Egyptian Red Sea Research Articles

Big Data Insights into Coastal Tourism: Analyzing Customer Satisfaction at Egyptian Red Sea Dive Resorts

This research aims to explore the relationship between customer satisfaction and various extracted factors at dive resorts in the Red Sea, Egypt, utilizing a hybrid methodology of descriptive and diagnostic analytics applied to online review data. Employing techniques such as KH coder for text analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and linear regression, this study systematically identifies key elements that influence customer satisfaction. Findings reveal that activities related to diving and marine life markedly enhance guest satisfaction, underscoring the critical role these aspects play in the overall appeal of Egyptian coastal tourism. Conversely, areas such as dining and amenities were identified as needing improvement. The originality of this study lies in its application of big data analytics to dissect and understand customer feedback in a sector-specific context, providing strategic insights for the sustainable advancement of coastal tourism in Egypt. By focusing on dive resorts, this research highlights their integral role in coastal tourism and offers a model for leveraging online customer reviews to enhance service quality and promote sustainable practices within the tourism industry, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of coastal tourism.

Pressures on Egyptian Red Sea fisheries from the artisan fishers’ perspective

The Egyptian Red Sea (ERS) supports artisanal, commercial and recreational fisheries, managed using a summertime closure, not applied to recreational fishing. Stock status is little known and management options are severely limited. To inform future management, we report the results of a questionnaire survey of artisan fishers from four Red Sea ports, collecting basic socioeconomic and fisheries data: fleet characteristics, self-reported landings, plus attitudes towards current management. Relationships among catches, technical and social categories and categorised attitudes were analysed using ordinal and multinomial logistic regressions. Median income of ERS artisanal fishers was 54% of the mean income from work in rural Egypt in 2020. Almost all respondents reported declining catches (61% blamed “overfishing”) and most were pessimistic (43% expected to remain fishing in 10 years time). The seasonal closure was poorly supported by artisanal fishers: 75% claimed it contributed to declining resources. The timing of the closure, intended to protect spawning fish, aligned with published spawning seasons for some, but not all important species. 66% of fishers identified this mismatch as the reason for policy failure. High dissatisfaction rates risk non-compliance: e.g. 23% of those interviewed switched to ‘recreational’ fishing during the closed season. Most artisan fishers of the ERS are in a precarious economic position, facing a declining resource, under management that few support, with concerns about the long term future for their livelihood. We suggest transition to a participatory approach with data-driven co-management as a long term solution.

Characterization and health risk assessment of n-alkanes and PAHs in sediments from Shalateen (Halayeb Triangle), Egyptian Red Sea Coast

In this paper, the concentrations, origins, and carcinogenic potential of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) collected from Shalateen sediments (Sh), Red Sea, Egypt were discussed. Individual n-alkanes has fluctuated from a minimum of 17.7 μg/g dw recorded for C-9 at Sh-54 to a maximum of 2.02 × 104 μg/g dw recorded for C-12 at Sh-B1. Total n-alkanes have fluctuated from 252–1.41 × 104 μg/g with a mean of 4.84 × 104 μg/g dw. C-12 had the highest average value, and C-19 had the lowest. The total ΣPAH concentrations in sediments from Shalateen as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) ranged from 43.2 to 270 ng/g dw (averaging 95.2 ng/g dw). Carbon preference index (CPI) values were <1, consistent with the prevalence of even-C alkanes vs. the odd-C homologues. High molecular weight (HMW) PAHs were the most abundant substances affecting the collected samples. The cancer risk ranged from 2.25 × 10−5 to 4.78 × 10−2, indicating a moderate cancer risk associated with PAHs. The primary sources of PAHs in sediments included emissions from burning gasoline and diesel, biomass, and natural gas. The current study is considered one of the most important and unique with regard to the amounts and distributions of n-alkanes and PAHs in sediments along the coasts of Shalateen. It is the first baseline data documentation (GC MS/MS approach) of n-alkanes and PAHs in the Shalateen region.

Metagenomic mining of two Egyptian Red Sea sponges associated microbial community

The Red Sea is a promising habitat for the discovery of new bioactive marine natural products. Sponges associated microorganisms represent a wealthy source of compounds with unique chemical structures and diverse biological activities. Metagenomics is an important omics-based culture-independent technique that is used as an effective tool to get genomic and functional information on sponge symbionts. In this study, we used metagenomic analysis of two Egyptian Red Sea sponges Hyrtios erectus and Phorbas topsenti microbiomes to study the biodiversity and the biosynthetic potential of the Red Sea sponges to produce bioactive compounds. Our data revealed high biodiversity of the two sponges’ microbiota with phylum Proteobacteria as the most dominant phylum in the associated microbial community with an average of 31% and 70% respectively. The analysis also revealed high biosynthetic potential of sponge Hyrtios erectus microbiome through detecting diverse types of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) with predicted cytotoxic, antibacterial and inhibitory action. Most of these BGCs were predicted to be novel as they did not show any similarity with any MIBiG database known cluster. This study highlights the importance of the microbiome of the collected Red Sea sponge Hyrtios erectus as a valuable source of new bioactive natural products.

Hydrothermal alteration processes in monzogranite: a case study from the Eastern Desert of Egypt: implications from remote sensing, geochemistry and mineralogy

The South Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt is one of the most promising areas in Egypt; it is widely explored for exploring the rare earth elements (REEs) and uranium-bearing ores. It is a main part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS). Therefore, the present study concerns with Sikait-Nugrus area as one of the most prolific sites in this region. The study provides a detailed geological, structural, and mineralogical investigation of the monzogranites to describe and characterize the various alteration types and sequence. For this purpose, remote sensing, geochemical and petrographical techniques were applied. The remote sensing technique helped in constructing a detailed geologic map of the study area to follow up strictly the alteration zone of the Sikait-Nugrus area. Petrographically, the granites predominates in the study area, they are described as slightly and highly altered monzogranites. The slightly altered one is composed mainly of quartz (~ 20–35%), alkali feldspar (~ 25–30%), plagioclase (~ 25–30%), and mica (~ 5–15%), while accessory minerals are represented by zircon and monazite. On the other hand, the portion of this granite close to the shearing zone is intensively altered and characterized by sericitization as the main alteration processes. This sheared portion is characterized by accessory minerals as, uranothorite, allanite, fluorite and Nb-minerals (ishikawaite). Minerlogically, the altered monzogranites are predominated by the following mineral groups: (1) radioactive minerals as uranyl silicates (soddyite, uranophane and kasolite), and thorium minerals (thorite and uranothorite), (2) Nb–Ta minerals (betafite, plumbobetafite, columbite, fergusonite, and aeschynite), (3) REE minerals (monazite, cheralite and xenotime), and (4) zircon and fluorite as accessory minerals. Geochemically, the recorded pattern of the REEs tetrad effect (M-type) for the highly altered samples indicate that these granites are highly evolved and affected by late stage of hydrothermal alteration and the effective water-rich alteration processes that connected to intensive physico-chemical changes. The total REE concentrations equal 241.8 and 249.75 ppm for the highly and slightly altered samples. A significant mass change (MC) was analyzed by the isocon technique (22.95 & 11.11) and volume change (VC) (1.8 &-7.99) for the highly and slightly altered samples, respectively. The mass balance calculations and the isocon diagrams revealed that some major oxides were removed from the slightly altered monzogranites and transformed later into highly altered monzogranites with increasing the alteration intensity due to the impacts of hydrothermal alteration processes. The studied area is virgin, where no detailed studies have been applied to this region. It is extendable to other parts of the Arabian-Nubian Shield in around the Red Sea in Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The applied technical workflow is also extendible to other surface analogues everywhere.

Bourgeoning Impacts of the Coastal Megacities and Potential Ecological Risks of Leachable Heavy Metals in Fine-sediments Fractions along the Egyptian Red Sea Shores

Bourgeoning Impacts of the Coastal Megacities and Potential Ecological Risks of Leachable Heavy Metals in Fine-sediments Fractions along the Egyptian Red Sea Shores

Population Dynamics Parameters and Exploitation Status of 55 Commercial Species in Egyptian Red Sea Fisheries: A Key to Sustainable Fisheries

Egyptian Red Sea fisheries face the same challenges as most of the world’s fisheries, including overexploitation, habitat loss, IUU fishing, pollution, and climate change. These fisheries are highly diverse with multiple species targeted by multiple fleets, using different fishing gears. Much work has been performed in recent years to assess Red Sea fish stocks. However, not all fish stocks in the Egyptian Red Sea are assessed, and those that are assessed only cover 30% of landings. The assessments are unbalanced by area, with the Gulf of Suez being much better covered than the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba. The results show that most of the analyzed stocks are overexploited. There is an urgent need to take action to protect, conserve, and restore the different fish stocks in different fishing grounds. These actions will ensure the sustainability of the fisheries, making them ecologically friendly and economically and socially efficient.

Use of Sediments From A Subtropical Mangrove Ecosystem As A Tool For Monitoring Environmental And Radiation Hazards For the Egyptian Red Sea Coast

Use of Sediments From A Subtropical Mangrove Ecosystem As A Tool For Monitoring Environmental And Radiation Hazards For the Egyptian Red Sea Coast

Nutritional values, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of selected edible marine macroalgae: a comparative study

AbstractThe objective of this study is to assess the chemical composition, nutritional values, and bioactivities of four macroalgae from the Egyptian Red Sea coasts using standard methods. Of these, three Rhodophyceae species, Digenea simplex (D. simplex), Laurencia papillosa (L. papillosa), and Galaxaura oblongata (G. oblongata), and one Phyaeophyceae species, Turbinaria decurrens (T. decurrens), were selected. The results of proximate and chemical composition analyses based on the algal dry weight (DW) showed that carbohydrate content was the highest, ranging from 32.47 ± 1.03% to 45.5 ± 1.23%. Other algal constituents, including ash, protein, moisture, sulfate, lipid, phenolics, and flavonoids, have contents that depend on the algal species. Besides, HPLC analysis revealed that each algal extract contained varying amounts of nine phenolic acids. Atomic absorption spectrometry, the HPLC-Pico-Tag method, the ion chromatography technique, and GC/MS analyses were used to determine the chemical profiles of the elemental, amino acid, halide, and fatty acid of each algal extract. Bioactivities revealed that both the •DPPH and ABTS assays showed that all the algae studied had a significant ability to scavenge free radicals in a dosage-dependent way. They also had strong selective cytotoxic activity against HEPG-2 and HCT-116 cell lines, but only weak activity against MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. Finally, our findings suggested that the selected algae might be efficiently used as nutraceuticals and functional foods, indicating an increase in their proliferation.

Assessment of wave energy location, technology, and converter toward sustainability using integrated spherical fuzzy MCDM approach

Due to climate change, fossil fuel reduction, growing energy usage, and ecological impacts, the need for renewable energy sources is rising quickly. A large amount of energy comes from the ocean through the tide; renewable energy must be exploited. One important energy source is wave energy converters (WECs), which enhance efficiency and grow energy. This study presented a case study from three layers of the Red Sea in Egypt for selecting optimal wave energy location (WEL), wave energy technology (WET), and WEC. The spherical fuzzy set (SFS) framework deals with uncertainty and vague information in this selection process. The SFS is integrated with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to deal with various criteria in each layer. This study uses two MCDM methods under the SFS environment: The Stepwise Weighted Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method and the Weighted Euclidean Distance Based Approach (WEDBA) method. The SF-SWARA method is used to compute the criteria weights in each layer. Then, the SF-WEDBA method ranks the alternatives in each layer. The main results in each layer show that the accessibility criterion, Economic factors, and energy production criterion have the highest weight in the three layers. Sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis are conducted in each layer.

Spatiotemporal distribution of mangrove along the Egyptian Red Sea coast and analysis of hydrological impact on growth patterns

AbstractThis study presents an in-depth spatiotemporal analysis of mangrove ecosystems along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, utilizing satellite imagery and GIS to examine changes from 2003 to 2022. We evaluate the effects of hydrological factors, specifically rainfall and runoff -presented by Stream Power Index-, on mangrove growth patterns. Results indicate a significant increase in mangrove areas, with a notable annual growth rate, despite a reduction in a specific region. This research highlights the integral role of catchment area runoff (R2 = 0.735, R = 0.857, P-value = 0.003 &lt; 0.05, CV = 70.26%), rather than direct rainfall, in mangrove expansion, contributing to the understanding of mangrove resilience and informing sustainable coastal management strategies. The study bridges a significant research gap by mapping decadal mangrove changes, offering insights into the dynamics affecting these crucial ecosystems.

Patterns of light pollution on sea turtle nesting beaches in the Egyptian Red Sea

We examined the probability of past sea turtle nesting as a function of light intensity and patterns of temporal changes of light along nesting beaches in the Egyptian Red Sea. Beaches had a lower probability of past sea turtle nesting as light intensity increased. Light has been significantly increasing on mainland nesting beaches between 1992 and 2021 except for temporary declines. Island beaches historically had lower light pollution, but there was a sudden increase of light starting in 2014 that continued through 2021, except for the precipitous decline in 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic. Light pollution on past nesting beaches has now approached levels that may be too polluted and discourage nesting. The impacts of the increased light pollution on nesting density and hatchling survival of hawksbill, Eretmochelys imbricata, and green turtles, Chelonia mydas, is likely negative.

Insight into antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of marine bacterial natural exopolysaccharide (EPSSM) using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats

Inflammation is a part of the body’s intricate biological reaction to noxious stimuli and defensive reactions. So, the aim of this investigation was to study the anti-inflammatory activity of exopolysaccharide (EPSSM) using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. A halophilic bacterial strain was isolated from marine sediments in the Red Sea in Egypt. The isolate has been visually and physiologically recognized, as well as by analyzing its 16S rRNA gene, which confirms Kocuria sp. clone Asker4. This particular isolate can be referenced using the accession number OL798051.1. EPSSM was subjected to purification and fractionation by a DEAE-cellulose column. Preliminary chemical analysis of EPSSM indicated that the monosaccharides were fructose, glucuronic acid, and xylose, with 2.0, 0.5, and 1.0, respectively. The antioxidant potential of EPSSM was investigated, and it was discovered that the level of activity increased independently of the concentrations, reaching a maximum threshold of 94.13% at 100 µg/mL of EPSSM for 120 min. Also, EPSSM at 50 mg/kg orally produced a significant anti-inflammatory effect on the carrageenan model at 2, 3, and 4 intervals. The EPSSM intervention resulted in reductions in the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, as well as a decrease in glutathione. Furthermore, the levels of nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species resulting from carrageenan-induced edema showed a significant reduction subsequent to the administration of EPSSM. Moreover, the findings indicated that the protein expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-6 were reduced following treatment with EPSSM, resulting in a reduction of paw edema.

Biomass Carbon Stock and Carbon Sequestration Potentiality in Mangrove Ecosystem along the Egyptian Red Sea Coast

Biomass Carbon Stock and Carbon Sequestration Potentiality in Mangrove Ecosystem along the Egyptian Red Sea Coast

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Some Selected Seaweeds Species from the Western Coast of the Northern Egyptian Red Sea

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Some Selected Seaweeds Species from the Western Coast of the Northern Egyptian Red Sea

Imaging Pleistocene volcanic edifices along the Egyptian Red Sea margin: Insights from reflection seismics and 3D constrained inversion of gravity and magnetic data

Several volcanic buildups have been documented using gravity and magnetic data at specific locations in the Northern Red Sea (NRS). Most of these volcanoes were never sampled, and only a few were imaged by seismic or bathymetry data. Furthermore, the confidentiality of commercial datasets does not allow adequate knowledge of these structures and their morphology and physical properties. In this study, 2D and 3D seismic reflection data and 3D constrained inversion of magnetic and gravity data have been used to infer densities and magnetic susceptibilities of volcanic features in the central part of the NRS and to evaluate the distribution and geometry. This study indicates that the results of the 3D inverted models show a good fit with the volcanic structures inferred from seismic data and, thus, that the inversion technique adopted can be a reliable tool for detecting other edifices where seismic data are missing. The 3D inverted density and magnetic susceptibility models suggest that at least eight isolated structures with similar gravity and magnetic properties exist in the study area. They are associated with high densities and magnetic susceptibility anomalies with average values of 2700 kg/m3 and 0.025 SI, respectively. These magmatic structures are deeply rooted in the sedimentary cover and emerge at elevations of 100 to >650 m relative to the seabed. They developed in a sector interpreted as containing thinned continental crust, accompanied by the ascension of magma through prominent rift-related normal faults. Magmatic activity likely started in the Pleistocene and continues to the present day.

Occurrence, distribution, and composition of black sand along the Red Sea, Egypt

Black sand along the Red Sea is often composed of volcanic minerals and heavy minerals. The Red Sea region is known for its unique geological features, and black sand beaches can be found in various areas along its shores. The study presents a comprehensive semi-quantitative chemical analysis of black sand samples collected from various locations along the red sea, revealing significant variations in their elemental compositions. The main oxides were identified in each sample, determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses, indicate diverse mineralogical compositions. The spatial distribution of minerals at each site is depicted through mapping. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra offer information on the functional groups present in the samples, revealing the existence of hydroxyl groups, aliphatic compounds, and adsorbed water molecules. For Qusier-Elsharm Alqbly, Safaga, Marsa Alam, Gabal Alrosass, Hurghada Titanic, Hurghada Elahiaa, Gemsa, and Ras Elbehar samples, the results highlight the presence of various minerals, such as Quartz, Calcite, Titanium Dioxide, Magnetite, Hematite, Aluminum Oxide, Zirconium Dioxide, Chromium (III) Oxide, and others, providing insights into the geological characteristics of each location. The differences in mineral content among the examined sites are linked to the geological and mineralogical makeup of the source rocks upstream and midstream in the basins that discharge into the surveyed regions. So, variations in black sand concentrations among different locations offer insights into the geological and mineralogical diversity of the studied areas along the Red Sea coast. This study addresses the existing knowledge gap by focusing on the preliminary exploration and description of the occurrence, distribution, and composition of black sand along the Red Sea in Egypt. whereas the results provide valuable insights into the geological diversity of black sand deposits in the surveyed areas, underscoring the need for additional research and interpretation of these variations. Therefore, the in-depth examination of mineralogical composition and crystal structures establishes a foundation for future investigations in the field of geology and earth sciences.

Landslide susceptibility assessment along the Red Sea Coast in Egypt, based on multi-criteria spatial analysis and GIS techniques

The Egyptian Red Sea coast, a mountainous coastal region, is periodically exposed to landslide that cause severe man and economic losses. That is due to its geological, hydrogeomorphological, and seismological nature. This research aims to map landslide susceptibility in the study area using a multi-criteria overlay analysis approach. Slopes, elevations, aspects, curvature, lineaments, faults, earthquakes, rainfall, stream network, and rock units are the factors used to derive the landslide's susceptibility map. The data were obtained from research organizations and open-source geospatial platforms. The landslide susceptibility map of the area under investigation ranges from low to high as follows: 1) low (23 %), 2) moderate (43 %), and 3) high (34 %) from total area. The used model is validated using direct field check and statistical analysis by Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve test 40 landslides events. Based on ROC, the multi-criteria overlay analysis approach can predict landslides by 82 % at a 95 % confidence level. The leading causes of landslides are geological, topographical, hydrogeomorphological, and seismological. For long-term development, the study's findings would assist decision-makers in lowering the risks connected with landslides in the areas. To reduce the chance of landslides, the study recommended it is important to take into account the rugged topography of zones where landslides are likely to occur and implement rockfall protection systems like barriers, embankments, or mesh.

The Role and Impact of Ancient Egyptian Red Sea Trade Routes in Facilitating Cross-Cultural Exchange

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the ancient Egyptian Red Sea trade routes and their critical role in facilitating cross-cultural exchanges between Egypt and its trading partners. Employing an innovative combination of remote sensing data, underwater archaeology, and analysis of economic and cultural exchanges, the research offers new insights into the complexities of ancient trade networks. The study challenges existing historical narratives by revealing the sophisticated nature of ancient commerce and its global implications, highlighting the interconnectedness and dynamism of ancient civilizations. By meticulously mapping these trade routes and examining the goods, technologies, and cultural practices exchanged, the paper sheds light on the mechanisms of ancient trade and its impact on economic prosperity and cultural richness across regions. The findings not only advance our understanding of ancient trade networks but also underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in uncovering the nuanced dynamics of global interactions in the ancient world. The paper calls for a reevaluation of ancient global interactions, proposing new avenues for future research and enriching the academic discourse on ancient economies, trade networks, and cultural interactions.

Assessment of heavy metals at mangrove ecosystem, applying multiple approaches using in-situ and remote sensing techniques, Red Sea, Egypt.

Mangrove areas are considered the most retention zone for heavy metal pollution as it work as an edge that aggregates land and sea sediments. This study aims to examine if the heavy metals' existence in the mangrove sediment is related to contamination or natural resources. In addition, it gives an interpretation of the origin of these metals along the Egyptian Red Sea coast. Twenty-two samples of mangrove sediments were collected and then, analyzed for metals (Mn, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cd, Ag, and Pb) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Integration between the in-situ data, contamination indices, and remote sensing and geographical information science (GIS), and multivariate statistical analysis techniques (PCA) were analyzed to assess and clarify the spatial origin of heavy metals in sediment at a regional scale. The average concentration of heavy metals from mangrove sediments were shown to be substantially lower than the referenced value, ranging from moderate to significant except the levels of Ag were very high. The heavy metals concentrations were expected to be naturally origin rather than anthropogenic and that be confirmed by mapping of Red Sea alteration zones spots. These alteration zones are parallel to mangrove sites and rich by several mineralization types including heavy metals that are carried by flooding to the coastline. Remote sensing and GIS techniques successfully contributed to interpreting the pattern of the origin of heavy metals and discharging systems that control the heavy metals concentration along the Red Sea coast.