Arabian Pearl Oyster

Photo: Giulia P · CC BY-NC

Once the economic foundation of the entire Gulf region, natural pearl oyster beds still persist on the Bahrain reefs and can be observed in situ — their ribbed shells encrusted with coralline algae and encrusting sponges that camouflage them perfectly against the reef substrate. Their population declined dramatically after the advent of Japanese cultured pearls in the early 20th century and subsequent coastal development, making the surviving beds a living archive of a 7,000-year maritime culture. Handling is strictly prohibited to protect the recovery of this species.