The Al Shaheen offshore oil field in Qatar, located approximately 93 miles (150 kilometers) north of Doha, has become the site of a ground breaking research project to study whale sharks in the Arabian Gulf.
A two week survey, completed in June this year, has observed more than 100 of the majestic fish. The Qatar Whale Shark Research Project is a joint collaboration between the Qatar Ministry of Environment and Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre (MO-RTC).
The objective is to establish a long-term monitoring programme that can provide pioneering information about the population and ecology of the world's largest fish.
Operated by Maersk Oil on behalf of Qatar Petroleum, the Al Shaheen oil field hosts one of world's largest congregations of whale sharks during the summer months.
The survey was documented by the BBC Natural History Group for the upcoming TV series 'Wild Arabia', and the findings will be presented by Mohamed al-Jaidah, environmental expert at the Qatar Ministry of Environment during the 8th Annual HSE Forum in Energy, taking place from October 8-10 at the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel.
Whale sharks are drawn to the Gulf waters during summer to feed, al-Jaidah said while observing that Al Shaheen oil field structures and the surrounding protected waters attract a variety of marine life and fish that come to the area to spawn.
"The whale sharks are definitely here to feed on fish eggs, with several fish species spawning in this area during May to September," he explained.
"The sharks seem to prefer deeper areas - depths of 164 feet (50 meters) or more - and are seen to occupy very specific areas for weeks.
"They are identified by the spot pattern on their backs that is unique for each individual, and 13 of the 107 identified sharks were also observed last year, indicating that individuals return to this area annually.
"This year we have fitted several of the whale sharks with transmitters in order to follow their movements in the Arabian Gulf and beyond."
Steffen Bach, environmental team lead at Maersk Oil Research Technology Centre, who will deliver the presentation at the HSE Forum in Energy alongside al-Jaidah, said that the Qatar Whale Shark Research Project is part of a long-term collaboration between Maersk Oil and the Qatar Ministry of Environment in their joint effort to boost marine biodiversity in Qatar, bringing together energy regulators, industry operators and researchers.
"Being an environmentally responsible oil and gas operator requires that we understand the offshore environment we work in," said Bach, a marine biologist.
Held under the patronage of HE the Minister of Energy & Industry and Chairman of Qatar Petroleum Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, the 8th Annual HSE Forum in Energy will host more than 45 regional and international HSE experts to discuss HSE best practice and operational excellence.
Copyright 2012 Gulf Times Newspaper Syndigate.info, Al bawaba.com All Rights Reserved
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