Iranian islands of Persian Gulf (24)

After visiting Hormozgan and Bushehr provinces, and becoming familiar with their beautiful islands, today we travel to Khuzestan Province.

Khuzestan Province is situated southwest of Iran, across the Persian Gulf coastlines. Khuzestan is a natural gas- and oil-rich province. It covers an area of 64057 square kilometers and maintains a population of five million, being the fifth most populous province in Iran. the city of Ahwaz is the capital of this province.

Khuzestan Province is the most ancient region of Iran's plains. Mankind has resided in this region as of the emergence of Elamite Civilization in the 3^rd Millennium BC.

Roughly 53% of Iran's waters, including rivers and marshlands are situated in Khuzestan Province, which maintains a wide bio-diversity. Khormousa water canal and the Persian Gulf region constitute a large part of this province, and the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ports and Shipping Organization, in accordance with international conventions, plays a decisive role in protecting and safeguarding the maritime environment in this region.

Seven islands of Persian Gulf belong to Khuzestan Province, which are namely Abadan, Minoo, Delkash, Booneh, Mahnazo, Ghabr-e Nakhoda, and Dara. Among these islands, only Abadan and Minoo Islands are residential, with the rest of these islands being uninhabited.

Firstly, let's introduce Khormousa. Mousa was one of the famous ship captains of this region. Khor are semi-closed waters, connected to high seas, within which sea waters are significantly diluted by rivers pouring into it. Khormousa is a long and deep canal, which has branched from the Persian Gulf waters; and which maintains a distinguished position due to its particular features within the region. This region that maintains a unique ecosystem is located on the northern coastlines of Persian Gulf waters, and south of Khuzestan Province. The width of its opening varies from 37 to 40 kilometers, and the length of its opening until Imam Khomeini Port and Mahshahr Port are respectively 90 and 120 kilometers.

The depth of this water canal ranges from 20 to 50 meters. It is the habitat of many rare bird species, and it is also the location in which numerous fish species hatch their eggs. The depth of this water canal has enabled 70,000-ton ships to easily commute in it.

More than 15,000 water birds hatch their eggs in this region. For a number of years, bird ringing has been carried out by Khuzestan Environment Protection General Department. Based on this plan, nearly 250 migrant water birds, including herons, and swallows are subjected to bird ringing in Dara and Ghabr-e Nakhoda Islands.

Bird ringing is the most common approach for understanding the situation of migrant birds and for determining their migration route.

In the meantime, the majority of residents of Khormousa region are fishermen. Curlews, in addition to whales and dolphins live in this region. This region is a tourist attraction site, especially for eco-tourists. In fact, throughout the Iranian New Year holidays, scores of travelers head toward this tourist destination.

Dara is one of the uninhabited Iranian islands of Persian Gulf, which is located at the opening of Khormousa Water Canal. Swallows hatch their eggs in this island. Dara Island covers an area of one square kilometers. Its diameter totals 1.8 kilometers, and its highest place is one meter above the sea level.

This island does not possess fresh water. Migrant birds stay in this island in spring season, and leave this island in mid-summer. A while ago, Iran's Environment Protection Organization introduced this island as a national park. There are coral reefs next to this island, which is also a venue for turtles, hatching their eggs, and a habitat for birds.

One of the other islands of Khuzestan Province in Persian Gulf region is Booneh Island, which is located at the northwestern rear end of Persian Gulf waters at the opening of Khormousa water canal. Swallows also hatch their eggs in this island.

MR/EA