Ras Laffan Industrial City was established in 1995 to maximise the utilisation of north-field gas reserves and to plan & promote industrial development. Since then, industrial development has taken place on a large scale and despite this massive industrial growth, Ras Laffan Industrial City is considered an environmental model which reflects the success of the anticipation and prevention approach to environmentally sustainable industrial development. , , During the planning stages of Ras Laffan Industrial City the importance of ensuring that industrial development proceeds with minimum environmental impact was recognised. To achieve environmentally sustainable industrial development, the following protective measures were integrated into the planning & operational phases for the protection of the marine environment:, , ? Industrial discharges to the marine environment are being phased out. All effluents are treated and used for irrigation purposes., ? Marine water quality is monitored at 15 locations along the coastal areas of RLC to detect any change attributed to industrial operations., ? All ballastwater discharges are tested and regulated to avoid deterioration of seawater quality., ? Thermal discharges are monitored and controlled to minimise their impacts on marine life., ? Annual marine ecological surveys are carried to assess dynamics of marine fauna., ? Coral reefs are protected and artificial reefs are placed to enhance the habitat for various marine organisms, ? Surveys/studies are carried to protect marine turtles and sea-snakes., ? Surveys/documentation of fish and seashells to create environmental awareness among general public., ? Protection of seashores to facilitate turtle nesting and birds feeding sites., Promotion & protection of mangrove swamp to maintain habitat for a variety of organisms,