Nakheel to launch a research project on sea grasses in The Palm Jebel Ali with Taisei Corporation

Nakheel and the Taisei Corporation have announced a joint research programme in an effort to develop new technologies to test sea grass transplanting at The Palm Jebel Ali.

The project was announced during a “Memorandum of Understanding” signing ceremony. The MOU was signed by Marwan Al Qamzi, Head of Nakheel Contracts and Procurement Department, and Kanji Hayama, President and CEO of Taisei.

Dr. Imad Haffar, Manager - Research and Development at Nakheel, said: “Sea grass provides a nursery for young fish and allows the marine ecosystem to thrive. It also improves underwater visibility by consolidating fine floating materials. A rich ecological environment can prevent marine water as well as its food chain from deteriorating; it also provides attractive diving spots.”

The sheltered habitat afforded by the palm configuration and the newly laid sediment between the reclaimed land masses has already stimulated a proliferation of sea grasses growing naturally at The Palm Jumeirah. However, in its role as a patron of environmental research in marine and terrestrial environs, Nakheel will work together with the Taisei Corporation to develop sea grass plantation technologies and to study suitable locations for its transplantation trials on the sea floor around The Palm Jebel Ali.

Shaun Lenehan, Senior Environmental Engineer at Nakheel, added: “The vigour of the existing sea grass beds we have found at The Palm Jumeirah is a strong statement as to the health of the water. We have recently found three species which are effectively carpeting the seabed between the fronds - these sea grass meadows are the most extensive in Dubai waters. Given the habitat type is the same, we expect the same boom in sea grasses for The Palm Jebel Ali, The Palm Deira, and The World although it is important that we continue to work with esteemed companies like the Taisei Corporation to carry out new studies in the field of marine research.”

Technologies for transplantation of specific species have already been developed and successfully applied in Japan; however, this the first time these technologies have been adapted to the environmental conditions of the UAE and this will be the focus of the joint research programme.

Abdul Rahman Kalantar, General Manager of Nakheel Planning, Infrastructure, and Utilities Division, said: “A primary goal during the creation of Nakheel’s waterfront projects is to ensure that construction not only has the smallest possible negative impact on the environment, but actually enhances the environment above the original, pre-development status. Before The Palm Jumeirah site was developed, there were virtually no signs of life - 95 of the grid survey points during the ecological investigations fell on bare sand or mud. Currently, abundant life is generating as a result of our marine projects. Introducing sea grass plantation technologies can further enhance that, providing a rich ecological marine environment in which fish and other sea life can thrive.”

The Taisei Corporation will continue their excellent working relationship with Nakheel, having been also awarded the contracts for both The Palm Jumeirah vehicular tunnel, and Almas Tower at Jumeirah Lake Towers, as well as successfully completing a major marine life rescue operation in the waters of The Palm Jumeirah.

Kanji Hayama, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “I believe Nakheel is our best partner in Dubai; we have a corporate relationship and for us to work together, ensuring environmental sustainability enables us to contribute to the overall construction of Dubai. We have been working on several projects for Nakheel and in this growing area there will always be issues of the environment; hence, to have joint research together on marine environment issues has big meaning to us, Nakheel and Dubai. By doing this work we strengthen our partnership and we like to continue our relationship with Nakheel as before.”

The research project will be executed in two phases.  In the first phase, sea grass will be transplanted to the area surrounding The Palm Jebel Ali, which will then be monitored and surveyed for growth by boats with eco-sounder and also by divers.

The state of the habitat, soil characteristics of the sea bed, as well as water quality and wave conditions are investigated. To evaluate the optimum timing for sea grass transplantation, the life cycle history of the sea grass will also be examined.  Phase two will involve large scale research to determine the transplantation method of the sea grass. The period of the basic experiment will last for around one year and will begin with immediate effect.
 
According to the world’s premier construction magazine, Engineering News Record, Taisei Corporation is the 7th leading construction company in the world. Taisei Corporation was established in 1873, and has since been involved in a range of projects in Japan and overseas. Taisei has highly experienced and qualified group of designers and engineers who are committed to achieve international quality in their works.