http://scienceray.com/earth-sciences/the-wonders-of-the-red-sea/
Monday, November 21, 2011
II. Brief Description
*www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/redsea.htm
Some have speculated that the Red Sea is named for the redness in a type of coral that grows near the sea’s surface, while others suggest that name stems from the fact that the Egyptian desert is also called the red land. Also, in the spring and summer, as the temperature rises, the Red Sea becomes oligotropic, which means that the nutrients in its plants are low and oxygen is abundant in deeper parts. Furthermore, nearly 20% of its fish species are unique to the area as it cannot be found elsewhere. Large numbers of varied fish species can simultaneously co-exist in the Red Sea largely because the waters are untouched and unpolluted. Contrary to the northern region, the southern region of the Red Sea is largely unexplored. [2]
The Red Sea is a byproduct of the gradual splitting of Arabia and Africa. The two areas began to split during the Eocene epoch, 54.8-33.7 years ago. By the Oligocene epoch, the split had accelerated, which further widened and formed the Red Sea. *Tim Wright, an earth and environmental scientist at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, explained, “It is clear that the rise of molten rock through the plate is enabling the breakup of Africa and Arabia.” Consequently, “considerable disturbance of the sediments” led to much instability in the region. Specifically, the crust and sediments were moving apart as the axial trough was evolving.[3]
Large numbers of varied fish species can simultaneously co-exist in the Red Sea largely because the waters are untouched and unpolluted.
[1] Shinn, David Hamilton., Thomas P. Ofcansky, and Chris Prouty. Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow, 2004. 339. Print.
[2]http://www.dive-the-world.com/reefs-and-parks-red-sea-formation-and-endemism.php
[3]Girdler, R.W., and Whitmarsh, R.B., Rep. Deep Sea Drilling Project, 23 (in the press),
III. History
*Carl Drews's, researcher at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, computerized model of the Red Sea parting http://www.popfi.com/2010/09/22/how-moses-parted-the-red-sea/
A. Historical State of Ecosystem
Although reliable data and research on the historical state of the Red Sea's ecosystem is scarce, the information available does prove that the region historically was rich in diversity in its plants and animals. Historically, fish, invertebrates, sharks, lobsters, marine mammals, turtles and seabirds have inhabited the region [1]. However, as the region underwent several evolutionary processes, the types of organisms varied from era to era. For example, 5 million years ago, only the northern end of the Red Sea was connected to the Mediterranean Sea [2]. During this time, an influx of Ichthyofauna, a type of fish, arrived in the region from the Mediterranean Sea. Nonetheless, by the Pleistocene Era, all resident species no longer inhabited the Red Sea. [1] Eventually, the southern end of the Red Sea opened, which led to the arrival of fish from the Indo-Pacific. Following the later ice age, roughly 15,000 years ago, the Red Sea’s water levels dropped over 100meters from its previous water level. Clearly, the continuous evolution of the Red Sea is a significant factor to the region’s endemism.
Species with the high levels of endemism:
Dottybacks, Triplefin Blennies and Butterflyfish [2]
*Dottyback fish
In terms of plant life, the Red Sea is notable for its relatively young, yet complex reef system and for its mangroves. As the "Red Sea only reached its current level 5,000 years ago [2], its coral reefs are relatively young in comparison to its organisms. However, the reef ecosystem is nonetheless complex and vital to the ecosystem as it protects against storm activity and "provides habitats for a wide range of marine species." [1]. Several off sour reefs, such as atoll-like rings of coral also inhabit the region. [3]. These unusual reef formations are likely to be the result of active and unusual tectonic forces beginning over 1000 years ago [3]. In addition to coral reefs, the Red Sea is known for its mangroves, tropical evergreen trees or shrubs. Mangroves are significant as their root systems stabilize sediments, protect the coastline and as they "provide shelter for numerous marine animals, fish, crustaceans and birds" [4] Mangroves, in the Red Sea, were first observed by the ancient Greeks beginning in 323 BC. Also, Pythagoras, a historian during the Hellenistic time, noted that an African tribe that lived on the shore of the Red used "mangrove wood for making a musical instruments"[5] Evidently, plants have been significant to the Red Sea ecosystem especially as they contribute towards the beauty of the area and the sustainability of its organisms [4[.
Other Plant Species:
-Seagrass beds: 11 species, protect the coastline, provide food and shelter for water
birds, fish and endangered dugong and green turtles [4]*Mangrove [4]
*Unusual Reef Formation (photo courtesy of NASA) [3]
*Red Sea Coral Reef [3]
B. Historical Significance in International Affairs
Furthermore, beginning in the late 1800’s, specifically, in context to European imperialism inAfrica, the Red Sea had multiple significances concerning international affairs due to its strategic geographic location. The Red was perceived as both a window for sources of influences and a door “door through which foreign aggressors threatened to impose their rule.” In regards to the neighboring Islamic empire, the Red Sea was a border, which protected Ethiopia’s Christian empire from Islamic invasion. The Red Sea’s close proximity to the Suez Canal enhanced its importance “especially for Italy, which wanted a colonial empire in Africa.” As a result, the Italians conquered Massawa, Eritrea and gained sovereignty over the colony in 1885. The Roman army, specifically, used the Red Sea to prepare for the Italian-Ethiopian War. Thus, the Red Sea’s geographic location attracted the Italians and led to its colonization. [6] While, the Suez Canal did close for a brief period, once it reopened in 1975, the Red Sea’s location was strategic to many once again due to the rise of the Soviets as it was utilized as the “main artery of the global economy in the middle of an oil crisis." [7]
[1]http://www.environmentservices.com/projects/programs/RedSeaCD/DATA/PDF/LME_33RedSea.pdf
[2]http://www.dive-the-world.com/reefs-and-parks-red-sea-formation-and-endemism.php
[2]http://www.dive-the-world.com/reefs-and-parks-red-sea-formation-and-endemism.php
[3]http://www.coral-reef-info.com/red-sea-coral-reefs.html
[4]http://www.reefchief.org/reef/redsea_coral.html
[5]Schneider, Pierre. "The Discovery of Tropical Mangroves in Graeco-Roman Antiquity: Science and
Wonder." The Journal of the Hakluyt Society (2011). Print.
[6]Encyclopaedia Aethiopica. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2010. 345,352. Print.
[7]http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,405947,00.html
[4]http://www.reefchief.org/reef/redsea_coral.html
[5]Schneider, Pierre. "The Discovery of Tropical Mangroves in Graeco-Roman Antiquity: Science and
Wonder." The Journal of the Hakluyt Society (2011). Print.
[6]Encyclopaedia Aethiopica. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2010. 345,352. Print.
[7]http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,405947,00.html
IV. Protected Areas
The Red Sea borders the following eight countries/protected areas: Eritrea, Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan. In addition, the Red Sea includes several marine protected areas, such as the Ras Mohammed National Park (Egypt), Sanganeb atoll (Sudan) and Farasan Islands (Saudi Arabia). [1]
[1] PERSGA, 2001. Marine Environmental Protection in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden - a New Initiative
Regional Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment aka Jeddah Convention
-When: 1970
-Who: the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific
Organization (ALECSO)
-Funded by: World Bank
-What:
a. “Provide the legal framework for cooperation in marine issues”
b. Established PERSGA (A Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden)
-Why:
a. Address shared marine environmental issues
b. “Improve coastal and marine environments by supporting integrated coastal zone management and identifying institutional and legal impediments to the ratification of maritime conventions” [2]
Significance of Marine Protect Areas
*Protect Valuable Species [2]
Egyptian Law- Red Sea Diving Regulations
1. "Hunting, fishing, collecting or breaking off corals or shells is prohibited to dispose of any materials into the sea. Boats are prohibited from anchoring inside protected areas. No feeding of fish or birds. Divers are prohibited from wearing dive gloves. Standing on or touching the coral reefs is strictly prohibited. Violations are subject to the fines included within Law 102 of 1983 and Law 104 of 1994. THe fines are as follows: For the first case, LE 10,000 or a prison term of 1 year. For the secon case, LE 10,000 or a prison term. By Egyptian law, the maximum dive is 30 meters"
2. Gloves and knives are prohibited [3]
(brochure)
[2] http://www.environmentservices.com/projects/programs/RedSeaCD/DATA/PDF/LME_33RedSea.pdf
[3] http://www.projectoceanvision.com/redsearegulations.htmV. Current Human Impacts
Due to its relative size, limited oceanographic circulation and high endemism, the Red Sea is vulnerable to pollution, loss of species, and its productivity as an ecosystem. The key environmental threats are all human induced and include: overfishing, oil pollution, and diving tourism.
Overfishing via net-fishing in the Red Sea has destroyed the fish population, while the same form of fishing continues to destroy the Red Sea's ecosystems, endangering coral reefs and the multitude of marine life. Fisherman from the Red Sea use techniques that have negative effects on local marine resources. Information indicates that these fishermen use nets with narrow holes, which capture fingerlings and other marine life along with mature fish, while cases of fishing with dynamite, electric currents, and, more commonly, poisons, have been reported.
Another impact that is human inflicted became evident when research was conducted during 1966, 1968, and 1972 on coral reef flats south of Eliat (Red Sea). This research attributes pollution to the cause of changing numbers of living coral colonies. A fact to note is that an oil terminal as well as a mineral and phosphate loading harbor was constructed in 1965 just north of the Nature Coral Reserve. Consequently, there was a high mortality of corals during these years.
Table 1. During the initial stage of research-the years between 1966 and 1968-45% of the living coral colonies within the transect, were destroyed. [1]
From January 1971 until March 1972, 28 large and small spills occurred in this region, and in turn, the area that once flourished with a diverse coral community, began to appear brown-gray, covered by algae and tiny soft sediment.
From January 1971 until March 1972, 28 large and small spills occurred in this region, and in turn, the area that once flourished with a diverse coral community, began to appear brown-gray, covered by algae and tiny soft sediment.
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| [1] |
Another research was conducted to assess the patterns of dive frequency, diver behavior and coral damage on selected reefs at Eilat, in order to determine impacts of diving tourism.
Field observations of diver behavior revealed 10 incidents of reef contact per dive, mostly via raising of sediments onto the reef, but also involving direct breakage of corals. Observations of SCUBA divers revealed high frequencies of behaviors that potentially damage the coral reef. Divers were observed frequently to contact the reef with their fins and to raise sediment onto corals, while some were observed to actually break corals (Fig. 3). It was estimated that on a typical SCUBA dive of 60 min at 4–8 m depth, each recreational diver broke 1.70±4.90 corals and raised 9.40±11.90 sediment clouds onto the reef. Based off these findings, current rates of recreational diving on some reefs at Eilat are unsustainable, resulting in damage to the majority of stony coral colonies.
 |
| [2] |
[1] Fishelson, Lev. "Ecology of Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) Influenced by Pollution." Oecologia 12.1 (1973): 55-67. Print.
[2] Zakai, D., and N. Chadwickfurman. "Impacts of Intensive Recreational Diving on Reef Corals at Eilat, Northern Red Sea."Biological Conservation 105.2 (2002): 179-87. Print.
[3]"Endangered Species: Egypt's Coral Reefs." Al-Masry Al-Youm. 28 Oct. 2011. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. <http://www.almasryalyoum.com/VI. Future Prospects
The future remains bleak for the Red Sea ecosystem if it proceeds on the same path, and nothing is done to combat the destructive influence that humans inflict. Continuous interference with the ecosystem, (oil pollution and overfishing), will lead to a reduction of complexity. Additionally it will lead to deep alteration of the ecosystem and habitat on the coral reeds. If this interference (oil pollution and overfishing) does not stop in time, the entire ecosystem will be destroyed. However, if it does stop in time, recovery can begin to take place. As we know, algae are able to store and reuse large amounts of phosphorus, so even if the impact of phosphate from other sources stop in the near future, the remainder of it can be found in the vegetation, and therefore it will continue to stimulate the algal cover. As for diving, this problem is labeled as critical, and if management practices are not enforced, these reefs are predicted to collapse within 20 years.
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/world/red-sea-oil-spill-may-have-cairo-reduce-offshore-drills-37929.html
[1] Fishelson, Lev. "Ecology of Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) Influenced by Pollution." Oecologia 12.1 (1973): 55-67. Print.
[2] "IUCN - Red Sea, White Coral?" IUCN - Home. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. <http://www.iucn.org/about/
[3]"Red Sea Large Marine Ecosystem." Encyclopedia of Earth. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. <http://www.eoearth.org/
VII. Future Prospects continued
More recently, the rift between the Arabian and African tectonic plates further widened in September 2005 after the two plates got stuck together and split apart along thirty-seven miles towards the southern end of the Red Sea. This specific tear, in 2005, was especially significant as it marked the “largest single rip seen since satellite monitoring began.” A similar tear in the Earth’s crust did occur in Iceland from 1975 to 1984; however, the tear was composed of twenty individual rips over nine years, unlike the similar tear in the Red Sea, which only took a few weeks. Following the tear, a series of earthquakes began, which lasted for a week. Geologist, Cynthia Ebinger, from the University of London visited the area shortly after and observed new crevices, several new cracks in the ground, fumes as hot as 752 degrees Fahrenheit and traces of recent volcanic activity. The formation of the Red Sea and its constant widening is especially significant to science as it helps explain how tectonic plats split and how new crust forms. [1]
Because the tectonic plates between Arabia and Africa are still moving apart, geologists have stated that there is a significant likelihood that the Red Sea will develop into an ocean. * Geophysicists predict that "in 10 million years the East African Rift System will be as large as the Red Sea" which would result in Africa eventually losing its horn as the Red Sea forms an ocean. Additionally, geophysicists expect much volcanic activities and earthquakes in the region which would cause the mountains in the region to "one day sink into the sea." [2]
Plate Boundary and Direction of Movement
http://www.opinionbug.com/3970/red-sea-earthquakes—whats-happening/
[1] http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/07/060719-red-sea-parts.html
[2] http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,405947,00.html
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