The hawksbill sea turtle divides its life into three main phases. It begins in the open ocean as hatchlings, then shifts to nearshore environments, particularly around offshore islands with shallow lagoons and coral formations. These turtles rest in caves and ledges near coral areas during the day and are generally solitary except for breeding periods. They have a varied diet, including jellyfish, sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks, soft corals, seagrass, and algae, but they mainly consume sponges. The life history comprises the pelagic phase of hatchlings at sea until maturity, the benthic phase of juveniles in foraging areas, and the reproductive phase of adults returning to their birthplace to mate and breed. After fertilization, females come ashore, dig nests in the sand, lay eggs, and repeat this process 3 to 5 times in a breeding season. Hatchlings emerge after about 5 to 8 weeks, making their way into the ocean from the beach.

Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals thriving in nutrient-poor marine waters, typically in shallow, productive regions on solid substrates. Composed of calcium carbonate secretions, they serve essential ecological, economic, recreational, and cultural roles. They offer shelter and sustenance to various marine life, protect coastlines from storms and erosion, support fishing and leisure activities, and are part of cultural heritage. Around 10% of Qatar's seabed is covered by coral reefs, vital to over 80% of the Gulf's fish species. Noteworthy Qatar reefs are near Halul Island, Othman Reef, and Khor Al Udaid. Unfortunately, these reefs are endangered, as evidenced by a significant decline in coral health.

Jennings, Michael C. (Author), Krupp, Friedhelm (Editor), Al-Suwaiyel, Mohammed bin Ibrahim (Preface By). (Series: Fauna of Arabia, Volume: 25). Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. Publisher: Karger Libri. 2010.