The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Nawah Energy Company have announced that their most recent marine environmental survey off the coast of the Barakah nuclear energy plant has shown the presence of several marine species as a result of the artificial reef which was created there in 2014.
The results reveal that a diverse and abundant marine ecosystem has taken root there, including more than 63 marine species utilizing the breakwater habitats, and 35 marine species utilizing the artificial reef habitat.
In the breakwaters, these marine organisms including a variety of species of algae, invertebrates, species of fish and one species of marine mammal, according to the Emirates News Agency, WAM.
Construction on the breakwaters began in early 2011, before the development of the plant itself. The breakwater structures are comprised of quarry rock and concrete and have a combined length of approximately 15 kilometers.
The artificial reef was built in partnership with the National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) and in line with guidance from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD.
Located 3.8 kilometers from the shoreline of Barakah, it is almost 6,700 square meters and built of waste-molded concrete that offers a favorable habitat for numerous marine species.
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