Systematic Review: The Ecology and Cultural Significance of Oysters in the Arabian Gulf

Arabian Gulf oyster reefs, dominated by the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata, function simultaneously as ecological keystones and cultural touchstones. Rapid coastal urbanization and escalating pollution now threaten reef integrity. This systematic review of 1400 publications distilled 42 rigorously screened studies (3%) that document reef distribution, ecological roles, contaminant burdens, and socio-historical context. The results show that reef structures stabilize sediments, enhance water clarity through exceptional filtration rates, and furnish nursery habitats for commercially important fisheries, while heavy metal bioaccumulation in oyster tissues indicates widespread coastal contamination. The Gulf’s economy and identity were historically anchored in pearling; contemporary restoration initiatives already deploying dozens of sustainable reef modules across hundreds of traditional dive sites seek to revive this heritage and bolster ecological resilience. Persistent knowledge gaps include comprehensive spatial mapping, the effects of climate change and pollutant interactions, and long-term restoration success in hypersaline conditions. An integrated management framework that couples stringent monitoring, pollution mitigation, adaptive restoration, and heritage-centered community engagement is essential to safeguard Gulf oyster ecosystems and the cultural narratives entwined with them.