title: Oman's coral reefs: A unique ecosystem challenged by natural and man-related stresses and in need of conservation.
abstract: Oman contains diverse and abundant reef coral communities that extend along a coast that borders three environmentally distinct water bodies, with corals existing under unique and often stressful environmental conditions. In recent years Oman's reefs have undergone considerable change due to recurrent predatory starfish outbreaks, cyclone damage, harmful algal blooms, and other stressors. In this review we summarize current knowledge of the biology and status of corals in Oman, particularly in light of recent stressors and projected future threats, and examine current reef management practices. Oman's coral communities occur in marginal environmental conditions for reefs, and hence are quite vulnerable to anthropogenic effects. We recommend a focus on developing conservation-oriented coral research to guide proactive management and expansion of the number and size of designated protected areas in Oman, particularly those associated with critical coral habitat.
authors.affiliation: Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Electronic address: John.Burt@nyu.edu.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Burt
authors.affiliation: Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA; Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Coles
authors.affiliation: Blue Eco Services, Hogebiezendijk 31, 3401 RS Ijsselstein, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van Lavieren
authors.affiliation: Five Oceans Environmental Services LLC, P.O. Box 660, 131, Muscat, Oman.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Five Oceans Environmental Services LLC, P.O. Box 660, 131, Muscat, Oman.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Looker
authors.affiliation: Five Oceans Environmental Services LLC, P.O. Box 660, 131, Muscat, Oman; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Samimi-Namin
mesh_terms: D063147:Animal Distribution; D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D057894:Coral Reefs; D009850:Oman; D011157:Population Dynamics
keywords: Arabian Gulf; Arabian Sea; Gulf of Oman; Management; Oman Sea; Persian Gulf