Iranian islands of Persian Gulf (23)

Today, we briefly introduce Nakhiloo, Farsi, Tahmadoo, Motaf, and Sadra Islands.

Upon the introduction of these islands, our journey to Bushehr Province ends, and as of next week we pay a visit to Khuzestan Province and its beautiful islands.

Nakhiloo is an Iranian non-residential island in the Persian Gulf waters, which is oval shaped, covering an area of roughly sixty hectares. It is located 1.5 meters above the sea level. This island is the habitat of Persian Gulf waters' sea turtles, and is one of the rarest islands of the world and Middle East region, turning into a location for reproduction of migrant water birds. This island is the habitat of a number of swallow and skylark species, which are over 50,000 in numbers and are scattered in different parts of this island, creating beautiful scenes of flocks of migrant birds, flying over this island.

The non-residential nature of this island, appropriate flora, and absence of any possible threat against the safety and security of the island, has turned Nakhiloo Island into one of the most important gathering locations of migrant water birds; the majority of which choose to stay in the island in the summer season, building nests and hatching their eggs over there.

In another part of Nakhiloo Island, we observe a small area covered with mangrove trees, which has created a unique maritime ecosystem. These ever-green and attractive trees continue their existence and have turned into a hub of fish species, hatching their eggs in the waters surrounding mangroves. In order to visit this island, arrangements have to be made with the Environment Protection General Department.

Farsi Island is another Iranian island of Persian Gulf waters, which marks the maritime border between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Farsi Island is situated southwest of Khark Island. Farsi Island is the remotest geographical location of Iran, and is administered by Bushehr Governorate. A number of animal species, including a variety of insects live in this island, which are yet to be fully and scientifically identified.

Farsi Island is an oil-rich region, in the surroundings of which a number of oil and natural gas wells exist. This island, in addition to its political, economic, and touristic significance, maintains military-wise importance too. Additionally, due to the location of this island at the center of Persian Gulf region, it plays a crucial role in controlling the route of moving ships, which are heading towards the western and southwestern regions of Persian Gulf waters.

Due to establishment of a weather forecast center in Farsi Island, which presents the latest meteorological data to all shipping lines, this island also plays a pivotal role in maritime transportation system.

Tahmadoo Island's length and width are respectively twelve and five kilometers. The island is oblong-shaped and is situated parallel to the coastlines. A number of shrubs and plant species exist in this island. A variety of water bird species live in Tahmadoo Island.

The soil of this island is alkaline, which obstructs the absorption of needed materials by plants. Also, low moisture of soil, scorching heat, and shortage or organic materials are other impediments to growth of plant species in this island.  The rugged parts of this region are parts of Southern Zagros plains.

Motaf is another Iranian non-residential island, which is situated in the middle of Persian Gulf waters. Its length and width are respectively 9.5 and 1 miles. At times, parts of this island are covered with water.

This island and its surrounding regions are some of the most appropriate locations for cultivation of aquatics and fish species. All of the fishermen of Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, from countries such as India, Pakistan, Greece, and Korea are well familiar with this fishing hub, and are highly interested in fishing within this region. In the meantime, thunderstorms and unfamiliarity of navigators with this region, have plagued many fishermen and fishing boats, turning this region into the Bermuda Triangle of Persian Gulf waters.

One of the sailors, whose boat sunk within the Bermuda Triangle of Persian Gulf waters in the recent years, but miraculously survived this incident, notes when vessels get stuck next to this island's coastline, only sailors who can swim for a few miles in waters, can save their lives. In the meantime, in recent years, vessels have been equipped with GPS navigation systems, resulting in a decline in the possible human errors of ship captains.

Sadra is a small industrial island, situated east of the city of Bushehr, which has turned into a hub for ship-making industries. As of the year 1995, efforts have been made to elevate the height of this island 2.5 meters above the sea level, in order to be able to install the needed facilities. Sadra Company, which is located in this island, has made utmost efforts in construction of ships, in addition to participation in petrochemical activities, and infrastructural and port-related projects.
MR/EA