Sharm Obhur: Environmental Consequences of 20 Years of Uncontrolled Coastal Urbanization

Sharm Obhur is a coastal creek located about 35 km north of Jeddah City and is an attractive recreational area. Urbanization of its coasts is progressively increasing since the eighties. This manuscript aims at the assessment of the impact of human activities on the natural environment of the Sharm through: 1) observation of the morphological changes of its shore using available aerial and satellite images, 2) carrying out an underwater survey to record the present status of the bottom, 3) using geochemical indicators to assess the possible changes in sediment properties. The present study indicates that the Sharm has suffered considerable changes since the eighties. Between 1986 and 2000 the area of the Sharm has been decreased by about 800,000 m2, which represents an average annual loss of about 60,000 m2 due to filling processes. This loss is actually a loss of coral reef ecosystem and its particular habitat. Physical and chemical characteristics of sediments appear to be altered compared with previous observations. Underwater photography showed that the bottom is densely covered with litter composed mainly of plastic bottles, cans and tyres, witnessing the absence of sufficient environmental awareness. To stop or slow the degradation of the area, the following measures are suggested: 1) enforcement of legislation related to management of coastal and marine areas, 2) carrying out studies and programs of coral reefs rehabilitation, 3) enforcement of public awareness activities for coral reef conservation, 4) effective control of dredging and filling, and 5) upgrading of wastewater collection and treatment.