Promoting the conservation of
marine ecology by monitoring
whale sharks and biodiversity in
the Arabian Gulf
Al Shaheen oil field, operated by Maersk Oil Qatar
Identification of the relevant tip(s)
Tip 2: Assess sensitive areas
Understand the location and significance of protected areas,
endangered species, sensitive habitats and key natural
resources. This is critical to the early selection of facility
locations and a project’s overall biodiversity action planning.
It will help keep projects on track and limit impacts.
Tip 4: Consult openly
Engage in open dialogue with a diverse group of interested
stakeholders. This is an effective means of leveraging local
ecological knowledge, understanding the value of traditional
ecosystems, learning how natural resources are used and
avoiding potential resource conflicts.
Executive summary
The Al Shaheen oil field is located in the central part of the
Arabian Gulf and operated by Maersk Oil Qatar (‘Maersk
Oil’) on behalf of its partner Qatar Petroleum. It is the
largest offshore oil field in Qatar with a daily production
of around 300,000 barrels per day, which is currently
equal to approximately one-third of Qatar’s oil production.
Observations first made by platform staff suggest that
the area may host a rich and diverse marine ecosystem
exemplified by one of the world’s largest aggregations of
whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). The whale shark is listed
as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Maersk Oil has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with the Ministry of Environment in Qatar that will act as an
umbrella agreement for conducting biodiversity studies in
Qatari waters and promote conservation of marine ecology.
Background
Al Shaheen is located approximately 80 km north east of
the northern tip of Qatar. It is the largest offshore oil field
in Qatar and it is operated by Maersk Oil on behalf of its
partner Qatar Petroleum and production is handled from
nine platform locations while the oil is stored and offloaded
from two of the largest floating storage and offloading units
in the world.
The central part of the Arabian Gulf is a highly productive
marine environment due to a combination of high
nutrient loading, strong currents and high temperatures.
Observations first made by platform staff suggest that the
Alien invasive
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and gas indu
Guidance for prevention and ma
Figure 1. Qatar and Block 5 containing the Al Shaheen Oil field
Al Shaheen area hosts a rich and diverse marine ecosystem
exemplified by one of the world’s largest aggregations of
whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). The whale shark is listed as
vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and
is the largest fish in the world. It can be more than 15 metres
in length and weigh up to 20 tonnes.
One of the four pillars in Qatar’s National Vision (QNV)
for 2030 aims to direct Qatar towards a balance between
developmental needs and the protection of its natural
environment. As such, QNV 2030 includes an emphasis
on establishing an effective legal framework and the
environmental institutions that can serve as the guardians
of Qatar’s environmental heritage. QNV 2030 also
emphasises the importance of increasing citizens’ awareness
of their role in protecting the country’s environment for their
children and the nation’s future generations.
In order to contribute to QNV 2030 Maersk Oil has
established a Research and Technology Centre (MO-RTC)
in Qatar with a budget of more than US$ 100 million over
a 10 year period. Enhancing oil recovery and minimising
impact on the marine environment are key research themes
at MO-RTC. At the beginning of 2012 MO-RTC therefore
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry
of Environment Qatar (“MOEQ”) with the objective to
study the diversity and abundance of marine species in
Qatar from 2012 to 2015. As a consequence MO-RTC
has become an active partner in the Whale Shark Research
Project (“QWSR”).
The overall objective of QWSR is to provide a long term
monitoring programme, which can provide a robust
description of the whale shark population and marine
ecology in Qatari waters. The whale sharks come here to
feed on the high concentration of zooplankton in the water.
However, the coastal waters of Qatar also harbour one of
the largest populations of sea cows (Dugong dugon) and
the beaches provide nesting grounds for sea turtles. A better
understanding of the hydrodynamics and food chains of
the Arabian Gulf will underpin a better understanding of
the population dynamics of these species. The data will
make it possible for relevant authorities to take appropriate
action in order to secure the protection of biodiversity in the
Arabian Gulf.
ecology in the Arabian Gulf.
• Promotion of capacity building amongst staff of the
MOEQ and other relevant research partners.
Outcomes
Maersk Oil and MOEQ have joined hands in order to
develop expertise and science-based knowledge within the
State of Qatar. A significant objective of this collaboration is
to also promote synergies between the oil and gas industry
and the State of Qatar on environmental issues, thereby
supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Activities
The following activities are or will be undertaken as part of
the research projects:
• Development and implementation of a long term
monitoring programme that will establish the whale shark
population size, gender and age distribution in Qatar
waters. The monitoring programmes will also assist
with quantifying the development of the whale shark
population of the Arabian Gulf. Photo identification,
satellite tagging and acoustic monitoring are some of
the methodologies that will be used in the process.
• Definition of whale shark migration routes in the Arabian
Gulf.
• Establishment of links between whale shark population,
gender and age distribution and migration routes and
hydrological conditions, food availability and human
activities in the Arabian Gulf.
• Genetic sampling and identification in order to evaluate
the interaction of whale sharks in the Gulf of Arabia with
other whale shark populations.
• Assessment of the importance of offshore installations
and the associated safety zones as artificial fish
aggregation locations.
• Assessment of dugong (Dugong dugon) population in
Qatari waters (previously assessed to be one of the
largest in the world). The Dugong is listed as vulnerable
on the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species.
• Establishment of the scientific basis for decision making
and conservation planning. There are currently no
designated offshore protected areas in Qatar.
• Improving general awareness in Qatar of marine
Figure 2. Ph.D. student David Robinson in the process of taking a tissue
sample from a large whale shark
It is hoped that this collaboration between Maersk Oil
and MOEQ will document the variety and abundance of
marine species within the Al Shaheen area. Following the
conclusion of this research, the findings will help support
decision making for the long term conservation of marine
habitats and species in Qatar.
Lessons learnt
Stakeholder engagement
In a project such as this, it is important to identify local
partners as well employees who will be valuable contributors
to the activities. The MOEQ has secured the necessary local
support from, for example, local laboratories conducting
DNA-analysis and analysing water samples and the Qatar
Coast Guard that provides transport to the remote areas.
Ph.D. student David Robinson from Heriot-Watt University
(UK) founded the Qatar Whale Shark Research programme
together with the MOEQ and his ideas and publications will
be important in establishing the work in the international
scientific community. Maersk Oil staff provide year around
observations of whale sharks and guide the researchers in
the field.
The cooperation of all parties is not only desirable but
essential to the success of the project. Each stakeholder will
contribute information to the highly vital knowledge base
and will also be integral in sustaining the project in the
future. It is also important to note that having employees
with detailed local knowledge and expertise in the country’s
complex government relations is a great asset.
Identifying the right stakeholders and achieving a mutual
understanding of expectations brought to project by the
involved parties can be a long journey. Framing these
expectations into common objectives with detailed work
programmes and deliverables is essential and it is a process
that is built on trust and patience.
Figure 4. Whale shark with acoustic tag attached
Quick wins
Visible initiatives are important in the initial stages of the
project. In May/June 2012 a two-week expedition was
conducted from a Maersk Oil support vessel providing the
researchers a unique opportunity to study the whale sharks.
The spot pattern of the whale sharks makes it possible to
identify each individual by taking a simple photo. More
than 100 sharks where identified during the expedition of
which several had been seen the year before. The expedition
also deployed acoustic receivers on the seabed making it
possible to track the animals that had been tagged with
transmitters. Getting equipment in the field and being able to
present immediate results demonstrates visible progress that
facilitates buy-in from stakeholders and attracts attention to
the project.
by film crews in order to reach out to the general public
and schools in Qatar. The BBC Natural History Unit is
planning to use footage from the whale shark aggregations
in Al Shaheen in the TV-series “Wild Arabia“ that is to
reach a global audience when aired in 2013. However,
it is important to ensure that all stakeholders agree to the
message that is being created and that appropriate credits
are given to all involved.
Communication
It might be a cliché but coordinated communication
between stakeholders, partners and the public is a key
factor in achieving success and continuous support for a
project such as this. Press conferences have been held in
association with major events such as the signing of the
Memorandum of Understanding and the results of the 2012
Whale Shark Expedition. The expedition was documented
The region: the volatile geopolitical events in the recent past
and strong economic interest in the Arabian Gulf make it
a region whose navigation requires exceptional diplomatic
skills if a fruitful collaboration is to be established and
maintained. This becomes all the more vital if conservation
of sensitive and threatened species is to become a reality in
these waters.
Flexibility
Despite meticulous planning, the research team may
encounter obstacles owing to the large number of
indeterminate factors involved. Having a flexible plan that
can accommodate these changes and adapt to stakeholder
needs is the only way a project can effectively move forward.
Contact details
Steffen Sanvig Bach,
Senior Environmental Advisor
+974 4401 3034
[email protected]
Figure 3. Doctor Simon Pierce taking photos for spot pattern identification of
the whale shark and using laser lights for size estimation
Appendix - The Qatar Whale Shark
Research project and successful whale
shark research expedition in 2012
MORTC has joined the QWSR as an active partner and
one of the activities for 2012 was to conduct a two-week
expedition to the Al Shaheen oil field.
Research has indicated that there is a high degree of
biodiversity in the are of the Al Shaheen Oil field exemplified
by a large aggregation of whale sharks during the summer.
The Ministry of Environment in Qatar (MoEQ) and the
Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre (MORTC)
have therefore in March 2012 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the aim of describing biodiversity in
Qatar waters and in Al Shaheen specifically.
“The team performed a number of scientific research
activities during the expedition – and even made some
scientific breakthroughs” explains Mohammed Al-Jaidah.
“This work was captured on film, and a documentary
will be made for use in Qatar to broaden awareness and
understanding of this unique population and the research
work that is ongoing.”
The Al Shaheen oil field is located approximately 80 km
North East of the coast of Qatar. In the Al Shaheen field
there are nine platform locations operated by Maersk Oil
on behalf of Qatar Petroleum and they deliver the largest
offshore oil production in Qatar producing approximately
300,000 barrels of oil per day.
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, measuring
up to 20 metres in length and can weigh more than 30
tonnes. Despite their size these harmless giants eat nothing
else than microscopic plankton floating in the sea. But, at
present, very little is known about the whale sharks of the
Arabian Gulf.
Since the early 2000’s offshore workers from Maersk Oil have
observed whale sharks in the area, but it was not until 2010
that the importance of these observations were brought to
light. An offshore worker reported an aggregation of more
than one hundred whale sharks to the website Ecocean.org
that collates observations of whale sharks from around the
world. Such aggregation are only seen very few places in
the world. David Robinson, a post graduate student from
Heriot-Watt University began researching the whale sharks
in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in early 2010 for his
Ph.D. thesis. David uncovered these images as part of his
preliminary research into whale sharks in the region and
brought them to the attention of special advisor Mohammed
Al-Jaidah from the QMoE.
In late 2010, QMoE and David Robinson established the
Qatar Whale Shark Research project (QWSR). The purpose
of the project is to provide data necessary to establish a long
term monitoring program and create a robust description
of the ecology of whale sharks in Qatari waters. Research
began in early 2011 and from this marine biologist Steffen
Bach from the Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre
became aware of the project and plans started to develop
about further involvement from Maersk Oil.
The strategic position of the offshore platforms and the
engagement of the staff make it possible for Maersk Oil
to significantly contribute to the project. Consequently, the
“Satellite tags were attached to individual sharks in order to
track movements within the Gulf and beyond” says David
Robinson. “I believe we saw around 100 whale sharks
during the trip, and we have used photos of their unique
spot patterns to identify the individual sharks”.
Several of the sharks were also observed in 2011 and
the researchers believe that one contributing reason to the
whale shark aggregation in the Al Shaheen oil field may be
the large offshore platforms. The structures form an artificial
reef environment for fish, and fishing restrictions ensure
large fish stocks prevail.
“The project is a perfect example on how the industry can
work together with authorities and researchers to improve
our understanding of the environment” says Steffen Bach
from MORTC “To be able to assist in the project is important
for us not just form an research point of view but also to
demonstrate that we want to preserve biodiversity in areas
where we operate”