This decline is attributed to over-fishing, pollution, loss of nursery ground, reduction in riverine input via the Shatt Al-Arab, and climate change.

Seine netting and gargoor traps have been deployed annually, since the first phase (A1) of this coastal township was opened to the sea in 2004, to monitor Shell and Fin fish populations within the waterways.

Analysis of catch data reveals that the waterways act as spawning, nursery and feeding habitats for important species such as Epinephelus coioides (Orange-Spotted Grouper), Penaeus semisulcatus (Banana Shrimp) and Portunus segnis (Blue Swimming Crab).

These include intertidal beaches, tidal flats, mangrove and salt marshes on islands, together with subtidal sand and rock benthic habitats.

Importantly, this data provides new information on the natural colonization rates and development of Gulf soft substrate intertidal and sub-tidal marine communities.