Natural and human-caused factors have put the ecosystem in Iran's southern waters of the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman under environmental pressure, said a senior official at the Department of Environment.
Based on the latest investigations, the ecosystem in the coastal area is on the verge of crossing the ecological threshold as the biodiversity is gradually being destroyed.
Ecological threshold is defined as the point at which a relatively small change or disturbance in external conditions causes a rapid change in the ecosystem.
"Traces of the damage are evident in the shrinking Hara forests in Qeshm Island and the declining number of aquatic species tending to reproduce in the Persian Gulf waters," ILNA quoted Davoud Mirshekar, DOE's director for marine ecosystems, as saying.
The destruction of forests by human, redirecting surface waters for urban development purposes, fuel trafficking and plant diseases spreading through the woodland are among the destructive factors harming Hara forests, according to the official.
Affected Species
Aquatic species, many of which included in International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, have not remained unaffected either.
Marine mammals like dolphins, whales, porpoises and sea cows, which are placed on the Red List of threatened species, are less often seen in the area.
"Accidental predation, crushing into vessels, magnetically disrupted navigation, water pollution, marine and land-based oil-related activities which release toxins in water as well as diseases are threatening the mammals," Mirshekar said.
Sea turtles, he added, are among other threatened species, although certain kinds, including green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles, still lay eggs in the waters of the Persian Gulf.
"Olive ridley sea turtle is the species that has been rarely seen laying eggs in the region, which shows the criticality of its condition," the official said.
Habitat destruction, hunting, crashing into boats and illegal collection of baby turtles and eggs have drastically diminished the number of the reptile.
The same threats exist for coral reefs and sharks which are increasingly being lost.
Experts have repeatedly warned of the condition of corals in the region as being vulnerable, stressing that they need more care.
Oil contamination, development of marine leisure facilities, fishing and coral harvesting, as well as construction activities and sand mining near the coastline are among human factors that imperil the southern coral reefs.
Coral reefs grow slowly, no more than 12 meters and often much less in 1,000 years. Hence, recovery after a loss will take ages.
Belated Efforts
Restoring the hopeless state of the region's ecosystem seems too ambitious; however, experts are taking measures to at least provide a breathing space. Davoud Mirshekar emphasized that fostering a culture of protecting the environment among the public is one of the priorities.
"Hara forests are under restoration by planting new trees; and full-time monitoring by environment protection forces will efficiently stop further harms to the aquatic species," he added.
Mirshekar called on relevant institutions such as ministries and military forces to contribute to conservation efforts to save the valuable natural heritage from demise.
