Ministry discovers new species of soft coral in Qatar’s Umm Al Sheif Reserve
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has announced the discovery of a new type of soft coral from the ‘sea pen’ family in Umm Al Sheif Reserve during marine surveys it conducted recently.
The Ministry explained that the scientific team of the Wildlife Development Department monitored this coral at a depth of 20 meters, noting that the new type is characterized by its ability to hide in the sand during the day, which makes it one of the rare marine creatures that are difficult to monitor.
The “Sea Pen” is a unique type of soft coral that thrives in muddy environments and plays a crucial role as a filter-feeding benthic organism.
The MoECC stressed that this discovery underscores the significance of Umm Al-Sheif Marine Reserve as a key site for preserving biodiversity and supporting scientific research on coral reefs and marine life.
It further affirmed the continuation of research programs and environmental monitoring initiatives to enhance the sustainability of marine ecosystems in Qatar.
