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International Journal of Marine Science 2013, Vol.3, No.44, 361-367
http://ijms.sophiapublisher.com
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The AMPA program has contributed to adequate
information essential for coastal zone monitoring,
with emphasis on coral reef main locations. It includes
traditional monitoring parameters (see Figures 3 and
Figures 4) as well as new parameters (Benzvi et al.,
2011) to provide early-warning monitoring system
(Figure 5). The scientific platform for the early-warning
monitoring used is based on available data obtained
during the past two decades by marine science
researchers in Jordan (i.e. community status, recruitment
rates, organisms’ health and Deterioration Index). These
data have been integrated into an Ecological Quality
Index (EQI) which is expected to assist decision makers
in evaluating coastal sites, and to determine,
accordingly, the type and extent of use of the sites
along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Figure 4 Fish community parameters (number of species, average abundance, species richness and diversity) of different habitats (SG:
sea grass, CR: coral reef) in years 2003, 2004 & 2005 surveys. (Source: marine environmental appraisal of Gulf of Aqaba, annual
report, 2011)
Figure 5 Coral mortality percentage in Jordan’s coast of Aqaba
Gulf (a) and the size frequency distribution of branching corals
(b) observed at the site of Clinker Port (KP). n denote the
counted number of branching coral colonies
The AMPA includes the restricted Coral Reef Reserve,
extending approximately 7 km along Jordan’s
coastline. Its establishment has depended upon
research efforts on coral reefs and marine biology,
policies for implementation and regulations designed
to protect the coral reefs (i.e. managed from an
ecological point of view) as a tourist attraction.
Authorities have identified priority management and
science issues in the Gulf of Aqaba. They address the
clear need to implement a new paradigm for the
interactions between managers, scientists and the
public regarding AMPA. Consequently, stakeholders
were able to build a framework for longstanding
working relationships between the coral reef
management and research institutions. The scientific
approach for implementation of the science and
monitoring work was the responsibility of a unique
marine research center in Jordan, the MSS. The goal is
to provide resource managers with scientific
knowledge on the basic physical, chemical, and
biological processes in the Gulf of Aqaba as well as
the impacts of urban development on these resources