The continuing decline of coral reefs in Bahrain

John A. Burt, Khalifa Al-Khalifa, Ebtesam Khalaf, Bassem AlShuwaikh, Ahmed Abdulwahab

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Historically coral reefs of Bahrain were among the most extensive in the southern basin of the Arabian Gulf. However, Bahrain's reefs have undergone significant decline in the last four decades as a result of large-scale coastal development and elevated sea surface temperature events. Here we quantitatively surveyed six sites including most major coral reef habitats around Bahrain and a reef located 72. km offshore. Fleshy and turf algae now dominate Bahrain's reefs (mean: 72% cover), and live coral cover is low (mean: 5.1%). Formerly dominant Acropora were not observed at any site. The offshore Bulthama reef had the highest coral cover (16.3%) and species richness (22 of the 23 species observed, 13 of which were exclusive to this site). All reefs for which recent and historical data are available show continued degradation, and it is unlikely that they will recover under continuing coastal development and projected climate change impacts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)357-363
Number of pages7
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume72
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 30 2013

Keywords

  • Bahrain
  • Bleaching
  • Coral
  • Reclamation
  • Recovery
  • Reef

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science
  • Pollution

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