Wadi El Research Articles

Geoelectrical and hydrogeological study to delineate the geological structures affecting the groundwater occurrence in Wadi El Khariq Basin, Northwest El Maghara, north Sinai, Egypt

Wadi El Khariq has a vast area that can be reclaimed. Upper Jurassic carbonates represent the main aquifer. The Desert Research Center has a pilot station in Wadi El Khariq that suffers from water deficiency. Therefore, the drilling of new wells is needed. As fault zones make fracture conduits for groundwater, detecting these faults is a vital process. Therefore, this study aims to trace the existing subsurface structures and their impact on groundwater occurrence. The interpretation of the results of the vertical electrical soundings leads to the detection of five geoelectrical layers. The third and fourth layers correspond to fractures and argillaceous limestone represents the water-bearing layers. The interpretation of the results of the eight 2D electrical resistivity tomography profiles gave more illustrative information about the lateral facies changes, the structures effect along the study area, distribution of the different types of water-bearing limestone, and the depth to their top. The deduced structures from electrical study are represented by the faults F1–F6. The faults F1 and F2 are confirmed from both 1D and 2D imaging profiles. The fault plains of F1, F2, F5, and F6 are continuous between the measured imaging profiles. The 2D imaging profiles revealed that the clay content increase eastwards. The correlation results of the natural gamma and lithological logs of the drilled wells as well as the constructed hydrogeological profiles revealed that the area of study affected by another group of faults (F6–F12). These faults affect on the groundwater occurrence and quality. These faults lead to the formation of graben and horst structures, lateral facies changes, variation in layers thickness, and the occurrence of the fractured limestone layer lying beneath the calcareous clay at variable depths. Most of the detected faults in the study area have NW–SE trends coinciding with the lineation analyses of the faults and fractures of El Khariq basin. The fractured limestone aquifer in the study area is recharged via the percolation of the surface runoff water of local precipitation on Gable El Maghara catchment area through the fracture lines, fault planes and bedding planes besides paleowater of the paleo-rainy seasons. The depth to water varies from 60 to 114 m. The groundwater salinity of the wells drilled in El Khariq plain varies greatly due to the effect of the lithological nature of the water-bearing formation and the well design. It varies from 2335 to 12548 mg/l. The discharge value (Q) varies from 60 to 12 m3/h. This variation is related to the extension and type of the effective fracture system affecting the concerned aquifer.

Assessment of the Spectral Characteristics of Different Physiological Stages of Some Olive cvs and Its Relation with Productivity

Remote sensing satellite imagery is the tool to obtain synoptic, multi-temporal, dynamic and timely efficient information about any target on Earth. The main objective of the current study is to use remote sensing satellite data and field spectral reflectance measurements to identify the spectral pattern of the different cultivars of olives and to statistically correlate this spectral reflectance pattern with crop productivity. The study was carried out in El-Beheira governorate (Wadi El Natrun) city during the whole year of 2014. The three observed varieties were Picual, Manzanillo and Kalamata. Measurements were carried out for five growth stages: dormancy stage, flowering stage, fruit sat stage, mature stage and ripening stage. The spectral reflectance pattern for each cultivar through the different growth stages was identified. Then, seven vegetation indices (normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), modified chlorophyll absorption ration index (MCARI), triangular vegetation index (TVI), modified chlorophyll absorption ration index-1 (MCARI-1), modified chlorophyll absorption ration index-2 (MCARI-2), modified triangular vegetation index-2 (MTVI2) and chlorophyll index (CI)) were calculated through the five growth stages for each cultivar and then were observed as estimators for crop yield modeling. Analysis of the result based on the comparison of the correlation coefficient (r 2 ) for all generated models, the target is to identify the optimal vegetation index and the optimal growth stage to predict yield for each variety. Generally, Manzanillo variety showed the highest reflectance followed by Picual and Kalamata. The result showed that the highest (r 2 ) was with the two cultivars Picual and Kalamata during mature stage, while the highest (r 2 ) was with cultivar Manzanillo during fruit sat stage. While the lowest (r 2 ) was found during dormancy stage for the three cultivars.

Use of the subsurface thermal regime as a groundwater-flow tracer in the semi-arid western Nile Delta, Egypt

Temperature profiles from 25 boreholes were used to understand the spatial and vertical groundwater flow systems in the Western Nile Delta region of Egypt, as a case study of a semi-arid region. The study area is located between the Nile River and Wadi El Natrun. The recharge areas, which are located in the northeastern and the northwestern parts of the study area, have low subsurface temperatures. The discharge areas, which are located in the western (Wadi El Natrun) and southern (Moghra aquifer) parts of the study area, have higher subsurface temperatures. In the deeper zones, the effects of faults and the recharge area in the northeastern direction disappear at 80 m below sea level. For that depth, one main recharge and one main discharge area are recognized. The recharge area is located to the north in the Quaternary aquifer, and the discharge area is located to the south in the Miocene aquifer. Two-dimensional groundwater-flow and heat-transport models reveal that the sealing faults are the major factor disturbing the regional subsurface thermal regime in the study area. Besides the main recharge and discharge areas, the low permeability of the faults creates local discharge areas in its up-throw side and local recharge areas in its down-throw side. The estimated average linear groundwater velocity in the recharge area is 0.9 mm/day to the eastern direction and 14 mm/day to the northwest. The average linear groundwater discharge velocities range from 0.4 to 0.9 mm/day in the southern part.

Diagnosis and characteristics of water quality along the Wadi El Bey river (Tunisia). Coagulation/flocculation essays of textile effluents discharged into the Wadi

In the present investigation, Wadi El Bey river (Tunisia) was studied for water quality. Various physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, TSS, DO, COD, BOD5, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, color, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Fe, and Al) and microbiological (Fecal coliforms, Fecal streptococci, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas) analysis of freshwater body were performed during 3 years (2012–2015) and compared to Tunisian standard (TN-106-02). Thirteen sampling sites were chosen to study the effect of industrial and domestic effluents on the river. Results revealed that almost all of the parameters exceed TN-106-02 standards indicating that the water quality of the river presents a high risk and it is urgent to control and to treat the wastewater discharged into Wadi El Bey. In this paper, several coagulation/flocculation essays are studied and evaluated on industrial wastewater effluents (site S1) discharged into the river. Using response surface methodology to evaluate the interactions between three factors (concentration of coagulant, flocculant dosage, and initial pH) on the treatment, the optimal conditions were reached by removing 87.87% of COD and decolorization of the water to 99.82%. This optimal treatment was obtained with 275 and 75 mg L−1 doses, respectively, for coagulant and flocculant.

Assessment of heavy metals pollution using multivariate statistical analysis methods in Wadi El Bey (Tunisia)

Heavy metal pollution is a major environmental problem worldwide because of the longstanding toxicity and bioaccumulation of metals. The risk is pronounced in the environment adjacent to large industrial complexes and cities historically located along rivers. The aim of this paper was the application of multivariate statistical techniques: cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and discriminant analysis (DA) to evaluate spatial and temporal variations of the heavy metals fraction of Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni, Cr, and Al during monitoring of surface water of Wadi El Bey in northern part of Tunisia. Water samples were collected seasonally from 13 sites along the Wadi during 2 years (2012–2013). Results indicated that the concentrations and distribution of heavy metals appear to be largely controlled by natural processes, anthropogenic activities, and climatic conditions. CA classified the sampling sites into three clusters: Lowly Polluted sites “LP” (S2, S3 and S6–S11), Moderately Polluted sites “MP” (S4 and S5), and Highly Polluted Site “HP” (S1) based on similarities of water quality characteristics. PCA applied to the data-sets indicated that the total variance of water quality in the HP, MP, and LP sites were about 94.91, 91.06, and 80.14%, respectively. DA results seem to identify Cu, Fe, Zn, and Al as the most significant parameters for discrimination between seasons; whereas, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Al were the most significant parameters used to control the spatial variation. Thus, DA allowed reduction in dimensionality of the large data-set, delineating a few indicator parameters responsible for large variations in water quality. This study presents necessity and usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques for evaluation and interpretation of large complex data-sets with a view to get better information about the water quality and design of monitoring network for effective management of water resources.

Spatial Analysis for Sustainable Development of El Fayoum and Wadi El Natrun Desert Depressions, Egypt with the Aid of Remote Sensing and GIS

Spatial Analysis for Sustainable Development of El Fayoum and Wadi El Natrun Desert Depressions, Egypt with the Aid of Remote Sensing and GIS

Drainage patterns network and hydrogeological functions, Wadi El Atfehy hydrographic basin, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Drainage patterns network and hydrogeological functions, Wadi El Atfehy hydrographic basin, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Anthropogenic impacts and their influence on the spatial distribution of the Odonata of Wadi el Harrach (North-Central Algeria)

In spite of a relatively good knowledge of the odonatofauna of the Maghreb, some large areas like the centre of Algeria have remained little explored. These areas have witnessed a demographic explosion and an agro-industrial development over the last century which have adversely impacted most natural ecosystems. Wadi El Harrach, an intermittent river that cuts through the Mitidja plain, near Algiers, is notorious for its pollution and represents a good model to investigate anthropogenic impacts on freshwater communities. In line with the increasing use of assessment methods developed to monitor and evaluate the ecological integrity of running waters, we sampled Odonata of Wadi El Harrach and measured various abiotic parameters representative of the water quality of the habitat. Both data sets were jointly used to analyse the correspondence between the two assessments. Results indicated congruence between both approaches and highlighted the potential of Odonata as reliable bioindicators of ecological conditions of lotic ecosystems.

GEOELECTRICAL ANALYSIS ON THE GROUNDWATER OCCURRENCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EAST EL MINYA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

The investigated area is a part of Nile valley which is surrounded by limestone plateaus of Egypt. It is located between Latitudes 28o 15′ - 28o 45’ N and Longitudes 30o 45- 31o 00′ E, and has a surface area of about 1362 Square kilometers. The geoelectrical resistivity measurements have been carried out, using a Schlumberger array to identify the resistivity and thicknesses of different subsurface layers and determine groundwater occurrences. For these purpose, 44 Schlumberger vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted with a maximum half current electrode spacing of 700 m. Results from the quantitative interpretation of sounding data indicate that, the area is generally underlain by five main geoelectrical units (A, B, C, D and E). The main characteristics of these geoelectrical layers as well as, the main features of the constructed geoelectrical cross sections have been interpreted in the case of determining the groundwater occurrences. Based on the results obtained, four water-bearing layers (aquifers) were detected in the investigated area. The Quaternary deposits represented by Pleistocene Neonile Sediments of sands and gravels with clay and Shale lenses (A3) act as the first aquifer which represents a limited distribution in the investigated area. The second water-bearing layer (C1) corresponds to water-bearing limestone of Maghagha Formation which lead to the second aquifer and represents also a limited distribution in the investigated area. The third one (D4) corresponds to water-bearing limestone of Samalut Formation which lead to the third aquifer and represents a wide distribution in the investigated area. The fourth water bearing zone (E) corresponds to water-bearing limestone of Minia Formation which lead to the fourth aquifer and represents a wide distribution in the investigated area. Two priority maps for groundwater exploitation in the investigated area have been presented for each of El Minia and Samalut aquifers. It can be concluded that, the priority is generally increasing toward the southern parts, especially at wadi El Saririia area, where El Minia Aquifer occupy the first category and at wadi El Sheikh Hasan where the two main aquifers of Samalut and El Minia facies are well represented

Contributions to the Petrology of Upper Cretaceous of El Duwi Formation at Gabal El Galala El Qibliya area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Upper Cretaceous succession exposed at Saint Anthony , Saint Paul, and Wadi El Dakhl areas was measured and studied in detail. The studied sequence is subdivided lithostratigraphically, into the Galala Formation (Cenomanian-Early Turonian), Wata Fotrmation (Late Turonian), El Duwi Formation (Coniacian-Santonian), and Sudr Chalk (Campanian-Maastrichtian), Esna Shale (Paleocene-Early Eocene) and Thebes Formation (Early Eocene). The examined rock units in Gabal El Galala area include El Duwi Formation and Sudr Chalk were studied lithostratigraphically, petrography, mineralogy, geochemistry, radioactivity and tectonic setting. On the other hand, the major and trace elements were focused on the studied rock units. The Upper Cretaceous exposures in southeastern Galala represented by Carbonate – dominated successions inter-bedded with shale, a few sandstone beds, and marl horizons and capped by Sudr chalk. The average chemical compositions of the shale from the study area are (33.37-59.55%) for SiO2, (6.51-16.49%) for Al2O3, (1.07-2.33 %) for CaO, (1.16-2.09%) for MgO, (0.99-3.10%) for Na2O, (0.45-1.6%) for K2O, (1-2.86%) for P2O5, (5.37-8.865%) for Fe2O3, (31-791 ppm) for Rb, (291-1500 ppm) for Zr, (331-2834 ppm) Sr, (15-61 ppm) for Ga, (89-711 ppm) for V and (9-45 ppm) for U. Detailed environmental scanning-electron microscope (ESEM) study was carried out on the shale and Chalk. This study appears the characterization of the assembly as pyrite, gypsum and jarosite. The tectonic setting reveals that the shale and chalk of the upper Cretaceous in El Duwi Formation were originated from greywacke in active continental margin area.

Ecology and Seasonal Phytomass of Wadi El - Rayan Wetlands (A Protected Area), Fayoum, Western Desert, Egypt

Ecology and Seasonal Phytomass of Wadi El - Rayan Wetlands (A Protected Area), Fayoum, Western Desert, Egypt

DECREASING WORK-RELATED PESTICIDE EXPOSURES AMONG FARMERS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN WADI EL-MULLAK VILLAGE,SHARKIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT (AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY).

Introduction: Pesticides, pesticide products and related chemicals have been found to have a wide range of health effects. Many farmers’ activities pose serious risks of pesticide exposure, such as land preparation for cultivation, storing, mixing, preparing and spraying of pesticide, loading and cleaning of spraying equipment. Farmers’ knowledge and perception about pesticide risks play an important role in determining the use of pesticides protective device. Aim of Work: (1) To assess knowledge of farmers, their families toward pesticide use and pesticide hazards in Wadi El Mullak village (2) To assess safe pesticide use behavior (3) To evaluate the effect of health education program on their knowledge, attitude toward pesticides exposure. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted through two phases (a cross- sectional study, and an intervention educational program) among farmers living in EL-Mullak village for at least 3 months from the time of interview, participants of the cross sectional phase were (n=202), were satisfying the inclusion criteria. An interviewer questionnaire was filled before and after the health education intervention program, a checklist was also utilized to determine the actual practices of the respondents in the field before and after the intervention. Results: (1) there are a significant relation between farmers’ educational level and their level of knowledge (2) there is a statistically highly significant effect of health education of the intervention program on farmers’ knowledge of safety behaviors associated with pesticide use (3) there is significant relation between receiving previous training on pesticides issues and decreased appearance of symptoms. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study concludes that health education and proper training are effective forms of intervention in improving the knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers on the use of pesticide.

Watershed Characteristic and Potentiality of Wadi El-Arish, Sinai, Egypt

The present study is an attempt to evaluate the watershed characterization and potentiality of Wadi El-Arish, Sinai, Egypt using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Thirty morphometric parameters (e.g. stream numbers, orders, lengths, frequency as well as bifurcation ratio, drainage density and relief) were measured depending on SRTM data of digital elevation model (DEM) with 30m resolution that enhanced by topographic maps (1:50,000). Ten compound parameter values were calculated and prioritization rating for erosion risk assessment was carried out. Based on the values of the effective morphometric parameters, flash flood hazards were identified and evaluated. The land use map was constructed from the geomorphological units of Wadi El-Arish basin as well as the field observations. The drainage area of Wadi El-Arish watershed is 22260.3 km 2 . It is subdivided into twelve sub-basins of different areas. The morphometric analysis indicates that the watershed is of eight stream order with dendritic type of drainage pattern and homogeneous nature. The relief ratio, slope, ruggedness number and visual interpretation of the DEM indicate variable slope and topography with late mature stage of geomorphic development. On the other hand, the drainage density, texture, circulatory and elongation ratios prove that the majority of the sub-basins are almost elongated and have coarse and intermediate drainage texture which indicate medium to high infiltration capacity. Accordingly, these sub-basins most probably have good groundwater prospect where the most rainfall infiltrate to recharge the aquifer via permeable soils and/or fractured and weathered rocks. Concerning the soil erosion condition, the sub-basins with the lowest compound parameter value (e.g. W10: Wadi Abu Aliqanah and W12: Wadi Aqabah) have been subjected to maximum soil erosion and need immediate soil conservation measures. Based on the morphometric parameters which have a direct influence on flooding prone area, the flash flood hazard of Wadi El-Arish sub-basins are classified into three groups; namely high, medium and low hazard degree. For mitigation measure (e.g. erection of the runoff water) some dams and dikes at the crossing point between the seventh stream order and eighth stream order are recommended to be constructed. In addition, these measures will support the recharging of the shallow groundwater storage and aquifers. According to the potentiality of the study watershed, the land use map which constructed from the geomorphological units classified the Wadi El-Arish basin into four classes; namely high, moderate, low and non-suitability classes for agriculture uses. The volume of annual flood for Wadi El-Arish watershed was classified into five classes graded from very high to very low. The groundwater potentiality map indicates that the different geographic locations are suitable for groundwater storage with different magnitudes and potentialities, but the overall groundwater potential is of the moderate class. The Lower Cretaceous is considered to be the aquifer with the greatest development potential among the other aquifer systems due to their limited extent, poor productivity and/or water quality.

Iron ore prospection East Aswan, Egypt, using remote sensing techniques

In the present study, integrated remote sensing, geological and geochemical analyses provided three iron ore localities promising for iron mineralization namely; Kom-Ombo (area 1) Aswan (area 2) and Lake Naser (area 3). They are found in variable altitudes at different topographies in the post Nubia sandstones (Timsah formation) at Wadi El Kharit, Wadi El Aweirsha, Wadi Beida and Umm Huqban. Three types of iron-ore have been distinguished in the provided areas; (1) Ferruginous sandstone iron-ore, (2) Oolitic iron-ore and (3) Ferruginous concretion iron-ore. Fe2O3 content in the Ferruginous sandstones reaches up to 70.46%. In the Oolitic iron-ore the Fe2O3 content attains 54.24%. The Ferruginous concretions displayed an Fe2O3 content up to 63.2%. The iron concentration grade (density color degree) revealed by Landsat 8 agrees with the results of geochemical analyses.This confirms the use and advantage of integrating remote sensing and field verifications with the geochemical analyses in prospecting iron-ore deposits in the Arabo Nubian Shield and similar arid regions.

New insights into microbially induced sedimentary structures in alkaline hypersaline El Beida Lake, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt

Microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) were studied in detail in the alkaline hypersaline El Beida Lake of Wadi El Natrun in the western desert sector of Egypt, based on field observations and sampling performed in 2013 and 2014. Geomorphologically, the lake can be subdivided into three zones, each with characteristic sedimentary and biosedimentary structures. The marginal elevated zone that borders the lake is characterized by thick blocky crusts devoid of microbial mats. The middle–lower supratidal zone has luxuriant microbial mats associated with knotty surfaces, mat cracks and wrinkle structures. A zone of ephemeral shallow pools and channels is characterized by reticulate surfaces, pinnacle mats, sieve-like surfaces, gas domes and mat chips. In the microbial mats, authigenic minerals include thenardite Na2SO4, trona Na3(CO3)(HCO3)•2H2O and halite NaCl. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that the minerals are closely associated with the MISS, suggesting some influence of microorganisms on mineral precipitation. Complex interactions between regional hydrological cycles and diagenetic processes imply low preservation potential. MISS signatures of such saline lakes can serve as key analogues for interpreting the geologic record.

ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE NATURAL RESERVES THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

This paper deals with the concept of the local nature reserve specially the reserves thathave been announced in residential societies، And raises hypothesis that communication betweenexisting society and the reserves leads to the result of humanitarian negative impacts on theprotected problems in addition to the lack of the concept of the reserves community، andanalysis of the relationship between society and reserve depends on a field study examinesthe role of human reactive with the reserve and different human interaction of residentialsocieties to the administration or stakeholders. Therefore، it has been selected local examples ofnatural reserves were announced in a residential societies in Karun، Wadi El Rayan and Wadi Deglain order to know the extent to which the concept of natural reserve community in each of themand the reasons for the achievement or non-achievement this concept.

Vulnerability of soils in the watershed of Wadi El Hammam to water erosion (Algeria)

Abstract Located in the north west of Algeria, the watershed of Wadi El Hammam is threatened by water erosion that has resulted the silting of reservoirs at cascade: Ouizert, Bouhanifia and Fergoug. The objective of this study is to develop a methodology using remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) to map the zones presenting sensibility of water erosion in this watershed. It aims to produce a sensibility map that can be used as a reference document for planners. The methodology presented consists of three factors that control erosion: the slope, the friability material and the land use, which were integrated into a GIS. The derived erosion sensibility map shows three areas of vulnerability to water erosion: low, medium and high. The area of high vulnerability corresponds to sub-basin of Fergoug.

Hydrogeochemical evolution of inland lakes’ water: A study of major element geochemistry in the Wadi El Raiyan depression, Egypt

Wadi El Raiyan is a great depression located southwest of Cairo in the Western Desert of Egypt. Lake Qarun, located north of the study area, is a closed basin with a high evaporation rate. The source of water in the lake is agricultural and municipal drainage from the El Faiyum province. In 1973, Wadi El Raiyan was connected with the agricultural wastewater drainage system of the Faiyum province and received water that exceeded the capacity of Lake Qarun. Two hydrogeological regimes have been established in the area: (i) higher cultivated land and (ii) lower Wadi El Raiyan depression lakes. The agricultural drainage water of the cultivated land has been collected in one main drain (El Wadi Drain) and directed toward the Wadi El Raiyan depression, forming two lakes at different elevations (upper and lower). In the summer of 2012, the major chemical components were studied using data from 36 stations distributed over both hydrogeological regimes in addition to one water sample collected from Bahr Youssef, the main source of freshwater for the Faiyum province. Chemical analyses were made collaboratively. The major ion geochemical evolution of the drainage water recharging the El Raiyan depression was examined. Geochemically, the Bahr Youssef sample is considered the starting point in the geochemical evolution of the studied surface water. In the cultivated area, major-ion chemistry is generally influenced by chemical weathering of rocks and minerals that are associated with anthropogenic inputs, as well as diffuse urban and/or agricultural drainage. In the depression lakes, the water chemistry generally exhibits an evaporation-dependent evolutionary trend that is further modified by cation exchange and precipitation of carbonate minerals.

Hydrodynamic Salts Dispersivity Model in the Delta of Wadi El Arish, North Sinai, Egypt

Hydrodynamic Salts Dispersivity Model in the Delta of Wadi El Arish, North Sinai, Egypt

Do Marine Protected Areas in the Red Sea Afford Protection to Megafauna?: A Reassessment Nearly a Decade On

Dugongs, sea turtles and sharks are threatened by gill nets worldwide. A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is one potential tool to reduce the impact of humans on these animals. We undertook a face-to-face survey to compare the proportions of fishers inside and outside MPAs who had observed these animals in their nets. We also assessed if the same fishers had collected and eaten turtles eggs. Forty-nine fishers living in Elba or Wadi El Gamal National Parks (NPs), two MPAs in Egypt’s Red Sea, and 23 fishers living outside these MPAs were interviewed. We found similar proportions of fishers using nets irrespective of whether they lived inside or outside the MPAs. But a greater proportion of fishers living outside the MPAs had caught sharks, turtles and dugongs in nets and eaten turtle eggs. Nevertheless, the proportions of fishers living inside the MPAs who had caught sharks (76%), turtles (71%) and dugongs (20%) in nets were still high. Compared with 2006 data, there was little difference in the proportion of fishers living in Elba NP who had caught turtles in nets, but the proportion of fishers who had caught dugongs in nets was higher in the current study. One reason for this was that a greater proportion of fishers were using nets in 2013. Elba and Wadi El Gamal NPs are not providing comprehensive protection for dugongs, turtles and sharks. Given Egypt’s MPAs are some of the oldest and best resourced in the Red Sea, it is unlikely that MPAs in other countries bordering the Red Sea are providing a better level of protection.