Coastal survey as a tool in marine environment protection, Gulf of Suez, Red Sea

Abstract EN

As part of the National Program for Surveying the Egyptian Coastal Areas, National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries, Alexandria , Egypt, surveyed the coastal zone of the central part of Gulf of Suez to collect data on the nature of the beach and inter-tidal zones, beach morphology , sediments' types, degree of pollution, and the probable land use for each part of the ar ea.

The survey showed that sands cover most of the coast al zone in the study area whereas rocky flats and cliffs are of frequent occurrence .

The beaches are sometimes clean but the majority of the co astal zon e is subjected to varying degrees of pollution with oil and litter.

Oil patches , and tar balls of different sizes and ages cover approximat ely the entire area .

The litter consist of plastics, glass, cans, and wood in add ition to other wast es.

The field survey reve aled that, recreation and camping villages, marinas-fishery ports, and fish food processing are the appropriate types of activities for the area.

Adequate measures should be applied to protect the near shore environment.

These measures include, establishment of waste water processing units , waste recycling systems and controlled dumping units for any of the proposed projects of negative environmenta l impact.