Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000
United Arab Emirates
Coastal waters support extensive areas of mostly mono-specific stands of coral, due to the
extreme environmental conditions in the southwestern Gulf. Up to18 species of hard coral
have been found on healthy coral reefs near Dalma Island off western Abu Dhabi. Here, the
subtidal rocky outcrops and platforms were mainly covered with a veneer of corals in 1996,
with large areas at depths of 1-4m covered by Acropora with an understorey of Porites,
Platygyra and Favia spp. Greater depths were often dominated by large Porites colonies
and an understorey of Acropora. Porites-dominated reefs were particularly well-developed
on offshore reefs (such as Bu Tini shoals), where Acropora only survived in pockets
protected by the Porites bommies.
There was extensive mortality of Acropora in Abu Dhabi during autumn 1996 and over the
same period in 1998. There was more than 98% mortality of Acropora between August and
September 1996 with seawater temperatures of 34°C or above for 10 weeks. During the
summer of 1998 seawater temperatures remained at 34ºC or above for 14 weeks, and most
of the remaining Acropora colonies bleached and died. West of Abu Dhabi city, 60-80% of
the other corals (Porites, Platygyra and Favia) were also bleached. An estimated 40-60% of
the non-branching corals were bleached in 1998.
There were 77 fish species recorded in the Dubai area, and 29 species of corals, and now
the Dubai Urban Area is protected following local order No. 2 of 1998. The genus
Acropora suffered almost total mortality, where once it covered 51% of the coral substrate.
Now the genera Porites, Platygyra and Cyphastrea have replaced Acropora as the dominant
corals. The Jebel Ali reefs, which were previously one of the Gulf’s richest ecosystems, lost
most of the corals and other organisms in the summer of 1996. Acropora were the
dominant coverage, and the coral cover was reduced by an average of 60% (ranging from
15-85%).
Dredging of Jebel Ali port and the hotel marina have affected offshore reefs through
excessive sedimentation. Another threat to reefs is the change in coastal hydrodynamics
due to the interference of the Jebel Ali port breakwater with inshore currents. Recreational
use of the area is primarily by clients of the Jebel Ali Hotel and campers. Main activities are
shore based: swimming, jet skiing, wind-surfing and surf fishing. A small-scale commercial
fishery used to exist in the area, using mainly Ghargours (fish traps) placed in the coral area
and targeting reef fish. This has practically ceased since the declaration of protected area
status. A shore-based beach seine netting fishery still exists, but at low levels. There are also
possible impacts on corals by dredging and infilling activities in certain parts of Abu Dhabi.
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