Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

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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. 62
Status of Coral Reefs in the Arabian/Persian Gulf RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE CONSERVATION OF CORAL REEF RESOURCES • There is a need to reduce diver and boat anchor damage. In all countries, mooring buoys should be installed at the major reef sites to prevent further anchor damage to corals. Additionally, spearfishing should be banned (and the ban enforced) to allow reef fish populations to recover. • Solid waste cleanup projects need to be organised in each country to remove accumulated debris from the reefs, including plastics, metals, glass, and discarded fishing equipment. • Public education campaigns are needed to increase understanding of the importance of coral reefs and their sensitivity to damage and pollution. These should highlight the use of moorings to prevent damage to corals, the need for restrictions on fishing on these reefs, the problems caused by littering and refuse, and the need for public and private participation in the management of coral reefs. • There is a need to develop and expand local capacity to monitor and carry out research on coral reefs. This must also include the designation, where applicable, of competent authorities to manage and conserve coral reefs, and preparation of detailed management plans to promote the sustainable and wise use of reef resources. • There is a need to designate additional Marine National Parks and Marine Protected Areas in the context of integrated management plans. Only within these protected areas will the countries be able to fully protect coral reefs. • Coastal development, and in particular dredging and landfilling, should be curtailed and properly managed. The use of silt curtains should be mandatory in landfill operations, and only after stringent Environmental Impact Analyses. Given the limited extent of coral reefs, coral reef areas should never be approved for landfilling. • Finally, there is a need to reduce further the risks of ship-based pollution through the provision of waste disposal facilities at major ports, monitoring on the high seas for pollution discharges, and through coordinated efforts to improve shipping navigation aids. 63
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FOREWORD Over the past few years, I
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CONTENTS COUNTRIES, STATES AND TERR
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COUNTRIES, STATES AND TERRITORIES A
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CLIVE WILKINSON T
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Executive Summary CORAL BLEACHING I
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8. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS OF EAST AN
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Status of Coral Reefs of East and N
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9. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS OF AUSTRAL
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Status of Coral Reefs of Australasi
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10. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE SO
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11. STATUS OF SOUTHEAST AND CENTRAL
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Status of Southeast and Central Pac
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12. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS OF AMERIC
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Status of Coral Reefs of American S
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15. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE NO
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17. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE EA
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18. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN SOUTHE
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Status of Coral Reefs in Southern T
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19. SPONSORING ORGANISATIONS, CORAL
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Sponsoring Organisations, Coral Ree
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AGRRA AIMS ASEAN B
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