The status of coral reefs on the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea
2006; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 38; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1080/09397140.2006.10638171
ISSN2326-2680
AutoresFuad A. Al‐Horani, Saber Al-Rousan, Mohammad Al-Zibdeh, Maroof Khalaf,
Tópico(s)Coastal and Marine Management
ResumoAbstract The Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba was intensively surveyed during the year 2004 to assess the health of the coral reefs in Jordan. Permanent line transects were laid on the reef flat, at depths of 8 m and 15 m at eight sites, and selected benthos components were studied. It was found that the distribution of hard corals increases gradually from north to south and that the 15 m deep transects had the highest coverage of hard corals. On the other hand, soft corals showed the highest coverage at sites where industrial activities are taking place. Coral death was low along the Jordanian coast and is comparable to surveys made in previous years, though protection measures are needed at the sites where industrial and recreational activities are focused. The hotels area, the phosphate loading berth and the Tala Bay sites had more than 40% seagrass coverage and were classified as seagrass habitats. Giant clams were hardly found on Jordan's reefs and it is suggested that they should be considered as endangered species. It is concluded that the coral reefs in Jordan are in good condition, although pressure resulting from the rapid development of the tourism, industry and construction sectors along the coast is expected to increase and to represent the major threat to this ecosystem in the future. Continuous monitoring is therefore suggested.
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