To combat this, we need to encourage investment in large scale and offshore fishing. Making the fishing industry more comfortable will definitely attract more young Omanis
to this important sector.
Q: Finally, what is the one thing you’re excited about in the fisheries sector today?
A: Simply, it is its sustainability, which affords a very reliable source of food security, income, and employment along with a myriad of other potential opportunities for the country.
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Q: Can you tell us a little about your background, how you became interested in marine biology and your current research?
A: I studied agronomical Engineering at the Free University of Brussels but when invited by my “Invertebrates Zoology” professor to do a PhD in Marine Ecology, I focused my research on the ecology of coral reefs and have been studying coral communities for the last 25 years.
Q: Can you explain the value of Oman’s coral reefs?
A: Giving a value to coral reefs and coral communities is a complex exercise, particularly when the value has to be quantified in terms of monetary value. A study of this quantification has not yet taken place in Oman or elsewhere in the region. Typically, the values of coral reefs and coral communities belong to several categories:
Goods: These are things that we can actually extract from the reef themselves. It may be fish, but also pearl oysters, chemicals for research and medical treatments, fish and invertebrate for aquaria. These are probably the easiest to quantify.
Services: These are the things that reefs do and from which we benefit in various ways. We can include for instance:
• Protecting shores and the creation of sand. Maintain diversity and a large genetic library (corals form not only the reef itself but the environment in which other species develop and diversify);
• Providing an environment for juvenile fish (nurseries) of exploited species;• Providing larvae to other reefs in the region, genetic material for coral resilience• Sequestration of CaCO3 (CO2 sinks);• Information services (climate record, pollution record for instance); and• Social and cultural services; beauty, inspiration for art and supporting recreation.
In some reefs these services have been valued and sums can be large - millions of dollars per year per ha.
In Oman, there is great potential value for new species, definite additional values for unicity and rarity, increased value for endemicity, large potential for non-extractive goods such as diving, boating and snorkeling.
Q: All over the world, reefs are being killed off to such an extent that the question is not whether things will get worse but whether we will lose them entirely. Is this an accurate assessment?
A: Coral reefs live in environments dominated historically by few variations. The nature of their symbiotic relationship with microalgae (the zooxanthellae) makes them quite sensitive to changes in temperature, in light availability and in nutrients. In addition, the fact that they rely on a calcium carbonate (limestone) skeleton they progressively secrete as they grow makes them particularly vulnerable to the acidity of the marine seawater which is a direct function of the carbon dioxide dissolved in the water. In brief, the overall change in atmospheric temperature and CO2 have a dramatic effect on the growth and survival of corals. When these changes are also associated with increase in sedimentation due for instance to coastal constructions, damage by fishing or by diving and increasing depth by an overall increase in the levels of the oceans, the future of coral reefs worldwide is seriously at risk. Even when we stop producing more CO2 the acidification of the ocean will keep its pace for tens of years, temperature and ocean level will keep increasing. I believe with many other reef scientists that reefs will survive but not with the diversity, structure and complexity they showed 20 or 50 years ago. These reefs are gone. Many reef communities worldwide have already shown what is known as a “phase shift” in which different organisms dominate the community. In the Caribbean, algae have replaced corals in many places, in Oman, soft corals and in some cases sea anemones, are progressively replacing corals in several damaged reefs.
There is a small island of hope in this ocean of gloom: the corals in the region seem to be well adapted to increased temperature and may provide a source of genetic material to save the corals in other places. We have to be realistic though, there are less than 40 species of corals in the Gulf, whereas there are more than 700 worldwide.
I remain somewhat optimistic but clearly the best time for coral reefs is not in the future.
Q: Coral reefs are under threat by greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) emissions, which increase ocean acidity and temperature. Both of these inhibit and destroy coral reefs. What can be done to reduce this threat?
A: There is little we can do to protect the reefs from global climate change. In Oman, they have survived temperature that would have killed corals almost anywhere else and I believe that they may survive, or at least some may survive the stress of both temperature and acidification. The challenge will be to allow them to spend as much energy as possible surviving these external stressors by removing as much as possible the local stressors (sedimentation, fishing nets, pollution, etc.).
Like many biological systems, coral reefs are quite resilient and their destruction results from a combination of stressors adding to each other, sometimes synergistically. We can give the coral a fighting chance by protecting them from additional stresses. Reduce fishing on or near reefs, educate divers and fishers on their possible roles in damaging reefs for instance, removing excessive predators such as the crown of thorn starfish, Acanthaster planci.
Dr. Michel Claereboudt Associate Professor and Assistant Dean
Postgraduate Studies & Research
College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences
Sultan Qaboos University
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Q: The Paris Agreement - the strongest global commitment to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases – became international law on 4 November 2016. What impact will this have on protecting and sustaining coral reefs?
A: The Paris Agreement, if enforced, may help in the long-term survival of corals but unfortunately, I think that corals will get worse before being able to get better. The global situation of the oceans in general and the Indian Ocean in particular result from very slow processes. The interactions Ocean-Atmosphere are massive flywheels and if we today stopped all additional CO2, things will continue to worsen for at least 25 years before we could even start to see a slowing down of the changes.
Q: How do we bridge science to policy and increase regional as well as international co-operation and co-ordination for marine resource protection?
A: I think we have to see economic development as a long-term goal in which the concept of sustainability is directly entrenched in the process. One of aspect of this was presented in Q2 with the idea of valuation. We need to talk to decision makers and industrialist and of course the public with a vocabulary everyone understands. Ecosystems provide services, so far, nobody has ever paid for using these services but that does not mean they are free. It can be allowed to modify an ecosystem, but his modification has a cost and the person, government, industry operating the change should be able to pay for that change. Paying to whom is the question?
One of many possibilities is the creation of networks of MPAs. MPAs have been shown to be quite effective in maintaining a large proportion of the values of coral communities and even to impart to neighbouring areas increased values by exporting some of its benefits. Good network of MAPS favour resilience throughout the network and show synergic effects across borders. There are also possibilities of unique management areas in terms of fisheries - coral reef fisheries in this case - with mechanisms similar or identical across country borders.
Q: The vast majority of coral scientists agree that the long-term future of coral reefs depends on solving the CO2 emissions crisis. What are your thoughts on this?
A: I agree entirely. CO2 has two main effects in the oceans: increased temperature and acidification. Both affect corals. A recent study at AIMS in Australia has shown that increasing temperature alone would affect corals but would probably lead to survival of at least some functionalities. The same was true for acidification. The problem as that when both are present, corals die and are replaced with low diversity algal dominated system.
Q: Ecologist, Roger Bradbury provided a bleak outcome in an opinion piece for the New York Times, saying: “There is no hope of saving the global coral reef ecosystem.” This is a controversial claim, what are your thoughts on this?
A: I tend to agree as well. We have already lost 40% of the coral reefs of the world and several additional percent are lost every year. I think that some pockets of reef may survive, but that generally speaking coral reefs are now an ecosystem of the past. Several studies place the end of coral reefs not in our children’s lifetime but in ours: in 20 years for some estimates.
Q: What action can the public take to help protect Oman’s coral reefs?
A: The actions are multiple. Pressure the government for an increased protection of existing MPA, for an extension of the MPA to all coral communities. To ensure that if corals are destroyed, other areas with similar communities are protected for the long- term (MPA). To develop a management of coral communities through a national strategy for monitoring and protection. Stop buying fish fished from coral reefs (angel fish, butterfly fish, small groupers). Reduce their carbon footprint - every little step counts.
Q: Finally, what is the one big change happening in your area of research that excites you?
A: Recent genetic analysis of corals has completely overturned the taxonomy of corals. Families have been created, others are fused, Genera have been removed, other created. Although the species themselves have not changed, their organization and phylogenies are completely different now in comparison to ten years ago.
Tools for mapping coral communities are developing very fast. Twenty years ago, it took me around three months and hundred of dives to map completely, at the colony level of section of reefs that was 10x25m. To do the same now would require around 50 minutes using high resolution underwater video camera. New tools, using 3D photogrammetry, allows us to even recreate the 3D shape of the coral reefs, even possibly to have 3D printing of the reef.
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Q: What is your job title?
A: I’m OAPGRC’s Monitoring & Data Collection Specialist
Q: Briefly describe your job?
A: I help prepare and implement field surveys as well as monitor and record the necessary observations and related data for the Center’s genetic resources programs.
Q: What encouraged you to choose to be a marine biologist?
A: Oman is blessed with long beautiful beaches that straddle ofthe shores three different seas, supporting the diversity of environments and marine organisms. When I was young, my father took me fishing, swimming and snorkeling, introducing me to the marine wonders of Oman’s waters. I’ve never looked back.
Q: What does your average OAPGRC day look like?
A: At OAPGRC I collect a variety of marine data from government and private organizations and enter them into the national database - Oman Biodiversity Information Platform. I also help lead the Center’s many education and awareness outreach activities.
Q: What are the benefits of being a marine biologist?
A: The benefits of being a marine biologist never end. Studying and identifying different marine organisms, recording information, managing a marine wildlife preserve, extracting bioactive medicines form marine organisms and running DNA sequencing. I’m also involved in organizing domestic as well as international coastal field trips to study marine animals, plants and microbes in their nature habitat. It is a very busy and satisfying career.
Q: What first got you interested in the ocean and your start as a marine biologist?
A: My passion is marine biodiversity and marine databases.
Q: What is so fascinating about animals that would make you want to study them? What specific area does your research concentrate on?
A: Marine organisms have enormous value if exploited sustainably. My research focuses on collecting marine organism data and building a national database platform. This important work helps protect our marine life from extinction, something I am very proud of.
Q: What would you say is the most pressing issue you face as a marine biologist today?
A: Probably the most pressing issue facing marine biologists today is overfishing. It is an issue that deserves serious attention.
Q: We hear a lot about climate change, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on our seas. What is the state of coral reefs in Oman and our fish population? Are there areas of concern?
A: Over the past few years Oman’s reefs have suffered significant change due to recurrent predatory starfish outbreaks, cyclone damage, harmful algal blooms and other environmental stressors. For example, in June 2007, Oman’s reef communities were massively damaged by Cyclone Gonu especially reef found in the Sea of Oman. Overall, coral communities in the Sea of Oman and Arabian Sea remain in a good condition.
Q: What words of advice would you have for any young people in college, who might like to become marine biologists?
Haitham Khamis Al BusaidiData Collection Specialist, OAPGRC
A: My advice to young people in college considering marine biology as a career is to study hard and get the right education. Try to get some practical and technical experience and develop skills that marine biologists need, this could include collecting and analyzing samples, boat handling, scuba diving, first aid, lab work through to underwater photography. In fact, many of these skills can be picked-up by volunteering with a local marine biology group or association.
Haitham Khalid working on a marine project
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OAPGRC Publishes Marine Phytoplankton Guide of Oman’s Waters
The Oman Animal Plant & Genetic Resources Center (OAPGRC) launched its Marine Phytoplankton Guide of Oman’s Waters in February.
“This is the first phytoplankton guide to Oman’s coastal waters and is the result of an extensive six-year scientific study. Be in no doubt, the guide is of significant international importance, a publication we can all be deeply proud of,” explained Dr. Nadiya Al Saady, OAPGRC’s Executive Director.
OAPGRC’s Marine Phytoplankton Guide of Oman’s Waters aims to assist professionals as well as students identify the species and genus levels of tropical and sub-tropical species commonly found in Oman’s coastal waters.
Authored by leading Omani marine scientist, Dr. Khalid Al Hashmi, the OAPGRC guide contains descriptions with photographs of 137 phytoplankton species - 64 diatoms, 71 dinoflagellates, one Silicoflagellate and one cyanobacterium. It also provides the reader with details of sampling methods and preservation techniques along with a glossary of terms used in the phytoplankton studies.
Planktons are microscopic marine plants that float in the upper part of the ocean where sunlight penetrates the water. They are the foundation of the aquatic food web, feeding everything from microscopic, animal like zooplankton, small fish and invertebrates to multi-ton whales. It is responsible for half of the world’s photosynthesis and also removes approximately 100 million tons of carbon dioxide from the Earth on a daily basis.
“Plankton populations are important indicators that help scientists monitor changes in our oceans. Biologists have noted that as oceans get warmer, plankton distribution decreases and animals shift their migration patterns to follow sources of food. Fish populations that once thrived in certain areas move to where plankton migrate, altering larger sea creatures’ habits which in turn impacts the global fishing and food industry,” pointed out the OAPGRC Executive Director.
OAPGRC’s mission is to promote recognition, sustainable exploitation and valuation of genetic diversity inherent in Oman’s animals, plants and microorganisms as a natural heritage resource. And its vision is to develop as a collaborative hub for all animal and plant genetic resources activities; promote the sustainable use of knowledge across economic sectors and social segments; and create value from world-class research and practical innovation.
“The publication of the Marine Phytoplankton Guide for Oman’s Waters is another example of OAPGRC sharing its work with the international science community and building local capacity in the field of genetic resources. This is a very proud moment for everyone that worked on this seminal scientific study,” concluded Dr. Al Saady.
OAPGRC News
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OAPGRC Official Duties
Event Date Attendee Event Roundup
1st International Agrobiodiversity Congress. New Delhi, India.
6 -9 / 112016
Ali The conference discussed current issues and development in the field of agrobiodiversity.
nternational Quinoa Conference 2016. Dubai, UAE
6 – 8 / 12 2016
Ali A conference on recent quinoa research and its development worldwide.
Capacity Building workshops for Researchers
19 - 21 / 2 2017
Abdullah Al Balushi
In collaboration with the UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) and the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the British Council in collaboration with TRC and SQU carried out the Capacity Building for Researchers course – organized twice a year. The course contributes to the professional development of researchers in key areas outlined by the Vitae Research Development Framework and offers a series of modules delivered in workshop format by experienced and quality-assured trainers. It provided participants with the insights, understanding and tools to communicate effectively, whatever the situation or context. Its secondary function was the development of critical thinking, reflective and critiquing skills.
International World Wetlands 2017
2 / 22017
Haitham Al Busaidi
&Khalid
Al Busaidi
The event focused on demonstrating QNR as an example of wetlands ecosystem resilience against natural disasters including flooding and major cyclones. Dr. Andy Kwarteng (Director, Remote Sensing, and GIS Center, Sultan Qaboos University) gave a talk with remote sensing images about QNR before, during and after the Gonu cyclone in June 2007.
The celebration this year included the following events:
Public awareness about the importance of the site. Inauguration of two new boardwalks funded by Oman Shipping Company, highlighting private sector commitment toward wetlands conservation.Cleaning campaign Eradication of invasive species
Seminar on the Natural Importance of the Wetlands Nature Reserve in the Wilayat of Mahoot.
6 /22017
Haitham Al Busaidi
Experts from Wetlands International and the United States delivered presentations aimed to highlight the importance of Barr Al Hikman as a pristine wetland ecosystem for migratory shore waterbirds and other unique biodiversity. Examples of how wetlands in protected areas are managed in the USA were presented to showcase their importance as well as the tools required to preserve them for now and generations to come. The highlight of the event was the pledge announced by Eng. Sulieman Al Akhzami, MECA’s Director General of Nature Conservation.
OAPGRC Ambassador Initiative
The Idea
OAPGRC has nominated key staff to conduct visits to schools, colleges, government departments and businesses to spread awareness of science, in particular, Oman’s animal and plant genetic resources, as well as introduce people and organizations to the Center’s mission, objectives and activities. Objectives
• OAPGRC Ambassadors will spread awareness of the huge and untapped wealth of Oman’s unique animal, plant and marine genetic resources and microorganisms.
• Strengthen co-operation with academia, government and the business community.• Introduce academia, government and the business community to the Center’s various scientific programs and
calendar of events. Visits
OAPGRC Ambassadors have recently carried out visits to: • Oman Airports Management Company • The Public Authority for Small & Medium Enterprises Development• The Omani Authority for Partnership for Development• Haya Water (Oman Wastewater Services Company)• Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives SAOG• Nizwa University
OAPGRC Ambassadors visited Nizwa University
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OAPGRC ExhibitionThe Center’s exhibition area is now open to the public. We have sent invitations to organizations across Oman and have begun to receive a steady stream of highly enthusiastic visitors. The exhibition is open to the public every Tuesday between 10:00am and 12 noon. If you are interested in visiting us and receiving a tour of the exhibition please call the Center on: 22 30 54 03 at least 48 hours before your planned visit.
Science CaféThe OAPGRC Science Café is a forum for the discussion of important and interesting scientific issues. We meet on a monthly basis and the sessions are informal, relaxed, fun and accessible. It’s an opportunity to get together with old and new friends in a relaxed atmosphere and discuss cool scientific topics. It’s open to everyone and completely free. We’ll even feed you.
Audience interaction with the topics which were the following within the 2016/17 season titles:
Topic DateCoral Reef: Ocean Treasure 30 November 2016What About a Career in Agriculture? 28 December 2016Living in an Antibiotic Resistant World: Are Animals to Blame? 25 January 2017Got a Headache?The Cure Might be in Your Garden 22 February 2017
Children visited OAPGRC exhibition
The Science Cafe’ in action
