Ecology of Avicennia marina mangals along Gulf of Aqaba, South Sinai, Red Sea

This study was conducted on a naturally growing mangrove population at Ras Mohammed and Nabq protected areas, South Sinai, during the period 2005- 2006. Avicennia marina is the only growing mangrove species in South Sinai. Its structure, litterfall and seedling distribution were investigated. The total area of mangrove stands is 99.1 hectares with 42% canopy coverage, average tree height is between 1.7 - 2.6 m, basal area up to 9.2 m^2. ha^-1. Ras Mohammed represents the densest stand (428 stems ha^-1). An annual litterfall of 2036.7 Kg. ha^-1. yr^-1 was recorded at Rowaiseya with a maximum peak during April. Mangroves at Nabq area have well distribution of seedlings over Abu Zabad site and a localized dense aggregation of seedlings in intertidal areas at Monqataa and Gharqana sites with a seedling density up to 1848 ha^-1.