Ecosystem of The Palm

An entire ecosystem, vibrant and lively, has flourished around The Palms. The region is now populated with a huge assortment of marine life such as Butterfly Fish, Crabs, Dolphins Hamoor and Sea Bass.

The island was created after ensuring that the construction is not causing even the smallest possible negative impact on the surrounding environment. In reality, the creation of the island has actually enhanced the environment from its original, pre-developing stages.

Prior to commencement of reclamation, the surveys were carried out for the marine environment of both; the proposed borrow area (from where the sand is taken out) and the proposed reclamation site. According to these surveys, the seafloor had a very low density of marine life and that re-colonization of benthic sediments would readily occur. Recent studies have indicated that these sediments do indeed have a very high level of productivity which a measure of increase in biodiversity.

Before reclamation of the island, the area was barren with virtually no sign of marine life. A detailed study of proposed site of the Palm Jumeirah indicated that 95% of the seafloor was only mud or sand. This project, in a way has benefited the marine environment with the creation of the foundation for a variety of landscapes and seascapes, which promote the existence of marine life.

The use of natural material in the creation of the island was the most cardinal factor in encouraging the development of marine life in the area. Only natural rock was used in creating the breakwaters although it was expensive and required a higher level of engineering. The use of the natural rock has created a 550-hectare reef on which corals and diversified eco system have grown.

Soon after the placement of rock, the growth of algae could be seen, which offered some hard substrate for colonization. Marine lives such as urchins, barnacles, sponges, clams, crabs and fish soon followed. As the island was reclaimed, the fine sediments that were created by the reclamation eventually paved way for a biologically and organically fertile soil on the seabed, on which meadows of sea grasses are thriving.

(Source: http://www.thepalm.ae/)