Ecological study of the impact of oil pollution on the fringing reef of Ras Shukeir, Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, Egypt

Abstract

During January 2001, certain ecological aspects of the fringing reef of Ras Shukeir was investigated. Since 1960s, this fringing reef has been chronically polluted, where Ras Shukeir area was used by Gulf of Suez Oil Company (GUPCO) for oil production. Its present status showed a moderate level of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution. Field survey showed that the reef was seriously degraded where about 99% of its coral cover was destroyed along the whole investigated shore. Only sporadic colonies (1% cover) of the genera Acropora, Echinopora, and Platygyra with some individuals of associated fauna especially the giant clam Tridacna squamosa and the sea urchin Echinometra mathaei could withstand such conditions. Meanwhile, the reef flat is sparsely covered by the seaweeds Dictyosphaeria cavernosa, Caulerpa serrulata, Padina pavonica, Laurancia obtusa and Cystoseira merica, whereas Sargassum dentifolium, S. latifolium and Grateloupia filicina are occasional. Besides, Damselfish of Pomacentrus spp. and Chrysiptera spp., Butterflyfish of Chaetodon spp., parrotfish of Scarus spp., and the surgeonfish Acanthurus sohal were sporadically reported along the investigated reef. Finally, no signs of coral recovery have been observed.