Field Studies

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Field Studies

The Red Sea Coast is predominantly comprised of fringing reef habitats. Fringing reefs differ from barrier reefs and coral attolls as they tend to be found in close proximity to the shore with a shallow reef flat extending from the reef crest to the beach. Reef flats can be completely exposed at low tide and are considered extreme environments due to swings in temperature, PH and Salinity. Many specialist invertebrates inhabit these harsh environments and offer a unique opportunity for intertidal studies. The reef crest is routinely pounded by breaking waves which means only the most robust of coral species can be found in these areas. Many juvenile fish can be found taking refuge amongst the corals and macro algae along the crest and flats. Moving deeper down the reef slope we find the more delicate hard corals as well as soft corals with high levels of diversity between 5m and 30m. The diversity and complexity of habitats along the reef slope supports the majority of fish and coral species we associate with tropical coral ecosystems.

The Red Sea is home to the some of the most northerly mangroves in the world. Although limited to only one or two species of tree they are still an integral part of the coastal community. Mangroves are halophytes or salt tolerant trees which have adaptations to deal with the highly saline low oxygen intertidal environment, namely a salt filtration system and a complex root system. The black mangroves found in the red sea utilise pneumatophores which are straw like roots which are used for oxygen exchange and combating wave action. Their leaves are specially adapted to limit water loss and secrete excess salt. Mangrove swamps are detritivorus ecosystems which are nutrient rich and oxygen poor. They boast many common inhabitants such as fiddler crabs and upside down jelly fish but are also important nursery areas for many fish species including sharks and rays. Mangroves also aid recruitment and dispersal acting as stepping stones between coral reefs. They also help to stabilise substrate and protect against coastal erosion.

Sea grass meadows are highly productive and dynamic ecosystems. Sea grasses are vascular plants which have special adaptations which allow them to survive in the sea. Sea grasses require clear salt or brackish water, enough light to photosynthesise, and a suitable substrate such as soft mud or sand ideally located in areas with low tidal currents and gentle wave action. Many protected or endangered species inhabit sea grass communities such as Dugongs, Sea Horses and Turtles. Sea grass communities can be divided into distinct intertidal zones where different species fill a specific niche. They are vitally important for the ecology of coastal communities as they store carbon, cycle nutrients and stabilize sediments. Unfortunately Sea grass communities are under threat largely from anthropogenic impacts such as pollution, coastal development and climate change. They can be considered understudied especially in the Red Sea so offer a great opportunity for researchers and conservationists alike.

Fossil Reefs offer a fascinating insight in to the historic environmental conditions within a specific area. It is thought that until the last ice age approximately 10,000 years ago the Red Sea had as few as 4 endemic species of scleractinian or hard coral. It is thought that at this time the change in sea level opened up the Straights of Adan connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. This event allowed an increase in coral diversity with as many as 282 species of scleractinian corals commonly found through the Red Sea. This increase in coral diversity and complexity of habitat paved the way for the high level of fish and invertebrate biodiversity that we see today. All along the red sea coast we see Fossil reefs still standing some only meters from the waters edge.

Open Ocean @ Roots Red Sea, kilo 14 safaga Road, El Quseir, red Sea, Egypt info@openoceanproject.org