Jameson, Stephen C.; McManus, John W.; Spalding, Mark D.
Abstract
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. Recently however, northern Red Sea reefs have seen an increase in grazing by the gastropod Drupella (Ginsburg, 1994). Rapid coastal development that includes mainly oil-related industrial centers as well as tourist resorts poses serious threats to future health of coral reef ecosystems. In the Gulf of Aqaba, pollution from port facilities in Eilat, Israel, and Aqaba, Jordan, threaten water quality (ISPAN, 1992). Large-scale tourism is expected to quadruple by the year 2000. Tourist development impacts can already be seen off Hurghada, Egypt, where land reclamation and sedimentation associated with coastal development have destroyed or very seriously damaged large areas of reef. Increased development requires more education and conservation education will be especially important for tourists. Hotels and other tourist attractions should develop or be provided entertaining educational programs and literature for visitors. Additionally, accidental loss of hazardous materials poses a constant threat to coral reef ecosystems in the region. Therefore, effective hazardous material response programs should be developed and spill response capacities increased.
