Neighboring cage fish farming affecting water and seabed quality of the jordanian northern gulf of aqaba, red sea

Abstract

Environmental qualities of coastal water and bottom sediment were assessed at Jordan's northernmost tip of Gulf of Aqaba to evaluate possible impacts of the bordering fish pen cages in Eilat. Results showed significant differences between surface and bottom water in the chemical and physical variables in the different months of the year (2004-2005). Chlorophyll a was also significantly higher in bottom water when compared to that of the offshore water. Nitrate and ammonia were significantly higher in bottom water than the surface water at each individual station. The upper 2 cm of sediment sample recorded higher values of total phosphorus and organic matter. Seasonality affected the content of total phosphorus, organic matter, redox potential and color especially at the sediment layer below 3 cm of the sediment core. The present investigation showed slight modification of water and sediment qualities but no clear sign of eutrophication was observed. However, to maintain sustainability of healthy environmental conditions at the northern tip of Gulf of Aqaba potentials of any possible environmental risks arising from the fish farms or any other coastal investment should be carefully considered.