Sharks in the area are reportedly declining for unknown reasons, possibly because of tourist-related activities such as boating. The reefs of the north and south regions of Yemen and Oman are beautiful but are under constant threat from oil pollution. Although development is increasing, human stress is minimal because coastal populations are relatively small. In Saudi Arabia, more than 40 percent of the Arabian Gulf coastline has been infilled and 50 percent of the mangroves lost. More than 530 species of plants and animals were recorded among seagrasses in the Gulf.
Coral reefs occur mainly as numerous patch reefs.
However, fringing reefs are found around offshore islands. High and low water temperature and high salinities affect coral species diversity and many species live near their maximum tolerances. Immediate impacts from oil spills during the Persian Gulf War were less than generally expected, indicating a high resilience among reef communities in this area. Oil and domestic, urban, and industrial pollutants are a problem in several parts of the Arabian Gulf, although effects on ecosystem structure and function are generally not well known. The coastal zone is fast becoming the repository for solid wastes.