DOHA: High sea temperatures off the coast of Qatar threaten precious coral reef and have caused mass deaths among some 20 types of fish, Doha-based marine researchers said on Monday.

A study carried out by experts from Qatar University and the environment ministry last week has revealed that water temperatures during the fierce Gulf summer have passed 6 degrees Celsius. Resear­chers said there is a cause for concern to marine life once sea temperatures pass 34 degrees.

Although the phenomenon can occur once every two or three years at the height of the summer, researchers said they are concerned abo­ut the potential long-term im­ pact on the coral reef in wat­ers surrounding Qatar.

“I am really worried about the coral reef,” said Qatar University marine biology Professor Dr Ibrahim Al-Maslamani.

“The coral reef may be affected by the temperature, we don’t know yet.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2015

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